Unit 2: Ap Gov Flashcards
Conservative
Those who believe in following tradition and have a reverence for authority. They tend to prefer small government, less taxation and less spending overall, except for military and safety issues.
Wedge Issues
Issues that divide the public, usually along ideological lines. Like abortion.
Salience
The importance of an issue to someone. The higher it is the more important it is to the person.
Push Poll
An attack ad designed to trick people into thinking it is a poll. It tries to paint a negative view of a candidate.
Political Socialization
The process by which an individual’s political opinions are shaped by other people and the surrounding culture.
Sampling Error/Margin of Error
The difference between the average opinion expressed in a survey and the average opinion in the population.Used to check a poll’s accuracy. You want it between +/- 2-5%
Political Ideology
A comprehensive and mutually consistent set of ideas about the role of government and politics
Exit Poll
Conducted outside polling sites on election day AFTER someone has voted. Used to try and predict the outcome of the election.
Free Enterprise
The government should have a limited role in the regulation of the economy. (Laissez-faire approach)
Rule of Law
A belief that laws apply equally to all members of society; rulers are not above the law
Benchmark Poll
Used by political campaigns before a candidate declares their intention to run. They are used to measure support for a candidate and find out the issues people care about.
Limited Government
The belief that the government only has as much power as the people give it. The Constitution, embedded with separation of powers and checks and balances has as many devices to prevent government action as to empower it.
Progressive
Favor worker rights over corporate rights and believe the wealthy should pay a much larger percentage of their income in taxes than they already do.
Liberal
Ideology that favors government action, especially to solve problems and promote equality.
Random Sample
A selection process where every member of the population has an equal chance of being chosen. Required for a reputable public opinion poll.
Tracking Poll
Ask questions to measure how voters feel on certain issues and how they will vote on election day. Helps candidates shape their campaigns.
Public Opinion Poll
To have insight on the attitudes of issues and support for candidates in an election in a cross-section population.
Political Culture
The set of attitudes that shape political behavior. They include five main core values which are individualism, equal opportunity, free enterprise, rule of law, and limited government.
Individualism
A belief in the worth and importance of an individual which was influenced by the Enlightenment and protected under the Bill of Rights. This value encourages people to pursue their interests.
Equality of Opportunity
Equal rights of people with life, liberty, and happiness. Ex: employment, and prohibiting discrimination under the Civil Rights act of 1964.
Moderate
Most Americans are moderate, do not fall into the “left” or “right” side of the ideology spectrum (meaning they are neither liberal or conservative)
Libertarian
Oppose government regulations and involvement. Civil liberties are important along with the Bill of Rights, want lower taxes and dislike government morality. Conservative on fiscal and economic issues, but more liberal on moral and social issues.
Populist
Follow fundamental Christian ideas, and strict moral codes and contribute to charity. These people are usually from the South and Midwest, from the working classes.
Entrance Poll
Conducted outside of election polling places to help predict election results after the polls close. Help gain insight into voters’ thoughts and behaviors.
Valence Issues
Concerns or policies that are viewed in the same way by people of a variety of ideologies.
Sample Size
1-2 thousand people to determine what most Americans think.
