AP Gov - American Political Culture

Liberty

The fundamental personal freedoms of individuals are protected by the Constitution, such as freedom of speech, religion, and due processwhich limits government intervention in personal lives

Equality

The principle that all individuals are created equal and deserve equal treatment, opportunities, and protection under the law, as opposed to material or outcome-based equality

Democracy

A system where political power derives from the people, who exercise it through their elected representatives or, in some cases, directly

Rugged Individualism

The idea that individuals should succeed through their own determination, self-reliance, and hard work, with minimal government intervention

Rule of Law

The principle that no one, including government officials, is above the law and that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to publicly known, equally enforced, and stable laws

Nationalism

An ideology that emphasizes loyalty, devotion, and allegiance to a particular nation or nation-state, placing national interests above other individual or group interests

Free Enterpirse/Capitalism

An economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production, financial freedom for individuals and businesses, voluntary exchange, and profit motive, with minimal government intervention or control

The “American Dream”

The widely held belief that the United States is a land of opportunity where individual effort and hard work can lead to economic success and upward social mobility for anyone, regardless of their background