Chapter 4: American Political Culture

Political culture

Patterned and sustained way of thinking about how political and economic life ought to be carried out

Civic duty

Belief that one has a duty to participate in civic and political affairs

Civic competence

Belief that one can affect government policies

Class consciousness

Thinking of oneself as a worker whose interests are in opposition to people in other groups

Political Tolerance

Allow the discussion of ideas and the selection of leaders in an atmosphere free of oppression

Social Contract

An agreement for mutual benefit between an individual or group and the government or community as a whole

Orthodox

Belief that morality and religion ought to be of decisive importance

Progressive

Belief that personal freedom and solving social problems are more important than moral rules

Civil Society

Voluntary actions that make cooperation easier

Political efficacy

A citizen's belief that he or she can understand and influence political affairs

Internal efficacy

To be able to understand and take part in politics

External efficacy

The willingness of the state to respond to the citizenry

Liberty

People are preoccupied with their rights and should be free to do as they please

Equality

Everybody should have an equal vote and equal chance to participate and succeed

Democracy

Government officials should be accountable to the people

Civic duty

People should talk community affairs seriously

Individual responsibility

Individuals are responsible for their own actions and wellbeing

Majoritarianism

Rule by a majority, especially the belief that those constituting a simple majority should make the rules for all members of a group, nation, etc.

Pluralism

The idea that democratic politics consists of various interest groups working against each other, balancing one another out so that the common good is achieved.

Capitalism/Free Market

An economic system in which investment in and ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange of wealth is made and maintained chiefly by private individuals or corporations