Political Socialization + Ideology
What is the process by which individuals develop their political beliefs?
Political Socialization.
What two elements are needed for a scientific poll?
Random Sampling + Low Margin of Error
What is the main ideological difference between Democrats and Republicans regarding the economy?
Democrats = MORE regulation
Republicans = LESS regulation
What is the primary goal of fiscal policy?
Influence economic growth through government spending and taxation
What impact did the Great Depression have on public opinion about the government’s role in the economy?
Increased support for government intervention and welfare programs
Name one factor that influences political socialization.
Family, education, media, religion, peers, or major events.
What does the margin of error in a poll measure?
The level of uncertainty or error of poll results.
Which ideology supports minimal government interference in both economic and social matters?
Libertarianism
What economic theory argues that tax cuts and deregulation will lead to increased production and economic growth?
Supply-side economics or "Trickle-down" economics
How did the Watergate scandal influence public trust in government?
Decreased trust in government and led to calls for more transparency
What is the theory that people’s political beliefs change as they age due to life experiences?
Lifecycle effect.
What is a potential flaw in online or self-selected polls?
Selection Bias
What is the role of third parties in the U.S. political system?
Influencing major party platforms and bringing attention to specific issues
How do liberals and conservatives typically differ on social welfare policy?
Liberals = EXPAND social welfare programs
Conservatives = limited government assistance
How did 9/11 change Americans’ views on national security and civil liberties?
Increased support for national security measures like the Patriot Act but also raised concerns about government surveillance
What is one reason why Millennials and Gen Z tend to be more liberal than previous generations?
Increased diversity, greater acceptance of social change, or economic conditions during their formative years.
Less likely to buy houses or start families.
What is one way public opinion polls can influence government policy?
Politicians may adjust their positions to align with public opinion
How do the two major political parties differ in their approaches to social issues like healthcare and education?
Democrats: Support increased government involvement in healthcare and education
Republicans: Favor privatization and reducing government control
What is the key difference between monetary policy and fiscal policy?
Monetary policy is controlled by the Federal Reserve, while fiscal policy is controlled by Congress and the president
How did the Great Recession (2008) influence views on government regulation?
Increased support for financial regulation to prevent future economic crises
How does the generational effect impact political ideology?
Major events shape political beliefs for an entire generation? (Example: 9/11 increased support for national security policies.)
Why are exit polls sometimes controversial?
They can discourage voter turnout if early results are reported before polls close.
How has party polarization affected policy debates in Congress?
It has made compromise much more difficult and led to more legislative gridlock.
What is one major argument for and against government-funded healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid?
For: Provide essential healthcare access and reduce inequality
Against: Increase government spending and could lead to inefficiencies
How do generational effects on political ideology today differ from the past?
Older generations traditionally became more conservative with age, but Gen X is not shifting right at the same rate