A principle of constitutional government in which the government's powers are defined and limited by a constitution.

The presence of increasingly conflicting and divided viewpoints between the Democratic and Republican Parties on a variety of issues regarding policy or beliefs.

A political philosophy that advocates free will and maximizes individual rights while minimizing the role of government; the role of government is limited simply protecting the rights of people.

Political ideology that generally supports the idea that the federal government should take a less active role in the nation's problems. Favors less intervention on economic issues and more intervention on social issues. Tends to value tradition.

Political ideology that generally supports the idea that the federal government should take an active role in solving the nation's domestic problems. Tend to support government spending on social issues.

A political party organized as an alternative to the major parties in a two-party system, formed to address specific issues ignored by 2 major parties, can affect the outcome of elections by taking votes away from one of the major parties.

Political ideology that falls between liberal and conservative and which may include some of both; usually thought of as tolerant of others' political opinions and not likely to hold extreme views on issues.

One of the two major political parties in the United States - typically associated with more liberal political ideology.

One of the two major modern American political parties. It emerged in the 1850s as an antislavery party and consisted of former northern Whigs and antislavery Democrats. Now the party is conservative (pro-life, anti-affirmative action, anti-too much government intervention, anti-taxing on the rich, pro-death penalty).

The statistical data of a population, examples would include age, income, education, race, gender, religion.

The process by which we develop our political attitudes, values, and beliefs.

A more or less consistent set of beliefs about what policies government ought to pursue.

Differences in political views between women and men.

The belief the government must manage the economy by spending more money when in a recession and cutting spending when there is inflation.

Economic theory that lower taxes and fewer regulations will stimulate the economy as businesses and individuals invest their money, thereby creating higher tax revenue.

How people think or feel about particular things

A survey of public opinion.

Method of selecting from a population in which each person has an equal probability of being selected.

Spending category about which government planners can make choices, can be adjusted by the President and Congress in a given budget year.

A claim for government funds that cannot be abridged without violating the rights of the claimant; for example, social security benefits or payments on a contract.

Spending on certain programs that is mandated, or required, by existing law, can not be adjusted by the President and Congress in a given budget year.

Legislation that gives tangible benefits to constituents in several districts or states in the hope of winning their votes in return.

An independent agency of the federal government established in 1913 to regulate the nation's banking, financial industry, and monetary policy.

A close relationship between a federal agency, congressional committee, and interest group that is said to have heavy influence over policy making.

A document that states tax collections, spending levels, and the allocation of spending among purposes at the Federal Government level.

The result of when the government in one year spends more money than it takes in from taxes.

Federal program started under FDR in 1935, guaranteed retirement payments for enrolled workers beginning at age 65; includes the federal old age, survivors and disability program.

This was a law to encourage more people to participate in voting. This allowed people to register to vote while they renewed their license. The thought was that most people renew their license and thus it would give them a chance to register at the same time.

Tax system by bracket in which higher incomes are taxed at a higher percentage.

A requirement that citizens pay a tax in order to register to vote, used in the Jim Crow South to disenfranchise black voters.

Polls conducted as voters leave selected polling places on Election Day—helps media predict the outcomes of the race.

An individual's identification with a party; whether they consider themselves a Democrat, Republican, or Independent.

The difference between the results of random samples taken at the same time.

The many different ways that people take part in politics and government.

A requirement that citizens show that they can read before registering to vote, used in the Jim Crow South to disenfranchise black voters.

Laws requiring citizens to show a government-issued photo ID in order to vote.

A requirement that citizens pay a tax in order to register to vote, used in the Jim Crow South to disenfranchise black voters.