1. Political Culture & Ideology
US Government
Mrs. Lacks

2. What is political culture?
political culture is a reflection of how “We, the people” think our government should operate
Shared beliefs, values, and norms citizens hold about their relationship to govt and each other

3. Examples
Some elements of political culture have changed while some have remained constant
Constant: liberty (most cherished), democracy, individualism
Change: ideas about suffrage, equality

4. Suffrage Over Time
Originally only white, property owning men, 21 or older (1/6th of white men)
Elimination of property rights (all men over 21)
15th Amendment: all black men
19th Amendment: all women
26th Amendment: all citizens 18+

5. Political efficacy
understanding the issues, becoming engaged in the political system with the intent of making a difference
responsibility with universal suffrage

6. Original Dilemma in US
personal liberties versus the good of society – attempting to determine how many freedoms could be extended without jeopardizing democracy

7. Modern Dilemma in US
Personal liberties versus social equality – balancing individualism with opportunity for all
For example, should an individual who works hard and earns a fortune be expected to pay additional taxes so a less fortunate individual receives health care at no expense?

8. Political Ideology
Refers to a constant pattern of ideas or beliefs about political values and the role of government, including how it should work and how it actually does work
Two major schools of ideology dominate American politics: liberalism and conservatism
Two minor schools are also prevalent: socialism and libertarianism

9. Liberals vs. Conservatives
Major difference is the size/scope of government
Classic liberalism:
Favored limited government, promoted individualism
Overtime this has changed significantly

10. Liberals
Government intervention in the economy is necessary to remedy the defects of capitalism
Equal access to health care, housing, education
Affirmative action
Pro-union
Government should control/correct social issues
Reduce inequalities of wealth (maintain minimum level of income) – stipends, technology, etc.
Cut defense spending
Favor raising taxes to pay

11. Presidential History Most liberal presidents (dems):
Andrew Jackson
Franklin D Roosevelt
Barack H Obama
Moderate presidents (still dems):
Harry Truman
Bill Clinton

12. Criticism of Liberalism
Rely too much on govt to solve nation’s problems
Higher taxes hurt the average American
Govt has to be limited to serve our best interests
Power tends to corrupt
Undermine self-reliance/competitive spirit
Welfare will destroy individual initiative

13. Conservatives Enhance personal liberty by keeping government small
Sole functions of government are to protect us from foreign enemies, preserve law & order, encourage economic growth (free and fair trade)
Celebrate the individual – you decide to make what you want out of your life
Pro-business (trust the private sector to solve problems)
Favor vouchers for schools, choices in health benefits, privatizing Social Security, keep military strong
Favor tax cuts

14. Social Conservatives Focus less on economy, and more on family values
Represent the Christian right
Government should act to protect traditional morals

15. Presidential History Conservative: George Washington (1789-1797)
James Monroe ( )
Grover Cleveland ( , )
Warren G. Harding ( )
Calvin Coolidge ( )
Ronald Reagan ( )
George W. Bush ( ) (with respect to taxes and Supreme Court nominations)

16. Criticism of Conservatism
not thinking of the whole
fail to deal with social issues like racism and sexism
People who make more should pay more

17. Socialism Aka mixed system
Government controls economy
Politically free
Karl Marx (transitional stage from capitalism to communism)
Socialists would…
Nationalize certain industries
Institute a public jobs program (all who wanted to work could)
Tax the wealthy more heavily
Reduce spending

18. Libertarianism
Cherishes individual liberty, sharply limited government
Want the government to stay small and far away
Oppose most government programs
Favor armed services that would only act if US were attacked
Oppose most government regulation
Favor massive tax cuts
“live and let live”

20. A word of caution
Political labels have different meanings across national boundaries as well as over time
Ideological terms or labels can be confusing
You can’t lump everyone in the same group
Ex. You can be social liberal but fiscally conservative
Ex. You can be socially conservative but fiscally liberal

21. Distribution of Ideology
very few extreme conservatives or extreme liberals (in 2000, only 2% viewed themselves as extreme conservatives, only 1% extreme liberals)
MOST (75%) Americans consider themselves moderate - both major parties target moderate voters in elections

23. Ideological Views
Most Americans do not organize their attitudes systematically
Very low consistency among various attitudes and opinions

24. Assignment
Political Culture & Ideology (see klacks.weebly.com)