1. AP Gov Review, Video #7: Citizens’ Beliefs About Government And Leaders
Everything You Need To Know About Citizens’ Beliefs About Government And Its Leaders To Succeed In AP Government

2. Political Efficacy What is it?
Faith and belief in the government and belief that an individual’s actions can impact the government
The higher one’s political efficacy, the more likely that person is to vote
And vice-versa
Many young Americans have a lack of political efficacy

3. Basic American Political Beliefs
As a whole, Americans tend to believe in the following:
Political equality
Free enterprise (capitalism)
Equality for opportunities
Mistrust of government (Post-1960s)

4. Political Equality
Political Equality has been a major focus in the last half of the 20th century
Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965
Most Americans believe in political equality and support government protection of it
Political equality has extended more to minority groups than it has women
Failed Equal Rights Amendment

5. Free Enterprise Most Americans believe in the free enterprise system
Government should protect an individual’s right to pursue economic opportunities
Some argue the government has gone too far in promoting businesses
Connect to elitism view

6. Equality For Opportunities
Although most Americans favor political equality, many do NOT support economic equality
Constitutional amendments provide political and social equality, but NOT economic
Examples:
14th: equal protection
15th: universal male suffrage
17th: direct election of US Senators
19th: women’s suffrage
24th: outlawed poll taxes
26th: lowered voting age to 18

7. Mistrust Of Government
Seasonal vs. structural distrust
Seasonal - temporary, decline due to recession
Structural - overall distrust, regardless of economy; permanent, not temporary
Since the 1960s, there has been structural distrust in the US government
Vietnam War, Pentagon Papers, Watergate
Stagflation in the 1970s
Increasing partisanship
In recent years, government distrust has increased to 80+%!
After September 11, the public trust in government increased, albeit temporarily

8. Quick Recap Political Efficacy
Political equality, NOT economic equality
Reasons for structural distrust of government
Amendments that promote political equality

9. Test Tips Multiple-Choice:
Belief in political equality, NOT economic equality
Reasons for distrust in government
Free Response:

10. See You Back Here For Unit 2, Video #8: Process By Which Citizens Learn About Politics (Political Socialization)
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