Chapter 4- Political Culture and Ideology

A nations political culture can be discovered by what people believe and how they behave. Social capital is the idea of people coming together, listening to each other, exchanging ideas to respect each others difference, and defending ones opinions. An ideology is an attitude or belief when coherent and consistent. Political culture is the widely shared beliefs, values, and norms people have towards themselves and their government.
IThe American Political Culture a. Shared Values- individuals have certain natural rights- the right to dignity and self worth- that the government must be stopped from taking. Those which must be protected are:

i. Liberty- The most revered value of all

1. Creates freedom and individualism, are valued over virtue and public good ii. Equality 1. Americans have always believed in social equality 2. Also believe in political equality- one man = one vote 3. Furthermore, have the concept of equal opportunity, especially with regard to economic status, etc iii. Individualism 1. Individuals have rights and responsibilities in American society 2. There is a precarious balance between individual rights and the protection of others- as is hotly contested in the abortion issue iv. Respect for the Common Person 1. Most Americans have faith in the common sense and practicality 2. Characterizes US lit- Twain, Tubman, Garrison, etc demonstrate this idea v. Democratic Census 1. Democratic census is a fairly widespread agreement on fundamental principles of governance and the values that undergird them

2. Majority rule- allows governance according to majority choceat regular elections

3. Popular sovereignty- says that the ultimate power resides with the people- the government serves the people, not vice-versa vi. Justice and the Rule of Law

1. The rule of law means that government is based on a body of law applied equally
by just procedures- a government of laws, not men 2. A government must have the following to adhere to the rule of law: 1. Generality- laws are general to all groups 2. Prospectivity- laws apply to the future, not crimes from the past 3. Publicity- laws cannot be kept secret and then enforced 4. Authority- valid laws are made by those with legitimate power 5. Due process- laws must be enforced impartially with due process vii. Patriotism, Optimism, and Idealism 1. Americans are nationalistic, with high sense of values and identity 2. US citizens are the most satisfied with their democratic government than any other country in the world 3. Our involvement in human needs and rights in the world demonstrate our believe in idealism b. Where We Learn the American Culture i. The family environment is the first place children learn culture and gain social capital- it is where we learn what is means to be an American ii. Public schools are another source of US political culture- we salute the flag and recite the pledge of allegiance, while learning about the country iii. Colleges and Universities help students understand government at a higher level iv. Religious freedom and diversity helped found political culture- especially concerning civil rights, slavery, war, and are the basis of many civic organizations c. The American Dream i. The complex set of ideas holding that the US is a land of opportunity and that individual initiative and hard work can bring economic success ii. US dream supports capitalism- idea of private property, competitive markets, economic incentives, and limited government involvement in the production and pricing of goods iii. The idea of private property enjoys massive popularity iv. There is great competition between competitive economy- individuals reap rewards for their initiative- and egalitarian society, where everyone earns decent living