Glossary
Conservatism
A political ideology that advocates for less government regulation, a free-market approach, and often emphasizes traditional values.
Example:
Someone adhering to conservatism might support tax cuts for businesses and policies that uphold traditional family structures.
Equality
The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities.
Example:
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 aimed to ensure equality for all Americans, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Fiscal Policy
The government's use of taxation and spending to influence the economy.
Example:
Congress enacting a new tax cut or increasing spending on infrastructure projects are examples of fiscal policy.
Generational Effects
The impact of major historical events or social trends on the political views of an entire age cohort.
Example:
The Great Depression had profound generational effects, shaping the economic and political views of those who lived through it for decades.
Individualism
A social theory favoring freedom of action for individuals over collective or state control.
Example:
The American emphasis on individualism often leads to a focus on personal responsibility and self-reliance rather than collective solutions.
Keynesian Economics
An economic theory that suggests government spending and intervention can stimulate the economy, especially during downturns.
Example:
During a recession, a government implementing Keynesian economics might increase public works projects to boost employment and demand.
Liberalism
A political ideology that favors significant government regulation to protect individual rights and manage the economy.
Example:
A proponent of liberalism would likely advocate for stronger environmental protection laws and increased funding for public education.
Libertarianism
A third-party political ideology that advocates for very limited government intervention in both economic and social issues.
Example:
A libertarian would likely oppose government mandates on personal health choices and advocate for minimal business regulations.
Liberty
The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views.
Example:
The First Amendment protects the liberty of speech, allowing citizens to express their opinions without government censorship.
Lifecycle Effects
Changes in an individual's political views that occur as they age and move through different stages of life.
Example:
A young person's political views might become more conservative as they enter the workforce, buy a home, and experience lifecycle effects.
Limited government
A political system where the powers of the government are restricted by a constitution or laws, protecting individual rights.
Example:
The U.S. Constitution establishes a limited government by enumerating specific powers for the federal government and reserving others to the states or the people.
Margin of error
A statistic expressing the amount of random sampling error in a survey's results, indicating the range within which the true population value likely falls.
Example:
If a poll shows a candidate with 50% support and a margin of error of +/- 3%, their true support could be anywhere from 47% to 53%.
Medicaid
A joint federal and state program that provides health insurance coverage to low-income individuals and families.
Example:
A family struggling financially might qualify for Medicaid to help cover their medical expenses.
Medicare
A federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 or older, and some younger people with disabilities.
Example:
Upon turning 65, many Americans become eligible for Medicare to assist with their healthcare costs.
Moderate
An individual who holds a balance of liberal and conservative views, often taking a centrist position on political issues.
Example:
A moderate voter might support some government regulations for environmental protection but also advocate for lower taxes on businesses.
Monetary Policy
The government's regulation of the money supply and interest rates, primarily managed by a central bank like the Federal Reserve.
Example:
The Federal Reserve raising or lowering interest rates to control inflation is an example of monetary policy.
Political Platform
A formal set of principal goals which are supported by a political party or individual candidate, in order to appeal to the general public.
Example:
Before an election, a candidate will release their political platform outlining their stances on issues like healthcare, education, and the economy.
Political culture
The shared set of beliefs, values, and norms that a society holds about its government and political processes.
Example:
The American political culture emphasizes individual liberty and the rule of law, influencing how citizens interact with their government.
Political ideology
A set of beliefs about how government should work, shaped by an individual's experiences and values.
Example:
A person's political ideology might lead them to support universal healthcare or, conversely, a completely private healthcare system.
Political socialization
The process by which individuals acquire their political beliefs, attitudes, and values throughout their lives.
Example:
A child growing up in a politically active household often undergoes significant political socialization from their parents.
Polling
The process of surveying public opinion by asking a sample of people questions on a particular issue or candidate.
Example:
News organizations frequently conduct polling to track voter preferences leading up to an election.
Public opinion
The collective attitudes and beliefs of a significant portion of the population on political issues, policies, and leaders.
Example:
Polls are often used to gauge public opinion on topics like climate change or presidential approval ratings.
Question Wording
The specific phrasing of questions in a survey, which must be clear and unbiased to avoid skewing results.
Example:
Biased question wording, such as 'Do you agree with the unfair tax increase?', can significantly distort public opinion poll results.
Quota Samples
A non-probability sampling method where researchers set parameters to include specific demographic groups in proportions that reflect the population.
Example:
A pollster might use quota samples to ensure their survey includes a certain percentage of men, women, and different age groups.
Random Digit Dialing
A method of random sampling in polling where computers randomly generate phone numbers to contact potential survey respondents.
Example:
A polling firm might use random digit dialing to ensure they reach a diverse cross-section of the population for their survey.
Random Sampling
A polling technique where every individual in the target population has an equal chance of being selected for the survey, reducing bias.
Example:
To get an accurate representation of student views, a school might use random sampling by picking names from a hat to select survey participants.
Rule of law
The principle that all persons, institutions, and entities are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated.
Example:
Even the President is subject to the rule of law, meaning they must abide by the same legal standards as any other citizen.
Sample Size
The number of individuals included in a survey or poll, which affects the reliability and margin of error of the results.
Example:
A larger sample size in a political poll generally leads to more accurate predictions of election outcomes.
Social Security
A federal program that provides financial support to retired Americans, the disabled, and their dependents.
Example:
Many retirees rely on their monthly Social Security benefits to cover living expenses after leaving the workforce.
Supply-Side Economics
An economic theory that advocates for cutting taxes on the wealthy and businesses, believing it will stimulate economic growth for everyone.
Example:
Proponents of supply-side economics would argue that reducing corporate taxes encourages companies to invest more, creating jobs.
Welfare
Government programs designed to provide financial or other assistance to individuals and families in need.
Example:
Food stamps and temporary assistance for needy families are examples of welfare programs aimed at supporting vulnerable populations.