202 American Exceptionalism

the economic explantation

Compared to most of the other countries at a similar economic level, the US has a much smaller welfare state. This explanation argues that this lack of security and support from the government makes them more likely to seek assistance from a religious community or a divine being

Presidential System

Country chooses it's legislatures and president through different means o Separation of powers o Legislature is accountable to the people who put them there Advantages of presidential- the separation of powers sets up a system of checks and balances so that no one branch or party can gain too much power Disadvantages of presidential - more veto points therefor harder to pass legislation

the psychological explanation

Disestablishment after the American Revolution led to religious competition since Americans were no longer under influence of one unifying religion. This religious competition led to higher levels of religious commitment as well causing Americans to see that role of religion in daily life more important than countries with one major religion.

the historical explanation

Historically, religion in America has always been decentralized and did not unify behind political causes that later became unpopular. Unlike in France history for example where religion became involved in a political cause that became unpopular causing a decrease in French commitment to the Church.

Overall assesment of US govt size

Total size of government is smaller in U.S. Overall, the welfare state is smaller in the U.S. certain parts of the welfare state—for retirement and health care—are as larger or larger than in comparable countries. The law and order arms of government (defense and criminal justice) are much bigger in the U.S.

Federalism

federalism - • Federalism is the sharing of powers across at least two levels of government. Federalism is good because levels have ability to share responsibility National and state governments have  Independent source of revenue  Law making authority Federalism makes it more likely that states needs will be met- 50 states would rarely be able to follow one sweeping national law disadvantage = policy differences between states and national government

Unitary System

having one legislative or parliamentary chamber - Consists of one chamber or house often easier to pass legislation without state and national governments competing

Parliamentary System

head of executive branch (prime minister) is directly responsible to - and can be deposed by- the legislature o Fusion of powers Advantages of parliamentary system- legislature and prime minister often agree on policy stances but president is responsible to the legislature and not the general public

individualism

is a moral stance emphasizing the worth of each person. Connected to self-reliance and the American dream. Skeptical of external constraints like the state and a person's group affiliations. expect a smaller government overall and a smaller welfare state. explains why we find a stronger resistance to taxes in America than in other countries.

Uniameral

one chamber of legislature • Advantages of unicameral- easier to pass legislation because of same party affiliation of legislature

What is the welfare state

social programs/social spending retirement/pensions/social security health care support for the poor (or "welfare") unemployment compensation workers' compensation disability benefits job training family leave benefits child care

3 explanations for why America is more religous

the economic explanation the historical explanation the pyschological explanation

Bicameral

two chambers of legislature Bicameral governments often face stalemate and lack of agreement