Unit 2: Political Beliefs and Behaviors Flashcards
Political Culture
the collective attitudes, values, and beliefs of the citizenry and the norms of behavior in the political system.
Political Socialization
the process by which personal and background traits influence one’s views about politics and government.
Political Polarization
the divergence of political attitudes away from the center, towards ideological extremes.
Liberal
democrats
- support gov. regulation of market
- higher taxes
- more government action
Conservative
republicans
- support less gov. regulation of market
- lower taxes
- more self reliance and individualism
Public Opinion
a scientific measure of how people feel about the government and the decisions they make at any given time.
Public Opinion Poll
interviews or surveys with samples of citizens that are used to estimate the feelings & beliefs of the entire population.
Sampling Error
room for error within data
Political (cross-cutting) Cleavages
divisions within society that cut across demographic categories to produce groups that are more different. created by contradictory demographics. some have more influence.
Exit Poll
random polling as voters exit the polls on voting day.
Linkage Institutions
channels that allow individuals to communicate their preferences to policy makers.
- political parties
- interest groups
- elections
- PACs
- media
Political Party
made up of individuals who organize to win elections, operate government, and influence public policy.
Party Realignment/Critical Election
occurs when the minor party becomes stronger then the majority party
Party Platform
formal set of principle goals which are supported by a political party or individual candidate, in order to appeal to the general public.
Party Dealignment
occurs when no single party is dominant (controls congress and sc) or when voters declare themselves as independents.
Political Efficacy
feeling that political and social change is possible and that the individual citizen can play a part in bringing about this change.
Primary
- an election to choose delegates who later choose the candidate
- open (anyone can vote) vs closed (must register with party - only party members can vote)
Caucus
- private meeting of party leaders to select delegates backing one or another candidates. - - way to nominate candidates
- political efficacy needs to be high to be effective
- delegates: local party leaders chosen during primaries/caucuses
Interest Group
a group of people that seeks to influence public policy on the basis of a particular common interest or concern.
Mass Media
-national press (NBC, CBS, ABC, New York Times, etc).
- cable news
- social media
Equal Time Rule
american radio and television broadcast stations must provide equivalent access to competing political candidates.
Split Ticket Voting
voting for candidates of different parties or various offices in the same election.
Voting Rights Act of 1965
removed/banned racial discrimination and barriers to voting. gave government the ability to manage state elections if the state had a history of racist practices.
Motor Voter Act of 1993
allows citizens to register to vote when getting/renewing driver’s license at the dmv. did not significantly increase voter turnout. unfunded mandate.
