American Political Culture CHAPTER 4 American Political Culture

Bellwork 9/16/2014 One day the President was driving his car to a meeting. Because he was late, he was driving very fast. The police stopped the car. What should happen?

Answer Most Americans would say that the president should be fined. British citizens and French people would say that the Queen or President should not be reprimanded.

Definitions Political Culture – A distinctive and patterned way of thinking about how political and economic life should be carried out! Civic Duty – A belief that one has an obligation to participate in civic and political affairs. Civic Competence – A belief that one can affect government policies

Definitions Orthodox – A belief that morality and religion ought to be of extreme importance Progressive – A belief that personal freedom and solving social problems are more important than religion Political Efficacy – A belief that you can take part in politics or that the government will respond to the citizenry Internal Efficacy - The ability to understand and take part in politics External Efficacy – The willingness of the state to respond to the citizenry

What is political culture? Political Culture is unique to each country around the world! The politics of a nation depend heavily on the culture of that unique country! While countries may agree on big principles of government like democracy, there are subtle differences in the way that each country runs its government

Political Culture Democracy and the American Political system were unique in their roots due to America’s vast amounts of land and the fact that there were so many opportunities for the millions of immigrants who have made the United States their home. For many years, Americans could always move further west and find more opportunities

Quiz What do the politics of a nation depend on?

Answer That nation’s individual culture!

Political Culture How did American Democracy survive the Civil war or the different waves of immigrants who have made America their home? Most civil Wars destroy countries or their constitutions but the political culture of the united states enabled it to weather the storm as well as embrace the changing culture as new peoples populated the country!

Political System There are 5 elements that comprise the American Political system Liberty  Americans have a strong belief in their rights Equality  Everyone should have an equal vote and an equal chance to succeed Democracy  Government should be Accountable to the People Civic Duty  People should care about their government and take part in it Individual Responsibility  We are responsible for the decisions we make

Bellwork 9/17/2014 Today is Constitution Day!  Write down 3 Specific things you learned during our discussion of the constitution

The American way of life There is a sense of a common value system and a common sense of hope that all american citizens seem to share in their day-to-day lives! People believe they can always be better and that, as a nation, we can always be better!

Comparing America with other Nations Political systems of nations from around the world differ in similarity to their diverse political culture. This is the reason why “exporting Democracy” can be so difficult!

Being involved in government On average, Americans have a stronger sense of civic duty and civic capability than citizens of other nations around the world Over 50% of all Americans believe that they should be an active part of their community Americans are more involved in campaigning, attending political meetings, becoming active in the local community, and contacting their government representatives.

Trust in government While it has declined in recent years, most americans still have confidence in their government institutions Americans are also very patriotic, even while knowing of our faults as a nation. They believe that our Constitution and political culture can withstand anything.

Quiz What percent of Americans believe they should be involved in government

Answer Over 50%

Americans believe freedom is more important than equality and believe that hard work is rewarded or that the government should guarantee citizens a basic standard of living.

Why do we accept great differences in wealth and income? Despite the differences in wages among various classes of americans, there is not a high degree of class consciousness! This stems from the idea that United States’ citizens believe that they can be successful at whatever they put their mind to! Class consciousness  a belief that you are a member of an economic group whose interests are opposed to people in other such groups.

Culture War There is a divide between American citizens over whether they are Orthodox or Progressive Orthodox  Morality and religion are the most important aspects of life Progressive  Personal freedom and solving social problems are the most important aspects of life.

Culture War Most of the social issues we face as a society come directly from this culture war. Partner up and wait for my instructions!

What are you? Prepare your answer in the form of a thesis statement. (Good Curveball Mr. Ashmore)

IS government on our side? While most americans feel very patriotic and feel that they understand and take part in politics, there are many who feel the system (aka government officials) is not responding to the citizens. Take 60 seconds and think about this! I will be asking one of you why is that the case?

Civic Duty is essential in American Politics. Americans believe equality is extremely important in politics. Americans are understanding of other views but hold their own very tightly Conflict is present in every aspect of our politics…it’s the way we make decisions. It is unique to the United States but it is what makes us the U.S.