Chapter 6 + Chapter 16 Definitions Flashcards
(25 cards)
demography
The science of population changes.
Census
An “actual enumeration” of the popula-tion, which the Constitution requires that the government conduct every 10 years. The Census is a valuable tool for understanding demographic changes.
Melting pot
A term often used to characterize the United States, with its history of immigration and mixing of cultures, ideas, and peoples.
Political culture
An overall set of values widely shared within a society.
reapportionment
The process of reallocating seats in the House of Representatives every 10 years on the basis of the results of the Census.
Political ideology
A coherent set of beliefs about politics, public policy, and public purpose, which helps give meaning to political events.
Gender gap
The regular pattern in which women are more likely to support Democratic candidates, in part because they tend to be less conservative than men and more likely to support spending on social services and to oppose higher levels of military spending.
Civil disobedience
A form of political participation based on a conscious decision to break a law believed to be unjust and to suffer the consequences.
Monetary policy
Government influences short term interest rates
Federal reserve system
the U.S. government’s main bank that helps keep the economy steady.
It controls money, sets interest rates, and makes sure regular banks don’t run out of money.
Fiscal policy
If the economy is slow, the government can spend more or cut taxes to boost it.
If it’s too fast (causing inflation), they can spend less or raise taxes to slow it down
Supply side economics
if businesses pay less in taxes, they’ll hire more people and make more stuff
Tariffs
Tariffs are taxes on goods brought in from other countries
Entitlement programs
Government programs providing benefits to qualified individuals regardless of need.
An example of an entitlement program is Social Security.
It gives monthly payments to retired or disabled people — if you paid into the system through taxes, you’re entitled to receive benefits.
Means tested programs
Government programs providing benefits only to individuals who qualify based on specific needs (medicaid)
Graying of America
the gradual domination of the total American population by individuals aged 65 years and above.
Paradox of mass politics
the American political system works so well despite the publics lack of knowledge about politics.
Federal communications commission
regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable in all 50 states
No more fairness doctrine
News stations no longer have to give equal time to different opinions — they can be one-sided if they want.
Infotainment
It’s news that feels more like a show — less serious, more entertaining.
Examples: talk shows, flashy news segments, or dramatic headlines meant to grab attention
Outrage discourse
is any type of media or narrative designed to use outrage to provoke strong emotional reactions for the purpose of expanding audiences or increasing engagement.
Selective exposure
a listener may completely disregard or ignore any opinions or beliefs that go against their own personal views
Narrowcasting
the transmission of television programs, especially by cable, to a comparatively localized or specialist audience.
Trial ballon
a tentative measure taken or statement made to see how a new policy will be received
