Ap gov 4.1

Political culture

The widely shared set of beliefs, values, and norms that shape political behavior and define the relationship between citizens and their government.

Five core American political values

Individualism, equality of opportunity, free enterprise, rule of law, and limited government.

Individualism

The foundational belief in the fundamental worth, dignity, and self-reliance of the person, prioritizing personal autonomy over state control.

Enlightened self-interest

A philosophy balancing personal ambition with civic duty, recognizing that sacrificing some individual freedom to help others promotes the long-term common good.

Alexis de Tocqueville's critique of individualism

The warning in Democracy in America that excessive personal self-reliance risks fracturing society by causing citizens to isolate themselves from public affairs into small private circles.

Equality of opportunity

The principle that every citizen should have a fair and equal chance to succeed and pursue happiness, without guaranteeing an equality of outcome or economic condition.

Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause

The constitutional guarantee prohibiting state governments from denying equal protection under the law, serving as the legal bedrock for combating discrimination.

Free enterprise

An economic system based on private ownership, open competition, and consumer choice, where market forces largely regulate business without heavy state intervention.

Laissez-faire

A 'let it be' economic approach championed by Adam Smith arguing that government should refrain from interfering in the natural flow of economic interactions.

Rule of law

The principle that clear, established laws apply equally to all members of society, ensuring that leaders cannot govern arbitrarily or place themselves above legal limits.

Constitutional manifestation of the rule of law in the executive branch

The Article II, Section 1 presidential oath of office, which legally binds the nation's highest official to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution.

Limited government

A governing system whose authority is strictly restricted by constitutional provisions, checks and balances, separation of powers, and enumerated rights.

Conservative ideology

A political philosophy emphasizing traditional values, strict law and order, reduced business regulation, lower taxes, and strict limits on welfare programs.

Liberal ideology

A political philosophy favoring government intervention to promote social and economic justice, robust social safety nets, regulation of business, and civil liberties protections for the accused.

Impact of the Great Depression on political attitudes

A major crisis that reshaped public opinion by transforming widespread expectations of the federal government, shifting many citizens toward accepting a larger, more active regulatory and welfare state.