AP Gov 4.1-4.3

Core values and attitudes of liberals

They may desire leniency from the government on punishments for lawbreakers. They are more likely to experiment with policy. They believe in law and order as well but are concerned about protecting the rights of the accused. They are also accepting higher taxes in exchange for more government services

Core values and attitudes of conservatives

They believe in law and order and would choose to lean toward order even at the expense of some liberties. They believe in traditions and institutions. They favor a small government that provides fewer services over a large government that provides many. They tend to favor harsh punishments for lawbreakers.

political culture

The set of attitudes that shape political behavior. The cornerstones of political culture are individualism, equal opportunity, free enterprise, the rule of law, and limited government.

Individualism

a belief in the fundamental worth and importance of the individual—has been a value of American social and political life. It is rooted in the Enlightenment. They can be in tension with other American values.

self centered individualism

a focus on personal autonomy and self-interest over broader social responsibilities. It emphasizes individual rights and personal achievement often at the expense of community values.

enlightened self-interest

the belief that individuals can secure their own well-being by promoting the welfare of others, blending personal interests with altruism.

Equality of opportunity

the principle that every individual should have the same chance to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. It seeks to eliminate barriers that prevent people from pursuing their goals, promoting fairness in access to education, employment, and resources. This of course took many decades to achieve.

free-enterprise-free market advocates

an economic system where private businesses operate competitively for profit with minimal government intervention.

conservative views on free-enterprise vs liberal views

Conservative views generally advocate for limited government intervention in the economy, emphasizing market freedom and individual choice, while liberal views often support regulation and government involvement to address inequalities and promote social welfare.

Rule of Law

the principle of a government that establishes laws that apply equally to all members of society and prevents the rule and whims of leaders who see themselves as above the law—was a cornerstone of Enlightenment political thought.

Limited Government

One kept under control by law and by checks and balances and

the separation of powers. The Constitution is filled with as many devices and

designs to prevent government action as to empower it.

Democrats vs Republicans view on limited government over time through new deal and great society

During the New Deal (1930s), Democrats, under Franklin D. Roosevelt, expanded the federal government's role significantly to address economic crisis, creating social programs and regulations, thus shifting from a stricter 'limited government' stance. Republicans largely opposed this expansion, advocating for a return to a smaller government role. Similarly, during the Great Society (1960s), Democrats, under Lyndon B. Johnson, again expanded federal programs (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid) to combat poverty and inequality, reinforcing the party's belief in government as a tool for social welfare. Republicans continued to criticize these expansions, emphasizing fiscal conservatism and individual responsibility while advocating for a more limited federal government role in social and economic affairs.

political socialization

The process by which you develop political beliefs

globalization

The process of an ever-expanding and increasingly interactive world economy

How family influence political attitude and socialization

Family is typically the primary agent of political socialization, shaping an individual's initial political beliefs and core values through parental influence and shared experiences.

How school influence political attitude and socialization

Schools teach civics, government, and democratic values, shaping political beliefs and civic participation. Graduate schools show more clear differences in the political division. More educated equals liberal and democ.

How peers influence political attitudes and socialization

Peers shape political views through social interaction and group(norms of groups) influence, especially during adolescence.

How do media influence political attitudes and socialization

Media shapes political views by providing information, framing issues, and influencing public opinion. They are BIASED

How do social environments influence political attitudes and socialization

Social environments (community, religion, organizations) shape political views by exposing individuals to shared values and norms. RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS and Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts- some are extreme with political views and bring only like-minded together and SOME bring diverse people to help them work around differences.

How do locations influence political attitudes and socialization

In the Northeast, liberal Democrats dominate and more liberal policies prevail. The South is influenced by conservative Christian values than the Northeast and West. The South contains a higher percentage of gun ownership and are less friendly to organized labor.

generational effects

the lasting impact of significant historical or cultural events on the political attitudes and beliefs of people who came of age during that time

Lifecycle effects

variety of physical, social, and psychological changes people go through as they age