American Political Culture

What is political culture?

A patterned and sustained way of thinking about how political and economic life should be carried out.

How does the religious makeup of countries like the UK and France differ from the U.S.?

The UK and France are mostly Catholic or Anglican, while the majority of the U.S. is Protestant.

How does church attendance compare between the U.S. and countries like the UK and France?

People in the UK and France attend church less than those in the U.S.

How is France's government structured?

France has a written constitution and a semi-presidential system.

How is the UK's government structured?

The UK has no written constitution and follows a parliamentary system.

What are some cultural challenges immigrants might face in a new country?

Immigrants may face challenges related to language, religion, and differences in beliefs about how political leaders should be treated and their responsibilities.

How do cultural differences impact immigrants' experiences in the U.S.?

Immigrants may experience differences in language (e.g., Spanish vs. English) and cultural practices, affecting their integration and views on political leadership.

What do the political surveys suggest about Americans' views on political equality?

Americans generally value political equality but are less likely to value economic equality.

How do Americans compare to the French and British on government responsibility for the poor?

The French and British were more than twice as likely as Americans to agree that it is the government's responsibility to take care of the very poor.

How do Americans compare to the French and British on the idea that the government should not guarantee food and shelter?

The French and British were less than a third as likely as Americans to agree with the statement that the government should not guarantee food and shelter to every citizen.

What did the classic study of children aged 10-14 in the U.S., UK, and France show about their views on political leaders and the law?

Children in France and the UK believed their political leaders (President or Queen) wouldn't be reprimanded if caught speeding, while American children were most likely to say their president would be fined or ticketed, reflecting a stronger belief in equality under the law in the U.S.

Who was Alexis de Tocqueville?

A young French aristocrat who studied the U.S. prison system and political culture.

What book did Tocqueville write about American political culture?

democracy in America

What did Tocqueville observe about other countries with constitutions like the U.S.?

Countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico copied the U.S. Constitution but often experienced political corruption and instability.

According to Tocqueville, why did democracy thrive in the U.S. but fail elsewhere?

Because of America's unique "moral and intellectual characteristics," or political culture—not just its land or resources.

What does "liberty" mean to most Americans?

The freedom to do as they please, as long as it doesn't harm others.

How do Americans define "equality"?

Equal voting rights and equal opportunity to participate and succeed.

What is the American view of democracy?

Government officials should be accountable to the people.

What is civic duty?

The belief that people should take community affairs seriously and help out.

What is individual responsibility in American political culture?

The idea that individuals are responsible for their own actions and well-being.

What did Gunnar Myrdal say about American values and behavior?

He noted a contradiction between American ideals and historical support for racial inequality.

Why do conflicts arise despite shared values in the U.S.?

Different groups interpret shared values in different ways.

What has been a sign of increasing political division in recent years?

Rising political polarization, especially during the 2016 and 2020 elections.

What two core values shape American views on the economy?

Liberty and free enterprise.

How do many Americans feel about big firms and monopolies?

They are cautious and support government protection against abuses.

How do Republicans generally view economic inequality?

They tolerate it more than political inequality and prefer equality of opportunity over equality of results.

What economic concerns are more common among Democrats?

Income inequality, the wealth gap, and support for public healthcare.

. Despite changing policies, what stays consistent in American views of the economy?

Core values like liberty, free enterprise, and personal responsibility.

1. What American values may seem foreign to people in other countries?

Answer: Individualism, competition, and equality of opportunity.

2. How do Swedish citizens typically participate in politics?

Answer: They mostly vote but rarely engage beyond elections, preferring experts to handle issues.

3. What does Swedish political culture emphasize compared to American culture?

Harmony and trusting experts, rather than individual rights.

4. How does Japan view hierarchy and decision-making?

Answer: Japan values hierarchy, group decisions, and social harmony.

5. What does this say about differences in political culture between the U.S. and other countries?

Answer: Americans emphasize rights and independence, while others may focus more on duty and social order.

Civic Duty

- A belief that one has an obligation to participate in civic and political affairs.

Civic Competence

- A belief that one can affect government policies

Which two countries had the strongest sense of civic duty and competence in a classic study?

The United States and the United Kingdom.

How does American political participation compare to other countries?

It is very strong—only a few countries come close.

What type of economic equality do Americans generally support?

Equality of opportunity.

What type of economic equality is more valued in Sweden?

Equality of results

How much more likely were Swedish leaders to support a top limit on incomes?

Three times more likely than Americans.

What religious movement helped inspire the American Revolution?

The First Great Awakening.

Why did democratic politics seem impossible to many Americans in the early republic?

Many Americans were deeply devoted to individualism and suspicious of government power, making it hard to trust others with authority—something necessary for a functioning democracy.

What happened in 1800 that caused tensions to rise between the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans?

In 1800, tensions rose as the Federalists passed laws aimed at silencing Jeffersonian journalists, while each side accused the other of betraying the country. The Federalists thought Jefferson wanted to sell the country to France, and the Democratic-Republicans believed the Federalists wanted to subvert the Constitution.

What prevented a civil war and helped stabilize the government in 1800?

A peaceful transfer of power occurred when Jefferson took office, showing that democratic transitions could happen without violence. People also stopped trying to suppress their political opponents.

Why was religious diversity inevitable in the United States?

Because the U.S. had no official religion, people were free to practice different faiths, which naturally led to religious diversity

What role does family play in shaping political beliefs?

The family is the primary source of political identification, as it is where cultural values and political beliefs are first taught and passed down.

What is class consciousness?

Class consciousness is the belief that one belongs to an economic group with interests that conflict with those of other groups.

How do most Americans view their economic status, regardless of their actual job or income?

Most Americans see themselves as "middle class," even if their income or occupation would suggest otherwise.

What is the key difference between the Orthodox and Progressive cultural classes?

The Orthodox value morality over self-expression and believe moral rules are unchanging and derive from God or nature, while Progressives prioritize personal freedom over tradition and believe moral rules should evolve with society.

How do Orthodox and Progressive views influence political issues?

These cultural divisions influence political stances on issues like abortion, prayer in schools, drug legalization, and the teaching of sexuality in schools, with each group advocating for policies aligned with their moral beliefs.

How does the culture war differ from political disputes?

The culture war is centered around moral and ideological principles, with no money at stake, making it harder to reach compromises. Political disputes, on the other hand, often involve financial interests and can be more easily negotiated.

How has trust in the U.S. government changed since the 1950s?

Trust in the government has steadily declined since the 1950s, with fewer Americans trusting the government to do the right thing. Trust peaked after 9/11 but has remained below 30% since 2008.

What is civil society, and why is it important in the U.S.?

Civil society refers to voluntary actions and groups that promote cooperation and trust among citizens. It is crucial in American culture, as it helps build social capital and fosters cooperation, especially in a context of individualism and distrust of government.

Why is political tolerance important in a democracy?

Political tolerance is necessary for democracy to function, as it allows for the free discussion of ideas, the protection of minority rights, and the prevention of government oppression or silencing of unpopular groups.