Political Ideologies and Beliefs Vocab

Question 1

Political Culture

Answer 1

Widely shared political beliefs and values held by citizens of a society. For example: individual liberty.

Question 2

Civic Duty

Answer 2

The belief that one has a responsibility to be involved in political affairs, such as voting.

Question 3

Political Efficacy

Answer 3

A belief that one’s voice can affect government policies.

Question 4

Individualism

Answer 4

The idea that each person has significance, worth, and rights that exist independently from the government.

Question 5

Equality of Opportunity

Answer 5

The principle that each person is guaranteed the same chance to succeed.

Question 6

Limited Government

Answer 6

The government is restrained in their lawful use of power and may only exercise those powers assigned to it in the Constitution.

Question 7

Free Enterprise

Answer 7

An economic system that is based upon private ownership, individual initiative, profit, and competition.

Question 8

Political Socialization

Answer 8

Process by which political views and values are passed on to younger generations.

Question 9

Public Opinion

Answer 9

Citizens’ attitudes about societal and political issues, leaders, and events.

Question 10

Poll

Answer 10

A survey of public opinion.

Question 11

Random Sample

Answer 11

Method of selecting individuals from a population in which each person has an equal probability of being selected.

Question 12

Sampling Error

Answer 12

The margin of inaccuracy that results from polling a random sample as opposed to the entire population

Question 13

Exit Polls

Answer 13

Polls based on interviews conducted on Election Day with randomly selected voters.

Question 14

Political Ideology

Answer 14

A set of beliefs about the role of government and public policy.

Question 15

Liberal

Answer 15

Ideological view that favors greater government involvement regarding the economy, social welfare, and equality; and a progressive view regarding social values.

Question 16

Conservative

Answer 16

Ideological view that favors limited government involvement, fewer economic regulations, and traditional social values.

Question 17

Libertarian

Answer 17

Ideological view that favors limited government involvement in all areas, from economic regulations to social values.

Question 18

Keynesian Economics

Answer 18

The belief that the government must manage the economy by spending more money when in a recession and cutting spending when there is inflation.

Question 19

Supply-Side Economics

Answer 19

The belief that lower taxes and fewer regulations will stimulate the economy.

Question 20

Fiscal Policy

Answer 20

Managing the economy by the use of tax and spending laws.

Question 21

Monetary Policy

Answer 21

Managing the economy by adjusting the supply of money and interest rates; responsibility of the Federal Reserve.

Question 22

Federal Reserve

Answer 22

This regulatory commission is the central banking system of the United States.

Question 23

Mandatory Spending

Answer 23

Spending that has been written into law that the government must pay out each year.

Question 24

Discretionary Spending

Answer 24

Spending not required to pay for interest on the national debt or entitlement programs; can be adjusted from year to year.

Question 25

Budget Deficit

Answer 25

The annual shortfall between what the government has spent in one year’s time and what they have collected in taxes.

Question 26

National debt

Answer 26

The total amount the U.S. government owes from the foundation of the country to the present.

Question 27

Surplus

Answer 27

An excess in revenue after all expenses have been paid in a fiscal year.

Question 28

Entitlements

Answer 28

Programs individuals are eligible for when they meet certain pre-established eligibility requirements.