Chapter+10

10 American Political Culture

What Americans Believe

Cowboys embody American core values, such as individualism, ruggedness, and self-determination, which are often celebrated in American culture. Western art and imagery, ranging from classic Hollywood films to contemporary artworks, connect fantastical tales with historical realities, illustrating the evolving narrative of the American experience.

10.1 Core Political Values

Learning Objectives

  • Describe Americans' core political values.

  • Explain how political socialization and cultural factors shape individual attitudes towards government.

  • Discuss the influence of American political culture on other nations and its impact on globalization.

Making a Difference Before She Could Vote

Hannah Sievers, a high school junior, embraced core American values through her activism:

  • Individualism: The belief in the importance of the individual and personal agency.

  • Equality of Opportunity: The principle that everyone should have equal access to resources and opportunities, though outcomes may vary based on effort and circumstances.

  • Free Enterprise: Advocacy for a capitalist economy with minimal government interference, promoting entrepreneurship and competition.

  • Rule of Law: The view that the law applies equally to all individuals, including government officials.

  • Limited Government: The belief that government should maximize individual liberty, with powers restricted to prevent overreach.

In 2016, she volunteered with the Colorado Republican Party, interning under notable figures:

  • Mike Coffman: Advocated for limited government, opposed the Affordable Care Act, and supported DACA while emphasizing individual rights.

  • Darryl Glenn: Focused on conservative principles, emphasizing fiscal responsibility.

Core American Political Values

Political Culture is defined as the collective beliefs and values that dictate the interactions between citizens and their government.

Core Values:

  • Individualism: This core value highlights personal responsibility and the idea that individuals are responsible for their own outcomes.

  • Equality of Opportunity: While not guaranteeing equal outcomes, this principle emphasizes that everyone should have the same starting point for success, often linked to access to education and employment.

  • Free Enterprise: This value promotes an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods, with minimal government interference in the market.

  • Rule of Law: The concept that law governs a nation, as opposed to being governed by arbitrary decisions of individual government officials.

  • Limited Government: This value asserts that government powers should be restricted to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals.

10.2 Political Socialization

Definition

Political socialization refers to the process through which individuals acquire their political beliefs and values, heavily influenced by various factors over their lifetime.

Key Influences

  • Family: The first source of political information, shaping initial viewpoints, where party identification often mirrors family beliefs.

  • Schools: Institutions that provide civic education and foster political participation, enabling students to explore diverse viewpoints and cultivate critical thinking.

  • Civic Organizations: Groups and activities that encourage community engagement, enhancing political awareness and activism among members.

  • Generational Effects: Significant historical events, such as wars, economic depressions, and social movements, influence the political attitudes of entire generations.

  • Life-Cycle Effects: The changing political interests individuals experience as they move through different life stages, affecting priorities like education for young voters and social security for retirees.

10.3 Globalization and American Core Values

Definition of Globalization

Globalization involves the increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of people, businesses, and nations worldwide, impacting economic, cultural, and political dimensions.

Impact on the U.S.

Globalization presents multifaceted challenges for policymakers as domestic and international interests often collide, particularly in areas like trade policy and immigration. The competition in promoting democratic values primarily arises from powerful nations, notably China and Russia, which offer contrasting political systems and ideologies.

Actors on the World Stage

  • Countries: Nations set and enforce policies that influence both local and global relations.

  • Multinational Corporations (MNCs): Companies that operate in multiple countries, affecting economic conditions and local markets significantly.

  • Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs): Independent groups that provide humanitarian aid and advocacy but can sometimes challenge the sovereignty of states.

  • Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs): Entities like the European Union (EU), which impose frameworks requiring democratic values from member states.

Consequences of Globalization

Globalization can promote democratic ideals while also leading to significant challenges, such as environmental degradation, cultural homogenization, and the erosion of local cultural values and traditions. Recent shifts include:

  • Trade Agreements: The transition from NAFTA to USMCA reflects updates addressing labor and environmental standards due to globalization critiques, including job losses in specific domestic sectors.

Review Questions and Concepts

  • Key concepts include: Political Socialization, Ideology, Generational Effects, Life-Cycle Effects, Globalization, and Outsourcing.

  • Ensure comprehension of core American political values and their implications in contemporary society.