AP Government
Unit 1
Unit 4: Political Ideologies and Beliefs
Reading Guides
Directions: Answer the following questions as you read. Do not simply skim for answers or definitions.
Context is important, and will lead to greater understanding of the required material.
American Political Ideologies and Beliefs
Enduring Understandings:
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Citizen beliefs about government are shaped by the intersection of demographics, political culture,
and dynamic social change.
Public opinion is measured through scientific polling, and the results of public opinion polls influence
public policies and institutions.
Widely held political ideologies shape policy debates and choices in American policies.
Ch. 10: Citizen Beliefs and Public Opinion Polls
Essential Question: How do demographics, political culture, and dynamic social change shape citizen beliefs
about government, and how are those beliefs measured?
1. Describe one example of how Americans agree about big ideas, but disagree about how
government should address that big idea:
2. Briefly describe the “cornerstones” of American political culture:
Individualism
Terms for discussion:
inalienable rights,
individual liberties,
enlightened self-interest
Equality of Opportunity
Terms for discussion:
Equal Protection Clause,
Civil Rights Act of 1964
Free Enterprise
Terms for discussion:
Free-market,
Conservatives, Liberals
Rule of Law
Terms for discussion:
“…government of laws,
and not of men,” stability
and certainty
3. In what ways does the Constitution provide for a limited government?
4. Describe valence issues, and provide an example:
5. Describe wedge issues, and provide an example:
6. What issue holds a high level of saliency for you and your peers?
7. Fill out the political ideology spectrum below, and then describe modern-day liberals and
conservatives:
8. Describe the following political ideologies, and provide examples of where they stand on specific
policy issues:
Ideology
Description
Stance on Issues
Libertarian
Populist
Progressive
9. Describe how the following factors contribute to one’s political socialization:
Family
School & College
Peers
Media
Social Environment: Religious Institutions
Social Environment: Civic Institutions
Location
10. Discuss the influence of globalization on political culture in the United States:
11. Generally, how does age impact political views?
12. Compare Millennials with the Silent Generation:
Define
Millennials
Silent Generation
13. Explain the different types of polling:
Benchmark Polls
Tracking Polls
Foreign Policy
Social Issues
Voting
Entrance/Exit Polls
Focus Groups
14. Discuss how methodology can affect polling outcomes:
15. Write a (LONG, probably run-on) sentence that describes a valid poll using ALL of the following
terms:
Representative sample
universe
random sample
sampling error
margin of error
16. What is push polling? Come up with a push-poll question about a current event topic:
17. The media often resorts to “horse race” journalism. Explain:
18. What is the drawback to horse race journalism? In other words, why might we wish the media
WOULDN’T do this?
19. How can polling influence elections?