Political Ideologies and Beliefs/Policy (Unit 4) Flashcards
Political Culture
Widely shared political beliefs and values held by citizens of a society.
For example: individual liberty
Civic Duty
The belief that one has a responsibility to be involved in political affairs, such
as voting
Political Efficacy
A belief that one’s voice can affect government policies
Individualism
The idea that each person has significance, worth, and rights that exist
independently from the government
Equality of Opportunity
The principle that each person is guaranteed the same chance
to succeed
Limited Government
The government is restrained in their lawful use of power and may
only exercise those powers assigned to it in the Constitution
Free Enterprise
An economic system that is based upon private ownership, individual
initiative, profit, and competition
Political Socialization
Process by which political views and values are passed on to
younger generations
Public Opinion
Citizens’ attitudes about societal and political issues, leaders, and events
Poll
A survey of public opinion.
Random Sample
Method of selecting individuals from a population in which each
person has an equal probability of being selected
Sampling Error
The margin of inaccuracy that results from polling a random sample as
opposed to the entire population
Exit Polls:
Polls based on interviews conducted on Election Day with randomly selected
voters
Political Ideology
A set of beliefs about the role of government and public policy
Liberal
Ideological view that favors greater government involvement regarding the
economy, social welfare, and equality; and a progressive view regarding social values.
Conservative
Ideological view that favors limited government involvement, fewer
economic regulations, and traditional social values.
Libertarian
Ideological view that favors limited government involvement in all areas,
from economic regulations to social values
Keynesian Economics
The belief that the government must manage the economy by
spending more money when in a recession and cutting spending when there is inflation
Supply-Side Economics
The belief that lower taxes and fewer regulations will
stimulate the economy.
Fiscal Policy
Managing the economy by the use of tax and spending laws.
Monetary Policy
Managing the economy by adjusting the supply of money and interest
rates; responsibility of the Federal Reserve.
Federal Reserve
This regulatory commission is the central banking system of the
United States
Mandatory Spending
Spending that has been written into law that the government
must pay out each year
Discretionary Spending
Spending not required to pay for interest on the national debt
or entitlement programs; can be adjusted from year to year
Budget Deficit
The annual shortfall between what the government has spent in one
year’s time and what they have collected in taxes.
National debt
The total amount the U.S. government owes from the foundation of the
country to the present.
Surplus
An excess in revenue after all expenses have been paid in a fiscal year
Entitlements
Programs individuals are eligible for when they meet certain pre-
established eligibility requirements.
