PSC 101 UPDATED MOCK EXAM WITH
ANSWER RATIONALES 2026
◉ Political Socialization.
Answer: The process by which people develop political beliefs and
values over time.
◉ Agents of Political Socialization.
Answer: Sources that shape political beliefs (family, school, peers,
media).
◉ Family (socialization).
Answer: Most influential early; shapes party identification and core
beliefs.
◉ School (socialization).
Answer: Teaches civic values like patriotism and participation.
◉ Peers (socialization).
Answer: Influence increases in adolescence/college; can shift
opinions.
, ◉ Social Networks.
Answer: Groups of people we interact with that reinforce political
views.
◉ Ideology.
Answer: A set of beliefs about politics and the role of government.
◉ Classical Liberalism.
Answer: Focus on individual rights, equality before the law, and
limited government.
◉ American Liberalism.
Answer: Belief in government action to reduce inequality and
promote fairness.
◉ Key Liberal Policies.
Answer: Higher taxes on wealthy, social programs, environmental
protection, pro-choice, gun control.
◉ American Conservatism.
Answer: Belief in limited government, individual responsibility, and
free markets.
ANSWER RATIONALES 2026
◉ Political Socialization.
Answer: The process by which people develop political beliefs and
values over time.
◉ Agents of Political Socialization.
Answer: Sources that shape political beliefs (family, school, peers,
media).
◉ Family (socialization).
Answer: Most influential early; shapes party identification and core
beliefs.
◉ School (socialization).
Answer: Teaches civic values like patriotism and participation.
◉ Peers (socialization).
Answer: Influence increases in adolescence/college; can shift
opinions.
, ◉ Social Networks.
Answer: Groups of people we interact with that reinforce political
views.
◉ Ideology.
Answer: A set of beliefs about politics and the role of government.
◉ Classical Liberalism.
Answer: Focus on individual rights, equality before the law, and
limited government.
◉ American Liberalism.
Answer: Belief in government action to reduce inequality and
promote fairness.
◉ Key Liberal Policies.
Answer: Higher taxes on wealthy, social programs, environmental
protection, pro-choice, gun control.
◉ American Conservatism.
Answer: Belief in limited government, individual responsibility, and
free markets.
