We the People 8th ed. Thomas E. Patterson

PowerPoint Presentation by Diane Feibel, Ed.D.

American Political Culture: Seeking a More Perfect Union Chapter 1

Political Culture: The Core Principles of American Government American ideals: basis of our national identity Political culture: beliefs of a people about their government and politics European (Enlightenment) thought and practice shaped beliefs © 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

© 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. America’s Core Values Liberty: freedom to act and think as one chooses but no infringement on freedom of others Equality: all individuals equal in worth, legal treatment, and political voice Self-government: people are ultimate source of governing authority © 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

© 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. America’s Core Values Power and limits of Americans’ ideals Lofty claim “all men are created equal,” yet slavery existed Restricted immigration based on ethnic origin Until 1965 Asian immigration seriously restricted Liberal immigration from Europe Drive toward a more equal society evident in the country’s elaborate system of higher education © 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

Telling the American Story to Children © 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

Politics: The Resolution of Conflict The social contract Thomas Hobbes: Subjects surrender freedom for protection John Locke: Government cannot deprive subjects of certain rights Jean Jacques Rousseau: Government enacts the will of the people © 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

Politics: The Resolution of Conflict Rules of the game of politics Democracy: our form of government people govern directly or through elected representatives Constitutionalism: limits on government protection of individual rights Capitalism: our economic system free enterprise and self-reliance minimal governmental interference © 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

Political Power and Authority: The Control of Policy Theories of Power Majoritarianism: government by the people Pluralism: government by groups (i.e. farmers, welfare advocates, lawyers, etc.), not necessarily for the public benefit Elitism: government by a few Bureaucratic rule: government by administrators Who governs? © 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

The Concept of a Political System Political system: parts of American government Parts are separate Parts connect with each other Parts affect and interact with each other Dynamic system, changing as needed © 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

American Political System Five overriding tendencies: Enduring cultural ideals Fragmentation of governance based on checks and balances Competition between diverse groups Emphasis on individual rights and responsibilities Economic and political decision making separate  economic issues out of political control © 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.