1. Political Behavior and Beliefs

2. Political Culture
The underlying beliefs, values, assumptions, attitudes, and patterns of behavior people have toward government and politics
Involves political participation, rights and liberties and views of politicians/government
Involves shared values

3. Shared Values
American political culture is grounded in classical liberalism
equality, individual, property, limited government
Shared Values in our political culture
Individualism and freedoms or liberty – most revered value
Equality – opportunity or outcome????
Importance of individualism
Democratic consensus – majority rule, popular sovereignty, two-party system
Justice and the rule of law
Nationalism, idealism and optimism

4. The American Dream What is it? Is the American Dream alive and well?
Hard work and initiative brings economic success
Is the American Dream alive and well?

5. Political Ideologies
A coherent set of thoughts and beliefs about politics and the role of government
Most common in the US:
Conservative
Liberal
Moderate

6. Liberals
Criticisms
Relies on government for solutions
Forgets basic premise of limited government
Too many governmental controls and taxation undermine self-help ethic
Government a tool to cure social and economic injustices
Strict enforcement of church and state
Government should stay out of regulating personal freedoms
Support government regulation of the economy

7. Conservatives Criticisms
Individuals responsible for self and should not rely on government
Support free market and protection of private property
Favor low taxes
Oppose government involvement
Entitlements and regulations
Usually support government action on social issues
Pro-life
Criticisms
Selective opposition to government
Insensitive to social needs
Racism and sexism
Too much faith in market economy
Deficits grow

8. Moderates Comprise the largest portion of the American public
No coherent ideology
Pragmatists

9. Other Ideologies Libertarians Socialism
Supports individual liberties and a strict limitation on government
Opposes government regulations
Supports opposition to government
End FBI, CIA, government involvement in education, health, welfare, crime control, housing
Repeal income tax
Socialism
Karl Marx – transition between capitalism and communism
Economic and governmental system of public ownership of the means of production and exchange
Supports greater equality of property rights
Support greater involvement of federal government

10. Defining Issues for Ideologies
Civil rights
Economics
Public and personal issues

11. Political Identity Political Socialization & Political Predispostion
Family
Churches
Schools
Mass Media