American Attitudes About Government and Politics - AP US Government and Politics
- What is a political party?
- An organized group seeking to influence policy by getting candidates elected. Differs from interest groups by directly running candidates for office.
- What is the 'echo chamber' effect?
- The phenomenon where beliefs are amplified by communication within a closed system. Reinforces existing beliefs and limits exposure to opposing views.
- Name a form of political participation.
- Voting. Most common and fundamental form of democratic participation.
- Define interest group.
- An organization that seeks to influence public policy. Uses lobbying, litigation, and grassroots mobilization tactics.
- What is 'hard money' in political campaigns?
- Political donations that are regulated by law through the FEC. Direct contributions to candidates with strict limits and transparency rules.
- Define margin of error in polling.
- A measure of the accuracy of a public opinion poll. Indicates the range within which the true result likely falls.
- Define political efficacy.
- Belief in one's ability to influence the political process. Higher efficacy leads to increased political participation and voting.
- What is a political ideology?
- A set of ethical ideas about politics and governance. Provides framework for understanding political issues and preferred solutions.
- What is a political action committee (PAC)?
- An organization that raises money to influence elections or legislation. Subject to contribution limits and disclosure requirements under federal law.
- Name a key characteristic of liberal ideology.
- Advocacy for social equality and government intervention. Supports progressive policies and active government role in addressing inequality.
- What is agenda-setting?
- The media's ability to influence the importance placed on topics of the public agenda. Determines which issues receive public attention and concern.
- What is a 'plurality' in an election?
- Receiving more votes than any other candidate but not an absolute majority. Common in multi-candidate races where no candidate reaches 50%.
- What is public opinion?
- The distribution of the population's beliefs about politics and policy issues. Measured through scientific polling and surveys of representative samples.
- What is the 'bandwagon effect'?
- The phenomenon where people do something primarily because others are doing it. Can influence voter behavior by suggesting momentum or inevitability.
- Define political participation.
- Activities used by citizens to influence the selection of political leaders. Ranges from voting to campaigning to contacting elected officials.
- Define grassroots mobilization.
- Efforts to influence the political process through community-based actions. Mobilizes ordinary citizens to pressure lawmakers through collective action.
- Identify one primary agent of political socialization.
- Family. Most influential agent, shaping early political values and party identification.
- What is political socialization?
- The process by which individuals acquire political beliefs. Learned through family, school, peers, and media throughout life.
- What is a sample in polling?
- A subset of the population selected to represent the entire group. Must be random and large enough to be statistically representative.
- What is the 'horse race' aspect of media coverage?
- Focus on polling data and public perception rather than substantive issues. Emphasizes competition and strategy over policy substance.
- Identify a major political party in the United States.
- Democratic Party. Generally supports liberal policies and progressive social change.
- What is a referendum?
- A direct vote by the electorate on a particular proposal or issue. Allows direct democratic participation on specific policy questions.
- What is 'political polarization'?
- The growing ideological gap between political parties or groups. Reduces compromise and increases partisan conflict in governance.
- What is voter turnout?
- The percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election. Varies by election type, with presidential elections having highest rates.
- Identify a method for measuring public opinion.
- Polling. Uses scientific sampling methods to gauge public attitudes accurately.
- What is a political caucus?
- A meeting of party members to select candidates or decide policy. Less formal than primary elections but important in delegate selection.
- What is 'soft money' in political campaigns?
- Funds raised for political parties not subject to federal limits. Banned by McCain-Feingold Act but later replaced by Super PAC donations.
- What is 'framing' in media coverage?
- The way in which information is presented to shape perceptions. Affects public understanding and interpretation of political events.
- What is a political ideology's influence on policy?
- It shapes the policy priorities and legislative goals of political actors. Guides decision-making on government role and policy approaches.
- What is a random sample?
- A sample that gives each member of the population an equal chance of being selected. Eliminates bias and ensures results represent the broader population.
- What is a political spectrum?
- A system for classifying different political positions. Ranges from liberal to conservative with moderate positions in between.
- Name a key characteristic of conservative ideology.
- Preference for limited government and individual liberties. Emphasizes tradition, free markets, and minimal government interference.
- Identify a factor that influences voter turnout.
- Education level. Higher education correlates with increased likelihood of voting.
- What is the role of media in politics?
- To inform the public and act as a watchdog on government. Sets public agenda and frames how political issues are understood.
- What is a political campaign?
- An organized effort to influence decision-making within a specific group. Involves fundraising, messaging, and voter mobilization strategies.
- Identify another major political party in the United States.
- Republican Party. Generally supports conservative policies and limited government.
- What does the term 'swing state' mean?
- A state where both major political parties have similar levels of support. Neither party dominates, making electoral outcomes highly competitive.
- Identify a method used by interest groups to influence policy.
- Lobbying. Direct communication with lawmakers to advocate for specific policies.
- What does 'bipartisanship' mean?
- Cooperation between two major political parties to achieve common goals. Becomes rarer in era of increased political polarization.
- What is a 'political mandate'?
- The authority granted by a constituency to act as its representative. Stronger mandates provide more political capital for policy implementation.