Chapter 4: American Political Culture

Class Consciousness

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

Individual Responsibility

A characteristically American view is that, barring some disability, individuals are responsible for their own actions and well-being.

Political Ideology

A more or less consistent set of views as to the policies the government ought to pursue.

Liberty

Americans are preoccupied with their rights. They believe they should be free to do as they please, with some exceptions as they don't hurt other people.

Equality

Americans believe everybody should have an equal vote and an equal chance to participate and succeed.

Civic Duty

Americans generally feel people ought to take community affairs seriously and help out when they can.

Democracy

Americans think government officials should be accountable to the people.

Alexis de Tocqueville

Came from France to America in 1831. He observed democracy in government and society. His book (written in two parts in 1835 and 1840) discusses the advantages of democracy and consequences of the majority's unlimited power. First to raise topics of American practicality over theory, the industrial aristocracy, and the conflict between the masses and individuals.

Political Tolerance

Democracy depends on citizens being reasonably tolerant of the opinions and actions of others.

Second Bill of Rights

FDR's ideas on what every person is entitled and what the government should strive for; includes a job, education, home, ability to buy food, etc.

Political Subculture

Fundamental assumptions about how the political process should operate that distinguish citizens by region, religion, or other characteristics.

Consensual Political Culture

One that experiences less conflict. . No matter what, each culture will have beliefs and values that overlap, conflict, and clash. American political culture is general consensual because we have a broad base of shared values.

Rugged Individualism

The belief that all individuals, or nearly all individuals, can succeed on their own and that government help for people should be minimal.

Political Efficacy

The belief that one's political participation really matters - that one's vote can actually make a difference

Core American Values

There are at least five important elements in the American view of the political system: liberty, equality, democracy, civic duty, and individual responsibility.

Work Ethic

a commitment to the value of work and purposeful activity

Political Culture

a distinctive and patterned way of thinking about political and economic life that reflects fundamental assumptions about how government should operate

Progressive

a person who favors a political philosophy of progress and reform and the protection of civil liberties

Orthodox

adhering to what is commonly accepted

Capitalism

an economic system in which investment in and ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange of wealth is made and maintained chiefly by private individuals or corporations, esp. as contrasted to cooperatively or state-owned means of wealth.

Conflictual Political

different groups (or subcultures) clash with opposing beliefs and values

Free Enterprise

economic system in which individuals and businesses are allowed to compete for profit with a minimum of government interference

Rule of Law

principle that the law applies to everyone, even those who govern

Internal Efficacy

the ability to understand and take part in politics

External Efficacy

the willingness of the state to respond to the citizenry