Political Science Chapter 5 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the term used to describe the beliefs and attitudes that people have about issues, events, elected officials, and policies?

Political culture

Public opinion (correct)

Political ideology

Political socialization

Today, the term __________________ refers to an ideology that supports social and political reform, greater economic equality, and expansion of government services.

liberalism

What does a 'libertarian' believe?

Governments are inherently repressive and should be abolished entirely.

What is the process by which Americans learn political beliefs and values called?

Political socialization Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of agents of socialization?

Family, social groups, education, the political environment. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'gender gap' refer to?

Differences in voting behavior between men and women. Signup and view all the answers

What are the most important external influences on how political opinions are formed?

The government, private groups, and the news media. Signup and view all the answers

How can the relationship between public opinion and government policy be described?

Dynamic relationship where government policy responds to public opinion and vice versa. Signup and view all the answers

What term is used in public-opinion polling to denote the small group representing the opinions of the whole population?

Sample Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'push poll'?

A poll in which the questions are designed to shape the respondent's opinion rather than measure their opinion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'bandwagon effect'?

Polling results influence people to support the candidate marked as the probable victor. Signup and view all the answers

What are agents of socialization?

Social institutions that help shape individuals' basic political beliefs and values. Signup and view all the answers

What is an 'attitude' in the context of political opinion?

A specific preference on a particular issue. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'bandwagon effect' represent?

A shift in electoral support to the candidate whom public-opinion polls report as the front-runner. Signup and view all the answers

What is conservatism?

Support for the social and economic status quo and skepticism towards political reform. Signup and view all the answers

What is democracy?

A system of rule that allows citizens to play a significant role in governance. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by equality of opportunity?

The ideal that all people should have the freedom to utilize their talents and wealth. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'gender gap' highlight?

A distinctive pattern of voting behavior reflecting differences in views between men and women. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'liberal' refer to?

Support for social reform, government intervention in the economy, and greater consumer concern. Signup and view all the answers

What is a libertarian's stance on government?

Emphasizes freedom and believes in voluntary association with small government. Signup and view all the answers

What does liberty stand for?

Freedom from governmental control. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the 'marketplace of ideas'?

The public forum where beliefs and ideas are exchanged and compete. Signup and view all the answers

What is political ideology?

A cohesive set of beliefs about the role of government. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'political socialization'?

The induction of individuals into the political culture; learning underlying beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

What is public opinion?

Citizens' attitudes about political issues. Signup and view all the answers

What are public-opinion polls?

Scientific instruments for measuring public opinion. Signup and view all the answers

What is push polling?

A polling technique where questions are designed to shape the respondent's opinion. Signup and view all the answers

What does random digit dialing refer to?

A polling method in which respondents are selected at random. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Public Opinion Overview

Public opinion encompasses the beliefs and attitudes of people regarding issues, events, elected officials, and policies.
The dynamic relationship between government policy and public opinion allows for mutual influence.

Political Ideologies

Liberalism: Supports social and political reform, economic equality, and expanded government services.
Conservatism: Advocates for maintaining the social and economic status quo, fearing government overreach.
Libertarianism: Emphasizes individual freedom, advocating for minimal government intervention and voluntary association.

Political Socialization

Political socialization is the process through which individuals acquire their political beliefs and values.
Key agents of socialization include family, educational institutions, social groups, and the political environment.

Voting Behavior

The gender gap describes varying voting behaviors and preferences between men and women, reflecting differing perspectives.
The bandwagon effect occurs when polling results sway individuals to support candidates perceived as likely victors.

Public Opinion Measurement

A sample is a small group that reflects the broader opinions of the entire population during public opinion polling.
Public-opinion polls serve as scientific tools for measuring citizens' attitudes on political issues.

Polling Techniques

Push polling involves biased questions aimed at shaping opinions rather than capturing genuine responses.
Random digit dialing is a method that randomly selects respondents to ensure a diverse and representative sample.

Core Concepts in Democracy

Democracy facilitates citizen participation in governance through elections.
Equality of opportunity conveys the ideal that all individuals should have the freedom to maximize their potential using their resources.

Key Definitions

Attitude or opinion represents a specific preference regarding a particular issue.
The marketplace of ideas refers to the arena where various beliefs and ideas are exchanged and compete for acceptance.
Political ideology is a cohesive set of beliefs that forms a general philosophy regarding the government’s role.

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Description

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and terminology related to public opinion from Chapter 5 of your Political Science textbook. Learn about public opinion, ideologies like liberalism and libertarianism, and how these concepts influence society and governance. Enhance your understanding of the political landscape and its implications.