Political Values and Beliefs - AP Comparative Government & Politics

The pluralist view holds that multiple groups compete to influence policy. Contrasts with elite theory, which sees concentrated power among a small ruling class.

Advocacy for individual rights and government intervention for social welfare. Balances individual freedoms with government action to promote equality and opportunity.

Conservatism. Emphasizes limited government, traditional values, and free market economic policies.

A civic duty is a responsibility of citizens to engage in societal actions like voting. Essential for maintaining democratic society and ensuring government accountability to citizens.

Progressivism. Supports government intervention to reduce inequality and expand social programs.

Nationalism is the belief in the superiority and interests of one's nation. Often includes belief in national sovereignty and cultural superiority over other nations.

Political parties organize to win elections and shape government policy. They aggregate interests, nominate candidates, and provide structure for democratic governance.

Centralized power without constitutional accountability. Leaders exercise power without checks and balances or democratic oversight mechanisms.

Interest groups seek to influence public policy and government decisions. They mobilize citizens around specific issues and provide information to policymakers.

Green politics. Advocates for sustainable development and environmental conservation in policy making.

Capitalism. Based on private property rights and market competition with minimal government regulation.

A political ideology is a coherent set of beliefs about politics and policy. Provides a framework for understanding government's role and organizing political preferences.

Populism emphasizes the role of the 'common people' against elites. Appeals to ordinary citizens by claiming to represent their interests against corrupt elites.

Welfare state ideology. Government provides social safety net including healthcare, education, and unemployment benefits.

Egalitarianism. Advocates for equal rights, opportunities, and treatment regardless of social status or background.

The family. Family transmits political attitudes and partisan loyalties from parents to children.

Political efficacy is the belief in one's ability to influence political processes. High efficacy increases political participation while low efficacy reduces civic engagement.

Political legitimacy is the right to rule, as recognized by the governed. Based on consent of the governed and acceptance of the government's authority to make decisions.

Socialism advocates for social ownership and egalitarian distribution of resources. Emphasizes collective ownership and democratic control of the means of production.

Globalism. Promotes international integration and collective action on global challenges and issues.

Values are core principles; beliefs are perceptions about politics. Values are fundamental ideals while beliefs are specific opinions about political reality.

A key component is the set of beliefs about the ideal political system. Ideologies include beliefs about government's proper role and how society should be organized.

Democracy. Emphasizes popular sovereignty and citizen participation in governmental decision-making.

The belief in the importance of community in shaping individuals. Emphasizes social bonds and collective responsibility over individual rights and autonomy.

Conservatism. Seeks to preserve established customs, institutions, and gradual rather than revolutionary change.

Federalism. Divides authority between national and regional governments to prevent concentration of power.

Civic nationalism is based on shared citizenship and political values. Contrasts with ethnic nationalism, which is based on shared ancestry and culture.

The belief in abolishing all forms of government authority. Views all forms of state authority as illegitimate and oppressive to individual freedom.

Separation of religion from government affairs. Ensures government neutrality in religious matters and protects religious freedom for all.