Unit 1 FRQ Prep

Question Democracy is a key feature in the United States political system. Democracy is maintained through a set of values referred to as political culture. Many scholars believe that, in spite of this shared culture, the US is experiencing a culture war. Describe three aspects of American political culture. Define “culture war” and identify one issue that is divisive to the American people. Relate your answers to a and b to the characteristics of democracy.

What is the real question? Is the US experiencing a culture war? Why do you need to answer a, b, and c? To show you can support your answer to the real question.

What is a culture war? Culture war: a conflict between traditional (conservative) and progressive (liberal) values that may cause intense polarization of a population beyond typical divisions of disagreement.

What is culture war? People are so divided on things, they could literally fight each other about it, but they let politicians duke it out and just choose sides instead…. …however, they split is there and cannot be repaired, it may be great enough that cultural values start to change and further divide the population. Can be caused by politicians…?

Here are some quotes: “…the intensity of political divisions in twenty-first century America is a major problem, [so much so] that ‘a divided America encourages our enemies, disheartens our allies, and saps our resolve—potentially to a fatal effect.”(pg 21) “There is little indication that voters are polarized now or that they are becoming more polarized—even when we look specifically at issues [example omitted] that supposedly are touchstone issues in the culture war. If anything, public opinion has grown more centerist…and more tolerant of the divergent views, values, and behavior of other Americans.” (pg 22)

Things to Think About: Culture War Does it exist in the US? What causes polarization? How do you see polarization in the US? What is an issue that is divisive of the American people? How does that issue divide them? Be specific!

American Political Culture This is the overall set of values widely shared in the US. Liberty Egalitarianism Individualism Laissez-faire Populism

Liberty “Freedom is fundamental to the American way of life.” (pg 18) Individual liberty: the FREEDOM to develop one’s own talents. FREE elections: the right of the people to cast their votes FREELY among issues/candidates.

Egalitarianism E-gal-lit-tear-re-an-ism: the favoring of equality. People should get the same, be treated the same or as equals, in some respect. Free Elections: everyone’s vote is worth the same. Individual Liberty: equal opportunities. Majority Rule w/ Minority Rights: Both may cast votes, nothing bad happens to either.

Individualism The belief that people can and should get ahead on their own. The ability to “pull yourself up by your bootstraps.”

Laissez-faire The economic result of institutionalized individualism. Reinforces capitalist ideals with free markets and limited government involvement, meaning that in the US the government is less involved in the economic lives of individuals (housing, healthcare, etc.) than most western nations.

Populism “The political philosophy of supporting the rights of average citizens in their struggle against privileged elites.” (pg 20) Competing Political Parties claim that they do this on a regular basis. Most politicians are far removed from their constituents, so it’s always anyone’s guess what the people really want.

Things to Think About… How do you see these things in the US? How do these things promote democracy? How do these things promote culture war?

Characteristics of Democracy Individual Liberty Majority Rule with Minority Rights Free Elections Competing Political Parties

Characteristics of… Democracy American Political Culture Individual Liberty Majority Rule with Minority Rights Free Elections Competing Political Parties Liberty Egalitarianism Individualism Laissez-faire Populism

All those lines basically mean that the majority of the characteristics of American political culture can be found somewhere in the characteristics of democracy.

Characteristics of… Democracy American Political Culture Individual Liberty Majority Rule with Minority Rights Free Elections Competing Political Parties Liberty Egalitarianism Individualism Laissez-faire Populism

Things to Think About… How do you see these things in the US? How do these things promote American political culture? How do they promote culture war?

Outline I have provided you with an outline. Fill it out to prepare for your FRQ. You will have one class period to write your response (tomorrow). Write your thesis in full on your outline. …and yes, I will be grading the outline so you do have to do it.