Core Values and Attitudes in American Government

These flashcards cover key concepts related to core values and attitudes in American government, including definitions of liberal and conservative beliefs, fundamental democratic principles, and the influence of cultural factors on political socialization.

Individualism

A cultural belief system emphasizing self-reliance, personal freedom, and individual rights over group needs.

Equality of Opportunity

The widely shared American ideal that all people should have the freedom to use their talents and wealth to reach their fullest potential.

Free Enterprise

The belief in a market economy where individuals and businesses freely compete, produce, trade, and consume with minimal unnecessary government interference.

Rule of Law

The principle that all people, including the government, are accountable to a system of fair, public, and equally enforced laws.

Limited Government

A government kept under control by law, with its powers restricted by a constitution, checks and balances, and the separation of powers.

Liberal Beliefs

Beliefs supporting the expansion of government involvement in social welfare and individual rights.

Conservative Beliefs

Beliefs emphasizing individual responsibility and limited government intervention.

Affirmative Action

A liberal approach to address historical and ongoing discrimination by creating programs to increase representation of disadvantaged groups.

Deregulation

A push to reduce government intervention to allow for free market competition.

Constitutionalism

The advocacy for limited government powers explicitly granted by the Constitution.

Generational Effects

The influence of shared historical events on the collective political attitudes of a specific age group.

Life Cycle Effects

The influence of personal life experiences and stages on an individual's political views.