The Way We Are… Demographic Look at what makes Americans the same and Different (Wilson 4 and 5)

Political Culture Set of basic values and beliefs about the country or government that is shared by most citizens Wilson believes it is a balance between… Political / Social beliefs Economic beliefs Ideology (a consistent set of personal beliefs) should not be confused with Political Culture.

Political Culture American Democratic Values (common to all): Majority/minority rights Equality Private Property Individual Freedoms Compromise Limited Government

Political Socialization All of these influence the creation of a political identity Family and home influences Schooling Group Affiliations Demographic factors Mass Media Opinion leaders Events

Ways that color our view of the world Over 65 Under 30 Male Female Catholic Protestant Jewish Mormon Muslim H.S. Grad College Grad Blue Collar jobs White Collar jobs Union jobs African-Americans Latinos Asian Northeast Gulf Coast Midwest Mt. West West Coast Cities Rural

Patriotism (2011) Extremely proud to be an American62% Very proud to be an American25% Little proud or not proud1% What is patriotic? Pledge 70% Working hard 62% Volunteering 61% Paying taxes 61% Accepting what officials say 11%

Economic Equality (2011) Government needs to help poor (25%) Hard work guarantees success (74%) Government should guarantee basic needs (75%) Causes of poverty Lack of effort32% Circumstances beyond control49%

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 (2011) Americans… Believe in God92% Pray daily58% Go to church at least once a month54%

Political Ideology Set of beliefs about politics and public policy that creates the structure for looking at government and public policy. Radical – rapid, fundamental change to existing order Liberal – supports active government Moderate – takes bits of liberal and conservative Conservative – supports limited government Reactionary – return to previous state of affairs

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?

2008 Electoral College Map

2008 Election Map by County

2008 Election Map by % won

2008 Primary Election Map (Dem)