American Political Ideology & Socialization

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a cause of political polarization?

  • Economic disparities (correct)
  • Negativity
  • Elections
  • Gerrymandered safe congressional districts

What is the difference between discretionary spending and mandatory spending?

  • Discretionary spending is for programs that benefit the wealthy, while mandatory spending is for programs that benefit the poor.
  • Discretionary spending is for essential government services, while mandatory spending is for non-essential programs.
  • Discretionary spending is controlled by Congress, while mandatory spending is automatically allocated.
  • Discretionary spending can be adjusted based on economic conditions, while mandatory spending is fixed. (correct)

What is the main goal of Keynesian economics during an economic recession?

  • Deregulate businesses to encourage economic growth.
  • Increase government spending and cut taxes to boost demand. (correct)
  • Decrease government spending to reduce the national deficit.
  • Increase taxes on the wealthy to stimulate investment.

Which type of tax is considered regressive because it disproportionately impacts lower-income earners?

<p>Sales tax (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the process by which the government plans its annual spending?

<p>Budget process (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between 'Free Enterprise' and 'Supply Side Economics'?

<p>Free enterprise focuses on consumer demand, while supply-side economics focuses on producer supply. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a 'Continuing Resolution'?

<p>To provide a way for the government to operate when a budget has not been passed. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of an entitlement program?

<p>Military spending (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What describes a budget deficit?

<p>When government spending exceeds revenue, creating debt. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which action can the Federal Reserve take to influence inflation?

<p>Control the money supply by selling government bonds. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a recession characterized by?

<p>A long period of economic decline and reduced spending. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a public opinion poll aim to measure?

<p>The beliefs and opinions of the public on various topics. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the discount rate in relation to the Federal Reserve?

<p>The interest rate the Federal Reserve charges banks for borrowing. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary meaning of individualism in American political culture?

<p>The emphasis on personal autonomy and self-reliance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines the principle of limited government?

<p>The government is bound by laws and cannot act arbitrarily (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does equal opportunity ensure in American society?

<p>Everyone faces the same chance to achieve success (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which agent of socialization is considered the most influential in shaping political views?

<p>Family (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'cross pressuring' describe?

<p>When conflicting beliefs challenge an individual's political views (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which value emphasizes that everyone, including the government, must abide by laws?

<p>Rule of Law (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is capitalism characterized within American political ideology?

<p>Private ownership of businesses and profit-driven motives (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of 'consent of the people' in American democracy?

<p>It asserts that the government derives its authority from the governed (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of tracking polls?

<p>To gauge public opinion over time (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does prospective voting differ from retrospective voting?

<p>Prospective voting looks at candidates' future promises (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the belief that one's vote can influence the government?

<p>Efficacy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does voter suppression refer to?

<p>Actions that hinder certain populations from voting (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic group is more likely to vote Republican and prioritize social stability?

<p>Older Voters (65+) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Rational Abstention Thesis?

<p>The idea that voting is useless due to a lack of significant outcomes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group is known to lean Democratic due to their support for social issues?

<p>Women (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'disfranchisement' refer to?

<p>The removal of the right to vote from individuals (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Budget Deficit

When government spending exceeds revenue, creating debt.

National Debt

Total accumulated federal deficits minus surpluses over time.

Monetary Policy

Federal Reserve policies that influence money supply and inflation.

Public Opinion Poll

A survey gauging people's opinions on various topics.

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Margin of Error

A range indicating how much survey results may differ from true values.

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Free Enterprise

A system where businesses operate with minimal government control to compete and set prices.

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Political Polarization

A situation where individuals find it difficult to compromise or understand different perspectives, leading to conflict.

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Fiscal Policy

Government decisions regarding taxation and spending to influence the economy.

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Progressive Tax

A tax system where higher-income individuals pay a larger percentage of their income compared to lower-income individuals.

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Regressive Tax

A tax system where lower-income individuals pay a higher percentage of their income than higher-income individuals, such as sales tax.

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Discretionary Spending

Money that the government has the option to spend on various projects and services, like military and education.

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Keynesian Economics

An economic theory supporting government intervention through fiscal policy to manage economic cycles, especially during recessions and booms.

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Supply Side Economics

An economic theory which suggests that reducing taxes and regulations on businesses stimulates economic growth, benefiting the economy overall.

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Tracking Polls

Daily surveys measuring presidential approval or national race standings.

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Push Polls

Polls designed to influence respondents with biased information.

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Exit Polls

Surveys conducted after voting to analyze voters' choices and priorities.

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Prospective Voting

Judging candidates based on their potential future actions and promises.

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Retrospective Voting

Assessing candidates based on their past performance and actions.

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Voter Suppression

Efforts to make it more challenging for specific groups to vote.

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Rational Abstention Thesis

The theory that some may skip voting, believing their vote won't matter.

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Young Voters (18-29)

Demographic that generally favors Democratic candidates due to progressive issues.

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American Political Culture

Shared beliefs, values, and norms about government functioning.

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Core American Values

Fundamental principles like Liberty, Individualism, and Rule of Law guiding American politics.

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Political Socialization

Process where people form their political attitudes and beliefs.

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Agents of Socialization

Influential factors in shaping political beliefs, including family, schools, and peers.

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Cross Pressuring

Feeling conflicted due to competing beliefs or group memberships.

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Gender Gap

Differences in political views between men and women.

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Generational Effect

Influence of significant events on the political views of a specific generation.

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Liberty

The freedom to act without excessive government interference.

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Study Notes

American Political Ideology & Core Beliefs

  • American political culture encompasses shared beliefs, values, and norms regarding how government functions.
  • Core American political values include liberty, limited government, equal opportunity, individualism, rule of law, popular sovereignty, consent of the people, capitalism, and free enterprise.

Political Socialization

  • Political socialization describes how individuals form their political viewpoints.
  • Agents of socialization, such as family, schools, peer groups, and social media, play significant roles in shaping these views.
  • Family is the most influential agent, with religious or secular views influencing ethical and moral viewpoints.

Agents of Socialization

  • Family is the most impactful agent, shaping core ethical and moral views.
  • Schools promote patriotism and core American values through mock elections and discussion.
  • Peer groups and social networks influence political views through social interactions.
  • Opinion leaders and social media also contribute to political socialization, though to a lesser extent compared to family.

Cross-Pressuring

  • Cross-pressuring refers to conflicting beliefs or views held by individuals, creating challenges in political decision-making.

Gender Gap

  • Gender gap refers to differences in political views or voting patterns between men and women, often with women leaning more towards Democrats and men towards Republicans.

Generational Effect

  • Generational effects are the impact of specific events or experiences occurring during a particular time period on the political views of people who lived through that era.

Core American Values (TLDR)

  • Liberty signifies freedom from excessive government control, allowing individuals to make choices without undue interference. An example is freedom of speech protected under the First Amendment.

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Related Documents

Unit 4: American Political Ideologies Study Guide PDF

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