Chapter 2- American Society and Its Values

Social Institutions Socialization- the process of learning how to participate in a group Social institutions- systems of values and rules that determine how our society is organized

5 Social Institutions Economy- meets wants and needs by providing a system for producing and distributing goods and services Family- most basic institution, meets physical needs by providing needed materials Education- helps individuals fit into our society Religion- fosters community, belonging, brings values, and meets important emotional needs Government- meets a society’s need for law and order, security, and public services

Characteristics of our Economy Consumer- a person who uses, or consumes, goods and services to satisfy his or her wants Market- place where people exchange good or services Price- the amount you must pay for a good or service in a market Money- is anything which is generally accepted as payment for a good or a service

American Economic Freedoms Freedom to buy and sell Freedom to compete Freedom to own property Freedom to choose an occupation Freedom to make a profit

The Role of Government Keeping the Peace Protecting the Country Providing Necessary Services Maintaining Other Institutions

Forms of Government Monarchy- a form of government in which all or most of the power is in the hands of one individual, the monarch Dictatorship- a government controlled by one person, called a dictator Democracy- a government in where the power is shared by all the people

Political Socialization Patriotism- is the demonstration of love and devotion to one’s county Political socialization- the process of learning how to behave politically