American Political Culture

What is political culture as defined by scholars?

Political culture is the inherited set of beliefs, attitudes, and opinions that people have about how their government ought to operate.

What are the five important elements of American political culture?

Liberty, Democracy, Equality, Civic Duty, Individual Responsibility.

How do U.S. citizens' political attitudes compare with those of other countries?

U.S. citizens have distinct political attitudes that can be compared with those of citizens in other representative democracies.

What contributions to U.S. political culture were made by the Revolution?

The Revolution contributed to the development of beliefs in liberty, democracy, and individual rights.

What role do religious heritages play in U.S. political culture?

Religious heritages contribute to the moral and ethical frameworks that influence American political beliefs.

How does family influence U.S. political culture?

Family shapes political beliefs and attitudes, often serving as the first context in which individuals learn about politics.

What is class consciousness and why is it apparently absent in the U.S.?

Class consciousness refers to awareness of one's social class; it is considered absent in the U.S. due to the emphasis on individualism and the belief in social mobility.

What are internal and external feelings of political efficacy?

Internal efficacy refers to the belief in one's own ability to understand and participate in politics, while external efficacy refers to the belief that the government will respond to citizens' demands.

How has the level of political efficacy varied over the past generation?

The levels of both internal and external political efficacy have fluctuated, often influenced by political events and societal changes.

Why is political tolerance necessary in democratic politics?

Political tolerance is necessary to allow for diverse opinions and to facilitate peaceful coexistence in a pluralistic society.

What evidence indicates the level of political tolerance in the U.S.?

Surveys and studies show varying degrees of political tolerance, with some groups exhibiting more intolerance than others.

What conclusion does the text reach regarding political intolerance?

The text concludes that no group is truly free of political intolerance, indicating that it is a common issue across different segments of society.

What generalizations can be made about countries that are representative democracies?

Generalizations can vary significantly, highlighting the importance of culture in shaping political systems.

What are some demographic differences that impact political culture?

Demographic differences include language, race, ethnicity, and religion, which all influence political attitudes and behaviors.

What are cultural differences in political and economic life?

Cultural differences refer to the distinctive ways societies think about political and economic equality, which can vary widely even among similar constitutional frameworks.

What factors have provided fertile ground for democracy in the U.S.?

Factors include abundant and fertile soil, lack of feudal aristocracy, minimal taxes, few legal restraints, and opportunities from westward expansion.

What did Tocqueville mean by 'moral and intellectual characteristics' in relation to political culture?

Tocqueville referred to the unique values and beliefs that define American political culture, which influence citizens' views and behaviors.

How do we know people share beliefs in American political culture?

Before polling, beliefs were inferred from literature, speeches, and other cultural artifacts.

What is the significance of the terms 'Americanism' and 'un-American'?

These terms reflect the most consistent evidence of shared beliefs and values within American political culture.

What is the relationship between political beliefs and political conflict in U.S. history?

Political conflict has occurred even among groups that share common beliefs, suggesting that beliefs can coexist with disagreement.

What are constitutional differences in political culture?

Constitutional differences refer to the varying institutions, features of government, and power relationships that shape political culture across countries.

What do Americans support in terms of economic systems?

Free enterprise with limits on marketplace freedom.

What is the American preference regarding equality?

Equality of opportunity over equality of result.

What shared commitment do Americans have according to polls from 1924 and 1977?

Economic individualism and self-reliance.

How do Swedes generally view their political system compared to Americans?

Swedes are more deferential to government experts and specialists, rarely challenge decisions, and value equality over liberty.

What cultural values do the Japanese emphasize in their political system?

Good relations with colleagues, group decisions, and social harmony.

What characteristics define American political behavior compared to the Japanese?

Americans tend to assert rights, emphasize individualism, competition, equality, and fairness.

What are some cultural differences that affect political and economic systems?

Differences in values such as individualism versus collectivism, and attitudes toward authority.

What civic qualities were noted in the classic study comparing U.S. and British citizens?

Stronger sense of civic duty, civic competence, institutional confidence, and patriotism.

What economic characteristics distinguish Swedes from Americans according to Verba and Orren?

Swedes have equal pay, a top limit on incomes, and less income inequality.

How do cultural differences impact ownership in the U.S. versus European countries?

The U.S. favors private ownership, while European countries often support public ownership.

How does American religiosity compare to that of Europeans?

Americans are highly religious compared to Europeans.

What individual behaviors are influenced by religion in America?

Donation to charity and volunteer work.

How has religion impacted American political systems and processes?

Religious movements have transformed politics, and both liberals and conservatives use religion to promote change.

What historical roots contribute to American political culture?

The Revolution focused on liberty and asserting rights, leading to an adversarial culture due to distrust of authority.

What legal-sociological factors support widespread political participation in the U.S.?

The Constitution allows participation, and the absence of an established national religion fosters political diversity.

What is the significance of the Puritan heritage in American culture?

It emphasizes personal achievement, hard work, saving money, obeying secular law, and doing good.

How does family influence political thinking in America?

Families instill values of freedom, equality, and consideration of varied interests.

What is the general perception of class consciousness in America?

Most people consider themselves middle class, and the Horatio Alger stories reinforce this message.

What is meant by the term 'Culture War' in the context of American politics?

The ongoing conflict between differing cultural values and beliefs within American society.

What are the two cultural classes in America that battle over values?

Orthodox and Progressive.

What is the primary value of the Orthodox cultural class?

Morality, with rules from God.

What is the primary value of the Progressive cultural class?

Personal freedom, with rules based on circumstances.

How does a culture war differ from political disputes?

1) Money is not at stake, 2) Compromises are almost impossible, 3) Conflict is more profound due to deep differences in beliefs about morality.

What is Fiorina's view on the culture war?

Fiorina believes the culture war is a myth; political leaders are polarized, but the public is not.

What is Abramowitz's view on the culture war?

Abramowitz believes the culture war is real, with issues becoming more significant and political engagement more common.

What trend has been observed in American trust in government since the 1950s?

A steady decline in the percentage of people who trust the government in Washington.

What event caused a brief rise in trust levels during the Reagan administration?

The Reagan administration itself led to a brief rise in trust levels.

What are some significant events that contributed to the decline in confidence in government?

Vietnam, Watergate, Clinton's scandals, and the War in Iraq.

What factors may have contributed to high levels of trust in the 1950s?

Victory in World War II, possession of the Atomic bomb, and low expectations of Washington.

How did the 1960s and 1970s affect expectations of government?

They dramatically increased expectations of government.

What is political efficacy and how has it changed since the 1950s?

Internal political efficacy has not changed much, while external efficacy has seen a steady decline since the 1960s.

What does Putnam mean by the nation of 'joiners' becoming 'bowling alone'?

It refers to a decline in social and civic engagement, with less socializing and volunteering.

What is crucial to democratic politics regarding political tolerance?

Citizens must be reasonably tolerant, though not necessarily perfectly tolerant.

What is the general trend in levels of American political tolerance?

General levels of tolerance appear to be increasing.

What are some reasons groups less tolerated may survive?

1) Few are willing to act on their beliefs, 2) No widespread agreement on which groups should be restricted, 3) Courts enforce protections insulated from public opinion.

What conclusion can be drawn about political liberty?

Political liberty cannot be taken for granted.

What should no group pretend regarding tolerance?

No group should pretend it is always tolerant.

What historical example illustrates shifting targets of intolerance?

Conservatives once targeted professors, and later professors targeted conservatives.