AP U.S. Government Review

By: Patrick Stump

1. Sampling and Sampling Errors Sampling is, essentially, taking a survey. Surveys based on

a probability samples can be used to create sound statistical inferences about a larger target population. However the inferences made from said probability-based surveys will likely still suffer from bias. In addition when sampling a population you are not taking the views that are representative of the entire population, but just a sample.

Sampling Error - The use of a sample relative to a population is often necessary for practical or fiscal reasons. Chances are there will be some differences between the sample analysis results and the population analysis results, the degree to which these can differ have the possibility of being drastic which is where and error can occur. Mistaking sample data as representative of the entire population.

Terms

Example: If Governor Bob McDonnell had taken a sampling of the northern Virginia area and then took a survey of all of Virginia on an important issue and then got the two mixed up that would be an example of a sampling error.

Sampling and Sampling Errors

The term Political Ideology refers to a person’s label as a liberal or conservative, whether they stand on the right or the left. Depending on where they stand determines, a majority of the time, how they will vote on particular issues. For example Democrats and Republicans are representative of people with certain political ideologies; Democrats represent liberals and Republicans, conservatives.

2. Political Ideology

oA liberal is defined as a person who favors progress and reform and the protection of civil liberties. o Example – John Stuart Mill

3. Liberal and Extreme Radical

• An extreme radical is someone who is thoroughgoing or extreme, especially as regards change from accepted or traditional forms: a radical change in the policy of a company. • Someone who favors drastic political, economic, or social reforms: radical ideas; radical and anarchistic ideologues. •Example: Emma Goldman

Conservatism is a political philosophy that stands for the maintenance of traditional institutions and supports minimal and gradual change in society.

Father of Conservatism: Richard Hooker An extreme reactionary is someone who tends to overreact to situations or

developments in politics, which might otherwise be regarded as “not that bad”.

4. Conservative and Extreme Reactionary

The two-party system in U.S. government is a system in which two major political parties dominate voting in almost all elections and at every level of government. Under a two-party system, one of the two parties typically holds a majority in the legislature. Therefore one party is referred to as the majority party while the other is the minority party. ◦ Example: Under the two party system in United States Government the two parties in power are the Democrats and Republicans.

5. Two Party System