Political Socialization

Political Socialization

-experiences/factors that shape an individual’s political values, attitudes & behaviors: Family, religion, location, race impact the way people view politics

What makes up US political culture?

-individualism

-free enterprise

-rule of law

-limited gov’t

-equal opportunity

individualism

-the creation of values/rights/duties come from the individual 

-social culture and tradition

-everyone has unique desires and values 

→the right to act according to these desires and values 

-the right to seek personal fulfillment

-opposite to collectivism, which sees individuals as part of a larger group/community   

-value of rights of individuals over gov’t 

-effort and initiative are an individual’s responsibility

Limited gov’t

• Separation between the federal government and state governments

• The power of the government is limited to secure the rights of the people  

• The government cannot violate individual rights 

• Checks and balances

Equal opportunity

The United States wants to provide equal access for opportunities to all members of society, regardless of their background or circumstances

Not equality of outcome but same access so that everyone can possibly achieve their goals.

-state of fairness

-Post-Civil War Amendments ensure this

Free enterprise

• Products, prices, and services are determined by the market, not the government. 

• In other words, businesses are free from government control.

• Promotes capitalism and competition in the market

• Value of a economic system based on market interactions based on supply and demand

free enterprise

People, institutions, and organizations are subject to laws.

Equal and even application of the law. 

No one is above the law.