Unit 4: American Political Ideologies and Beliefs

Introduction

• Focus: American political ideologies and beliefs.
• Big Picture Ideas:
  1. How core beliefs about government roles affect behavior.
  2. Why certain opinion polls are more effective.
  3. How policymakers use polling information for decision-making.

Core American Values

• Rule of Law: No person is above the law; equality before the law.
• Limited Government: Government power is limited by the Constitution.
• Individualism: Responsibility lies with the individual; freedom of choice.
• Equality of Opportunity: Everyone should have an equal chance to succeed, not necessarily equal outcomes.
• Free Enterprise: Economic system based on markets; freedom to choose in buying/selling and careers.

Political Culture and Ideology

• Political Culture: Shared values and beliefs, including democratic ideals such as natural rights, popular sovereignty, and the social contract.
• Political Ideology: Consistent beliefs about government purpose and scope.

Political Socialization

• Sources: Parents, family, peers, schools, religious organizations, media.
• Global Influence: Ideas and values cross borders, influencing American political socialization.
• Generational and Life Cycle Effects:
  • Younger generations are generally more liberal.
  • Life cycle effects: focus on different issues at various life stages.
  • Major political events can shape long-term political beliefs.

Measuring Public Opinion

• Methods:
  • Focus Groups: Small, in-depth discussions, not statistically significant.
  • Mass Surveys: Large sample polling, common for measuring public opinion.
• Types of Polls:
  • Opinion Polls: Measure opinion on specific issues.
  • Tracking Polls: Chart changes in opinion over time.
  • Benchmark Polls: Conducted before a candidate announces a run; measure candidate strengths/weaknesses.
  • Entrance and Exit Polls: In-person interviews at polling places to predict election outcomes.

Scientific Polling

• Elements:
  • Random Sampling: Everyone has equal chance of being selected.
  • Stratified Sampling: Demographic subgroups are weighted appropriately.
  • Sampling Error: Acceptable error is plus/minus 3%.
  • Question Wording: Must be neutral and unbiased.
• Poll Reliability and Veracity: Consistent results (reliability) and accuracy (veracity).

Political Ideologies

• Conservative, Liberal, Libertarian:
  • Conservatives: Favor economic liberty, social order, less economic regulation, lower taxes, traditional values.
  • Liberals: Favor economic regulation, social liberty, higher taxes for the wealthy, economic equality.
  • Libertarians: Favor maximum freedom, minimal government interference in economic and social areas.

Economic Policies

• Keynesian Economics: Advocates government spending to stimulate economy during recessions (favored by liberals).
• Supply-Side Economics: Advocates tax cuts to promote business growth (favored by conservatives).
• Fiscal Policy: Government tax and spending, controlled by Congress and the President.
• Monetary Policy: Managed by the Federal Reserve; adjusts money supply and interest rates to stabilize the economy.

Ideology-Specific Policies

• Conservatives: Less economic regulation, lower taxes, increased defense, protect traditional values.
• Liberals: More economic regulation, higher taxes on wealthy, focus on civil rights.
• Libertarians: Minimal regulation and taxation, prioritize individual rights.

Conclusion

• Recommendations: Complete study guide, practice multiple choice questions.
• Next Steps: Proceed to Unit 5.