gov pol ch. 4

political culture

a patterned and sustained way of thinking about how political and economic life ought to be carried out

civic duty

a belief that one has an obligation to participate in civic and political affairs

civic competence

A belief that one can affect government policies

class consciousness

a belief that one is a member of an economic group whose interests are opposed to people in other such groups

orthodox

A belief that morality and religion ought to be of decisive importance

progressive

A belief that personal freedom and solving social problems are more important than religion

civil society

voluntary action that makes cooperation easier

public tolerance

democratic politics depends on citizen’s reasonable tolerance of the opinions and actions of others

individual responsibility

a characteristically american view is that, barring some disability, individuals are responsible for their own actions and well-being (“pull yourself up by your bootstraps,” healthcare debates)

liberty

americans are preoccupied with rights. we believe we should be free to do pretty much as we please, with some exceptions, as long as we don’t hurt other people (bill of rights, civil rights movement)

equality

americans believe everyone should have an equal vote and an equal chance to participate and succeed (14th amendment, voting right amendments)

democracy

americans think government officials should be accountable to the people (elections for president, senators, mayors, WATERGATE)

civic duty

americans generally feel people ought to take community affairs seriously and help out when we can (jury duty, voting as “duty” not right, community service + volunteering)