Unit 4

Question 1

Political socialization

Answer 1

The process – most notably in families and schools – by which we develop our political
attitudes, values, and beliefs.

Question 2

Scientific Poll

Answer 2

A method of poll selection that gives each person in a group the same chance of being selected.

Question 3

Opinion Poll

Answer 3

Interviews or surveys with samples of citizens that are used to estimate the feelings and beliefs of the
entire population.

Question 4

Benchmark (tracking) poll

Answer 4

Researchers ask people the same or similar questions over time to “track” the path of
public opinion.

Question 5

They are conducted outside of polling places on Election Day to predict the outcome of an
election.

Answer 5

Entrance/exit polls

Question 6

Error in a statistical analysis arising from the unrepresentativeness of the sample taken (error that
occurs simply because the researchers aren’t asking everyone).

Answer 6

Sampling error

Question 7

In this type of sample, every individual has unknown and random chance of being selected.

Answer 7

Random Sample

Question 8

A choice that government makes in response to a political issue. A policy is a course of action taken
with regard to some problem.

Answer 8

Public Policy

Question 9

A consistent pattern of beliefs about political values and the role of government.

Answer 9

Political Ideology

Question 10

Liberalism

Answer 10

A belief that government can and should achieve justice and equality of opportunity.

Question 11

Conservatism

Answer 11

A belief in private property and free enterprise.

Question 12

Libertarianism

Answer 12

An ideology that cherishes individual liberty and insists on minimal government, promoting a free
market economy, a noninterventionist foreign policy, and an absence of regulation in moral, economic, and social life.

Question 13

Freedom of private business to organize and operate for profit in a competitive system without
interference by government beyond regulation necessary to protect public interest and keep the national economy in
balance.

Answer 13

Free enterprise

Question 14

Voting based on what is

perceived to be in the citizen’s individual interest.

Answer 14

Rational-choice voting

Question 15

Voting based on
predictions of how a party or candidate will perform
in the future.

Answer 15

Prospective issue voting

Question 16

Voting to decide
whether the party or candidate in power should be
re-elected based on the recent past.

Answer 16

Retrospective issue voting

Question 17

Supporting a party by voting
for candidates from one political party for all public
offices across the ballot.

Answer 17

Party line voting

Question 18

Elections in which voters

determine party nominees.

Answer 18

Primary election

Question 19

Elections in which voters elect

officeholders.

Answer 19

General election

Question 20

Elections held midway between

presidential elections.

Answer 20

Midterm election

Question 21

Winner-take-all system

Answer 21

An election system in

which the candidate with the most votes wins.

Question 22

An electoral district in

which voters choose one representative or official.

Answer 22

Single Member district

Question 23

Election system in
which each party running receives the proportion of
legislative seats corresponding to its proportion of
the vote.

Answer 23

proportional representation

Question 24

Elected office that is predictably won by
one party or the other, so the success of the party’s
candidate is almost taken for granted.

Answer 24

safe seat

Question 25

The boost that candidates may
get in an election because of the popularity of
candidates above them on the ballot, especially the
president.

Answer 25

coattail effect

Question 26

A meeting of local party members to
choose party officials or candidates for public office
and to decide the platform.

Answer 26

caucus

Question 27

A national meeting
of delegates elected at primaries, caucuses, or state
conventions who assemble once every four years to
nominate candidates for president and vice
president, ratify the party platform, elect officers,
and adopt rules.

Answer 27

national party convention

Question 28

Citizens’ faith and trust in government
and their belief that they can understand and
influence political affairs.

Answer 28

efficacy

Question 29

Belief that one can understand

politics and therefore participate in politics.

Answer 29

Internal efficacy

Question 30

Beliefs that the government will

respond to one’s demands.

Answer 30

External efficacy