Which of the following is NOT a component of political ideology?

Political ideology encompasses a broad set of beliefs and values that shape an individual's views on how society should function and what role government should play in that process. The primary components of political ideology include beliefs about governance, which address foundational views on authority, power, and organization; desired governmental outcomes that reflect the ultimate goals or results people want from the political system; and values regarding societal issues that inform perspectives on topics such as justice, equality, and social welfare.

Preferences for specific candidates, while integral to political behavior and electoral politics, are more about individual choices in specific contexts rather than overarching belief systems. Political ideologies can influence candidate preference, but they do not themselves constitute an ideology. Thus, while ideological beliefs help shape a person's preferences for candidates, those preferences are not a fundamental component of political ideology as they are situational and context-dependent rather than rooted in a consistent framework of beliefs and values.