1. Sources of Political Culture

2. Historical Roots Revolution essentially over liberty; preoccupied with asserting rights. Adversarial culture the result of distrust of authority and a belief that human nature is depraved Federalist-Jeffersonian transition in 1800—ligitimated role of opposition party; liberty and political change can coexist

3. Legal-Sociological Factors Widespread participation permitted by Constitution Absence of an established national Religion Religious diversity a source of cleavage Absence of established religion has facilitated the absence of political orthodoxy Puritan heritage (dominant one) stress on personal achievement

4. Legal-Sociological Factors (Cont.) Puritan Heritage Work Save money Obey Secular Law Do Good Embrace “Protestant Work Ethic” Miniature political systems produced by churches’ congregational organization

5. Legal-Sociological Factors Family instills the ways we think about world and politics Great freedom for children Varied interests considered Equality among family members Rights accorded each person

6. Legal-Sociological Factors (Cont.) Class Consciousness absent Message of Horatio Alger stories still popular Most people consider themselves middle class Even unemployed do not oppose management Is this still true?