1.1 Political Culture

I. The widely-shared beliefs, values, and norms that citizens share about their government.

II. Characteristics

A. Liberty

B. Individualism/rugged individualism, as opposed to collectivism/states.  (Yet, Americans often turn to the government when it suits their needs.)

C. Equality

1. Equality of opportunity more than equality of result.

2. Political equality more than economic equality.

3. American Dream…reverence for property/capitalism/chance to acquire wealth.

-- Conflict between liberty associated with capitalism and equality associated with democracy → Federal action.

A. In Progressive Era to bring corporations under control

B. In 1930’s to smooth out ill effects of capitalism

C. In 1960’s with Great Society programs

D. Democracy

E. Civic Duty - How do we participate in politics?

F. This is huge…Distrust of government, especially since the 1960’s.  Significant with the impact of the Vietnam War & Watergate.  Certainly clear with the election of 2016

G. Political Efficacy: capacity to understand and influence political events.

1. Internal political efficacy: one’s personal competence in understanding political affairs – has remained stable since the 1950’s.

2. External political efficacy: belief that one can have an impact upon government – has declined since the 1960’s.

I. Political tolerance – in theory we believe in this, do we practice this?

J. Pragmatism – Americans tend to be less ideological.

K. Justice: belief in the rule of law.