1. UNIT II- Political Beliefs1

2. What are some common beliefs and values held by all Americans?
Political culture is commonly shared attitudes, beliefs, and core values about how government should operate.
What are some common beliefs and values held by all Americans? 2

3. Elements of American Political Culture
Personal Liberty
Equality
Democracy
Popular Consent, Majority Rule and Popular Sovereignty
Civic duty
Individualism
Religious Faith and Freedom 3

4. Comparing America with Other Nations
Sweden
Japan
Most adults vote in national elections, but few participate in any other way
Defer to government experts/specialists
Rarely challenge governmental decisions in court
Believe in “what is best” more than “what people want”
Value equality as much/more than liberty
Value harmony, observe obligations
Tend to favor equal pay and top limit on incomes
Value good relations with colleagues
group decisions
social harmony
Emphasize importance of being sensitive to personal needs of others
avoiding conflict
reaching decisions through discussion not application of rules 4

5. Economic Equality in America and Europe5

6. American Beliefs Economic Political Free enterprise
some limits on marketplace freedom
Equality of opportunity
not equality of result
Economic individualism
“Pull yourself up by your bootstraps”
Focus on individual rights
Emphasize
Individualism
Competition
Equality
following rules
treating others fairly but impersonally
Some other countries put more emphasis on harmony and equality 6

7. Role of Religion Civic Role Religion and Politics
Highly religious compared to Europeans
Religious organizations are a major source of volunteer and community service
Religion and Politics
Played an important role in American politics
Both liberals and conservatives have and do use the pulpit to promote political change
Candidates for national office in other contemporary democracies rarely mention religion 7

8. Political Ideologies
“a set of values a person holds that are reflected in their political views.” (economics, social and moral values)
Most Americans identify themselves as liberal or conservative.
Terms have changed over time.
Libertarian is the third ideology that is growing in popularity. 8

9. Political Ideologies Why do we have political ideologies?
Explanation – Answers “why” questions
Evaluation – social and economic indicators
Orientation – political compass
Political Program – political choices and actions 9

10. What Do They Believe? 10

11. 11

12. Political Ideologies in America

13. Mainstream Ideologies
Mainstream ideologies include Liberalism and Conservatism.
These mainstream ideologies do not want to make major changes in our political and social order.
Accept
Capitalism
Accept New Deal reforms 13

14. Radical Ideologies Libertarianism
Economic system free of governmental interference.
Dismantle most welfare programs.
Isolationist
Want major changes, peacefully
They enter candidates in elections but rarely win. 14

15. Role of Government
How much power should the government have over the economy?
Liberal- Positive action in the economy
Conservative- Positive action to support capitalism
What should the government promote?
Liberal- Economic Security, equal opportunity, social liberty
Conservative- Economic liberty, morality and social order 15

16. Classic Liberalism Government should play a minimal role in society.
A government that governs least governs best.
A strong government is dangerous to liberty.
Government should step out of the way and allow economic competition.
Addressed the needs of the business class.
Key Idea Minimal government and property rights. 16

17. Populists and Progressives
After the Civil War liberal attitudes towards government began to change.
Liberals began to call for
Democratization of government (direct election of Senators)
Governmental involvement in the economy
Government programs to ease the problems of industrialization.
Regulation of corporations
Public limits in private corporate power 17

18. Contemporary Liberalism
Government should be responsible for dealing with social and economic problems.
Government should
ensure the economic well being of a nation
provide basic guarantees to every individual.
Food
Shelter
Health care
Education
Government should stay out of social issues. 18

19. Who Are The Liberals? Usually they are found in the Democratic party.
Constituencies include:
Minorities
Labor movement
Feminists
Poor 19

20. Conservatism
holds that established customs, laws, and traditions, should guide society.
Government is best that governs least 20

21. Conservatism and the Industrial Age
As America industrialized after the Civil War, conservatives embraced laissez faire economics.
Laissez-faire economics
French for "leave things alone".
Government should not interfere in the economy.
If people worked hard they could become successful. 21

22. Contemporary Conservatism
Conservatives have opposed most major liberal reforms.
Including Social Security in 1935, and Medicare in 1965.
Since the 1980's conservatives have focused on:
Reducing social spending
Reshaping the tax code
Rebuilding national defense 22

23. Contemporary Conservatism
A defense of economic individualism against the growth of the welfare state.
Welfare state programs only create a permanent class of the poor who are dependent on the state and have no incentives to enter the working world. 23

24. Who are the Conservatives?
Usually they belong to the Republican Party.
Republican presidents after the Great Depression identified with moderate ideas, Ronald Reagan openly embraced his conservatism. 24

25. Challenges to the Status Quo
Libertarianism
Minimal government
Protection of property rights and personal freedom
No governmental regulation of the economy
Non interventionist foreign policy
Drastic reduction in defense spending 25

26. Political Ideology Assignment
Create a debate between a liberal and a conservative about one of the following topics:
Health Care
Immigration
Abortion
Gun Control
Minimum Wage
National Security
Social Security
Student Choice (see me for approval first)
Be creative and have fun with this assignment. 26