AP Gov - Topic 4.2 - FAC (Master Copy)

Which of the following is a major influence on an individual's political ideology?

• Weather conditions

• Family and educational background

• The number of pets one has

• Favorite color

Answer explanation

Family and educational background significantly shape an individual's beliefs and values, influencing their political ideology. Other options like weather, pets, or favorite color have little to no impact on political views.

Which factor does NOT directly influence an individual's political ideology?

• Religious beliefs

• Favorite sports team

• Educational attainment

• Socioeconomic status

Answer explanation

The factor that does NOT directly influence an individual's political ideology is their favorite sports team. While religious beliefs, educational attainment, and socioeconomic status can shape political views, sports preferences are unrelated.

Which of the following best exemplifies the influence of educational background on political ideology?

• Higher education has no correlation with political beliefs

• Individuals with higher education levels tend to be more conservative

• Individuals with higher education levels tend to be more liberal

• Only individuals with education in political science have clear political ideologies

Answer explanation

Research shows that individuals with higher education levels tend to adopt more liberal political ideologies, often due to exposure to diverse perspectives and critical thinking skills developed during their studies.

What is the role of media in shaping public opinion?

• It has no role; people form opinions independently of media influence

• It provides a platform for public debate and discussion, influencing opinions and ideologies

• It only reports public opinion without influencing it

• It serves to enforce government policies

Answer explanation

The media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion by providing a platform for debate and discussion, which influences people's views and ideologies, making the correct choice the one that acknowledges this influence.

What are agencies of socialization?

• The Department of American Socialization (DAS)

• The Agencies for Social and Economic development

• The family, school, religion, and other social institutions that transmit values from one generation to the next

• All the above

Answer explanation

Agencies of socialization include the family, school, religion, and other social institutions that pass down values and norms from one generation to the next, shaping individual behavior and societal structure.

The process by which one develops political beliefs is known as

• political ideology

• political socialization

• party identification

• stratification

Answer explanation

The process by which one develops political beliefs is called political socialization. It encompasses the influences of family, education, media, and peers in shaping an individual's political views.

Which of the following groups is most influential in the development of an individual's political attitudes and values?

• the family

• peers

• the media

• school

Answer explanation

The family is the primary agent of socialization, shaping an individual's early beliefs and values. Their influence often persists throughout life, making them the most significant group in developing political attitudes.

How does globalization impact the political culture of the United States?

• Globalization increases interconnectedness, influences policy decisions, and shapes public opinion through exposure to diverse perspectives.

• Globalization decreases political participation

• Globalization leads to isolationism in political culture

• Globalization has no impact on political culture

Answer explanation

Globalization enhances interconnectedness, influencing U.S. policy and shaping public opinion by exposing citizens to diverse perspectives, making this the correct choice.

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates political socialization?

• The government establishes a tax policy benefiting lower-income families.

• A young teenager hears her parents discussing politics around the dinner table, which influences her own views.

• A citizen serves on a jury and receives training on how to apply the law.

• A suspect is informed of his rights by an officer who is about to interrogate him.

Answer explanation

Political socialization is the process by which individuals form their political beliefs. The scenario where a young teenager hears her parents discussing politics illustrates this, as it shows how family influences political views.

When a child’s parents both identify strongly with the same political party, the child will most likely

• identify with the opposing party

• identify with the parents’ party

• have a low sense of political efficacy

• become an independent rather than a party identifier

• become alienated from the political system

Answer explanation

When both parents strongly identify with a political party, children are likely to adopt the same affiliation due to socialization and influence, making 'identify with the parents’ party' the most probable outcome.