The Way We Are… Demographic Look at what makes Americans the same and Different (Wilson 4 and 5)
Political Culture A balance between… Political / Social beliefs Economic beliefs Those balances are built around… Political subcultures Ideology is not Political Culture
Five elements of Political Action Liberty Equality Democracy Civic Duty Individual responsibility Examples in American History?
Patriotism (1999) I am very patriotic (51%) I am proud to be an American (74%) Willing to fight, right or wrong (22%) All Highest in the Industrial World
Economic Equality (1991) Government needs to help poor (23%) Lowest in the Industrial world Hard work guarantees success (63%) Highest in the Industrial world Government should guarantee basic needs (66%) Lowest in the Industrial world
Religion (1991) I never doubt existence of God (60%) Prayer is an important part of my life (77%) Clear distinction between good and evil (79%) All Highest in the Industrial World 82% Americans are “religious people” Yet 40% claim to attend weekly services
Religion (2000) Americans… Believe in God96% Personal Relationship w/ God80% Never doubt Gods existence79% Seeking growth in religion76% Pray daily75% Member of church, etc.64%
Sources of Political Culture? Family (although slowly transitioning to media) Affects views on all five Political Action points Work ethic Fairness Political Party Class consciousness Religion All of which creates the sides in the Culture War…
Culture War Orthodox Morality over self-expression Thinks morals need to remain the same Progressive Personal freedom over traditional rules Think morals need to change with the times Not just right vs. left (often fights within constituent groups)
Fault Lines Media Becoming the “baby sitter” Availability of unmoral examples Mistrust in Government Little confidence in helping, more likely to hurt
Fault Lines Political Efficacy Internal – Understand political affairs Remains steady External – Ability to make it work for you Has decreased since the 1970s Political Tolerance How tolerant are you?
2004 Electoral College Map
2004 Election Map by County
2004 Election Map by % won
2008 Primary Election Map (Dem)
2008 Primary Election Map (Rep)
Ways that color our view of the world Over 65 Under 30 Male Female Catholic Protestant Jewish H.S. Diploma College Diploma Blue Collar jobs White Collar jobs Union jobs African-Americans Latinos Northeast Gulf Coast Midwest Mt. West West Coast Cities Rural