Individualism

the belief that individuals should be responsible for themselves and for the decisions they make

Free Enterprise

An economic system which government intrudes as little as possible in the economic transactions among citizens and businesses. aka: laissez-faire

Political Socialization

the experiences and factors that shape an individual's political values, attitudes, and behaviors

Keynesian Theory

A theory that the government should stimulate the economy during times of economic recession by spending money to encourage economic growth

Liberal Ideology

An ideology favoring less government control over social behavior and more greater regulation of businesses and of the economy

Demographics

the grouping of individuals based on shared characteristics, such as ancestry, race, ethnicity, and gender

Conservative Ideology

an ideology favoring more control of social behavior, fewer regulations on businesses, and less government interference in the economy

Supply-side Theory

An economic theory that the government should stimulate the economy by cutting taxes to encourage businesses to grow and taxpayers to spend more money

Political Ideology

an individual's coherent set of beliefs about government and politics

Rule of Law

the principle that no one, including public officials is above the law

Equality of Opportunity

a state of fairness in which individuals are treated similarly, unhampered by artificial barriers, prejudices, or preferences

Political Culture

the dominant set of beliefs, customs, traditions, and values that define the relationship between citizens and government