American Values

Political Beliefs and Behaviors #1

American Political Culture

Political Culture: Distinctive and patterned way of thinking about how political and economic life ought to be carried out.

Signs of American Political Culture“That’s Un-American”

“Truth, Justice, and the American Way.”And of course…..

What makes up “Americanism”

• Democracy• Liberty• Equality• Civic Duty• Individual Responsibility

DemocracyDespite the different sides of American Politics

there is a shared belief that power lies in the hands of the people

Liberty

The general idea that people should be “free.”Political Liberty

People should be free to do what they please as long as others are

not hurt.

Economic LibertyFree enterprise is supported but

government should regulate business to correct abuses.

However….What about the motorcycle rider

who doesn’t wear a helmet?What about animal sacrifice?What about “hate speech”?

However….Can a business owner not hire an

African American?Should corporations be bailed out?

Should investors get a remedy if they are misled on an investment?

Equality

The idea that all people are worth the samePolitical Equality

Everybody should have an equal vote and an equal chance.

Economic EqualityEveryone should have an equal

opportunity, but results based on abilities rather than needs.

However….Should a candidate have an advantage if they have more

personal money to spend on a campaign?

However….Should taxes be based on wealth

and income of an individual or should the rates be equal?

Civic Duty

The obligation to take part in community affairsDespite our low voting rates we have the highest

level of “volunteerism” in the world.

Political Campaigns Church Groups Youth Coaches

Individual Responsibility

The belief that in the end we are all responsible for our success and

failures. Leads to the concept of “rugged individualism” a common

theme in our entertainment.

What does this clip tell you about the difference in values of the U.S. and U.S.S.R.?

What about inconsistencies?

- A belief in equality…. But a history of slavery, segregation, lack of equal pay, etc.- The belief is important still… allows us to make

changes in our behavior quicker than if we never had that belief.

- Why is there conflict if we all agree on values?- The beliefs can conflict with each other (liberty vs.

equality)- Values aren’t consistently prioritized

U.S. vs. The World

How do we compare?

Americans are more assertiveAmericans are less likely to trust experts and put more faith in “common sense.”

U.S. vs. The World

U.S. vs. The World

In the end Americans put more faith in our institutions than other nations.

Sources of Political Culture

• Historical Roots– Revolution was over liberty, preoccupied with

asserting rights– Adversarial culture due to distrust of authority

and belief that human nature is selfish– Presidential Transition (Adams to Jefferson

1800)–Widespread (not universal) participation in

voting

Sources of Political Culture

• Sociological Factors–Absence of National Religion•Religious diversity is a source of cleavage•Lack of national religion has led to no national political “orthodoxy.”

Puritan Heritage

• The Puritan Tradition1) Hard Work2) Save Money3) Obey Law4) Do Good Works5) Congregational Churches helped

develop social and political skills.

Sources of Political Culture

Family Structure and Dynamics

What impact does this have on culture?

Sources of Political Culture

• Lack of Class Consciousness– Vast majority of Americans consider themselves

“middle class”– Even the unemployed do not oppose management– Horatio Alger stories still popular

The Culture War

The Culture War

Orthodoxy

• A set morality that is more important than self expression

• Morality is based on set rules, usually by God

• Tend to be fundamentalist Protestants

Progressive

• Personal freedom more important than tradition

• Rules change based on circumstances of modern life

• Tend to be mainline Protestants or non-religious.

The Culture War

Differs from Political Conflicts in Three Fundamental Ways

1. Money is not at stake2. Compromises are almost impossible3. Conflict is more profound

More Prominent Today Due to

4. Rise of people who consider themselves progressives

5. Technology used to mobilize people