Unit 4: American Political Ideologies and Beliefs

Key Big Picture Ideas

• How core beliefs about the role of government affect behavior.
• Why some opinion polls are better than others.
• How policymakers use polling information to make decisions.

Core American Values

• Rule of Law: No person is above the law.
• Limited Government: Government's power is limited by the Constitution.
• Individualism: Personal responsibility and freedom of choice.
• Equality of Opportunity: Equal chance to succeed, not equal outcomes.
• Free Enterprise: Economic system based on market choices.

Political Culture

• Shared values and norms define U.S. political culture.
• Includes democratic ideals like natural rights, popular sovereignty, and the social contract.

Political Ideology

• Definition: Consistent set of beliefs about the purpose and scope of government.
• Political Socialization:
  • Main source: parents and family.
  • Other influences: peers, schools, religious organizations, and media.
  • Globalization influences political beliefs by sharing international ideas and values.

Generational and Life Cycle Effects

• Generational Effects: Different voting patterns across generations; younger generations tend to be more liberal, especially socially.
• Life Cycle Effects: Focus on different issues as people age (e.g., younger voters on college costs, older on Medicare).
• Major Events: Events like 9/11, COVID-19 shape political beliefs.

Measuring Public Opinion

• Methods:
  • Focus Groups: In-depth, detailed discussions, not necessarily representative.
  • Mass Surveys: Large samples for broader opinions, includes multiple types of polls.

Types of Polls

• Opinion Polls: Measure opinions on specific issues.
• Tracking Polls: Measure changes over time.
• Benchmark Polls: Evaluate candidates' strengths and weaknesses before campaigns.
• Entrance & Exit Polls: In-person polls at polling places to predict election outcomes.

Characteristics of Scientifically Valid Polls

• Random Sampling: Equal chance for every individual to be selected.
• Stratified Sampling: Reflects demographics of the population.
• Sampling Error: Acceptable margin of ±3%.
• Question Wording: Must be neutral and unbiased.

Political Ideologies Overview

• Conservatives:
  • Less economic regulation, lower taxes.
  • Favor traditional values and stronger crime policies.
• Liberals:
  • More economic regulation, higher taxes on the wealthy.
  • Focus on civil rights and personal freedoms.
• Libertarians:
  • Maximum freedom in all areas, minimal government involvement.

Economic Policies

• Keynesian Economics: Increase government spending to jumpstart the economy, favored by liberals.
• Supply-Side Economics: Cut taxes to encourage growth, favored by conservatives.
• Fiscal Policy vs. Monetary Policy:
  • Fiscal: Government tax and spending (Congress and President).
  • Monetary: Money supply and interest rates (Federal Reserve).
• Federal Reserve Goals: Maximum employment and price stability.

Conclusion

• Understanding these ideologies and beliefs helps in analyzing American political behaviors and policymaking.
• Finish the study guide and practice questions for better comprehension.