American Political Culture

What is it??!?? Widely shared beliefs, values & norms concerning the relationship of citizens to gov’t & each other Shared beliefs- grounded classical liberalism

Classical Liberalism Freedom Equality Individual Private Property Limited Gov’t Popular Consent

What’s the most revered value? Liberty Where do we see evidence of this?  DoI  Preamble

Equality Have Americans always valued SOCIAL equality?  No! But more so now... What about POLITICAL equality?  Value that everyone has the right to equal protection under the law & equal voting power Equal Opportunity in regard to economic status

Individualism Rights AND Responsibilities Faith in Common Sense Anti-Expert Anti-Intellectual Action vs. Reflection

How are we governed? Democratic Consensus is ESSENTIAL to democracy What do we have a consensus on...  Majority Rule  Two-Party System  Regular Election  Popular Sovereignty

Rule of Law Gov’t based on body of laws – applied = & by just procedures Fair vs. Equal “Rules” of Rule of Law  General Laws  Apply to FUTURE (NOT ex-post facto)  Public  Created by legitimate power- popular consent  DUE PROCESS- impartial fair process

Nationalism, Optimism & Idealism Americans LOVE them some THEM Manifest Destiny Imperialism

American Dream Individual Initiative & Hard Work = Economic Success Land of Opportunity Essential Features  Capitalism  Right to Own Property

Competitive Economy vs. Egalitarian Values Our Political Culture does NOT match our Economic Values Political values are affected by  Historical Events  Economic & technological growth

Shift in Political Culture Agrarian  Industry High Degree of Inequality in the distribution of wealth & political resources  Tycoons & Robber Barons

Anti-Trust Legislation Growth of monopolies Sherman Ant-Trust Act 1890  Used against unions  Strikers restrained trade, so prevent unionized workers from striking Society looks to Gov’t to protect  prevent monopolies from dominating industry & restraining trade

Gov’t Should promote “General Welfare” by regulating business Great Depression & New Deal Near Collapse of our capitalistic system “State Laboratories” – intervention during Progressive Era

Mixed Free Enterprise Most Americans support gov’t that provides stability & protection, but not direct control FDR- Second Bill of Rights  Economic security  Independence

Conflicts increase role of gov’t Civil Rights Voting Rights War of Poverty