American Political Culture

Political Culture ala Patterson •liberty (freedom to act; personal autonomy) •self-government (popular sovereignty; government of, by, for people) •equality (fair treatment and equal opportunity) •individualism (self-sufficiency, material accumulation, private property, individual as foundation of society) [this is the core of the core — we are the most individualistic nation on earth] •diversity (differences respected and legitimate basis of self-interest), and •unity (one people, indivisible union)

Rules of the Game ala Paterson •democracy (people govern either directly or through representatives) responds to numbers--majoritarian •constitutionalism is a set of rules that restricts the lawful use of power (limits on the power of governments over citizens) responds to rights--minoritarian [Extraordinary emphasis on rights is a characteristic of American politics.] •capitalism (free enterprise and self-reliance) responds to wealth–plutocratic [Sharp distinction between the political and the economic realms is a characteristic of American politics.] [All three rules of the game are based on the free choice of free individuals--thus consistent with our core belief in individualism]

Conclusion: “Politics in the United States is characterized by a number of major patterns.” Political culture that binds people together Extreme fragmentation of authority Diversity and competing interests Strong emphasis on individual rights Sharp separation of political and economic spheres

What would you hypothesize? Why? Career Class Cornellian Denomination Ethnicity Family Individual Nationality Political party Race Religion Sex Sexual preference Social group State Student

Political Culture @ Cornell November 2004

Political Culture @ Cornell April 2004

Political Culture @ Cornell February 2004

Today Founding Documents from the Perspective of Political Culture: Declaration of Independence Constitution The American Constitution through the eyes of the Framers, focusing on Madison’s Federalist #10

The Federalist no. 10, as it appeared in the New York Daily Advertiser, November 22, 1787.