general vocab
What is an individual's coherent set of beliefs about government and politics?
Political ideology
This type of policy involves government decisions about taxation and spending to influence the economy.
Fiscal policy
This describes a person's consistent attachment or loyalty to a particular political party, usually influencing how they vote in elections.
Party identification
This is a type of poll that asks the same group of people the same questions over time to determine the level of changes in opinion/support for a candidate or issue.
Tracking poll
What is the belief that individuals should be responsible for themselves and for the decisions they make?
Individualism
What is the type of government spending is determined through the annual appropriations process and must be approved by Congress each year?
Discretionary spending
This group tends to support government involvement in social welfare programs and regulation of business.
Liberals
A small group selected to represent a larger population is called this.
Sample
What is the increasing interconnectedness of people, businesses, and countries throughout the world?
Globalization
What is a period of decline in economic activity, usually determined by falling GDP and rising unemployment?
Economic recession
Those who do not consistently identify with either major party are often referred to as this.
Independents
A survey taken at the beginning of a political campaign to gauge support for a candidate and determine which issues are important to voters.
Benchmark poll
What is the economic policy in which government dictates much of a nation's economic activity, including the amount of production and price for goods?
Cmmand-and-control economy
This refers to actions taken by the Federal Reserve to control the money supply and interest rates in order to stabilize the economy.
This describes the process in which individuals form political beliefs based on influences like family, education, religion, etc.
Political socialization
This is the difference between poll results and the actual opinion of the population, and is usually calculated to plus or minus three points.
Sampling error
What is the cost of a fixed basket of goods and services over time, used to measure the cost of living?
Consumer price index (CPI)
This economic theory argues that the government should increase spending and/or cut taxes during a recession to boost demand and help the economy recover.
Keynesian economics
What are the four core political values in American political culture.
Individualism, equality of opportunity, free enterprise, and rule of law.
What are the requirements of a valid scientific poll?
Random selection, representative sample, and neutral language/wording.