AP Government

Chapter 4: American Political Culture

Key Terms political culture a patterned and sustained manner of though concerning how political and economical like should be fulfilled. civic duty the notion that one is duty-bound to engage in civic and political matters. civic competence the notion that one has the ability to impact government doctrines. class consciousness the notion that one is a member of an economic group whose concerns/interests are conflicting with people in other such groups. orthodox the notion that morality and religion should be significant in political decision-making. progressive the notion that personal liberty and resolving social issues are more crucial than religion. civil society voluntary action that eases cooperation.

Notes and Apuntes I. INTRODUCTION A. US, B. Britain, and France western countries with effectively set up representative democracies B. Three various political disparities among nations three categories: 1. constitutional, demographic, cultural II. POLITICAL CULTURE A. Intro 1. constitutional divergences pretty apparent and easy to recapitulate a. America & France have written, G. Britain does not. b. US separate powers amongst 3 equal branches of federal government i. UK has parliamentary system: legislature picks a prime minister from its own level ii. France has a semi-presidential or quasi-parliamentary system partitioned into three branches President elects a prime minister from majority party in lower house of parliament Prime minister uses most executive powers 2. demographic differences also uncomplicated a. US: big, over 300 million citizens i. dominant language: English, but millions speak Spanish ii. 1/6 of population is Hispanic iii. over 80% are Christians further divided between Catholics (1/4) and more than a dozen denominations of Protestantism b. France and UK: each about 60 million people i. Small, growing immigrant & foreign born sub-populations Most French: catholic Most British: Church of England (Anglican) or Church of Scotland Neither countries have a lot of people who go to church 3. difference between those countries are more profound; each has a distinct political culture a. most Americans, French, British think democracy is good, approve of majority rule, and believe in recognizing minority rights. i. Few would say that a leader who loses office should be able to re-take it by force.
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AP Government

Chapter 4: American Political Culture

b. Surveys find Americans more likely than French or British to believe in political equality for everyone, but not economical equality i. Ex: French & British more than 2x as likely as American to think it is governments responsibility to take care of poor, and under a third as likely as Americans to agree that government should not guarantee every citizen food and basic shelter c. Americans more committed to confirming political equality early in their lives. 4. political cultures even more divergent between America and nations like Argentina, brazil, mexico, and Philippines, even though their constitutions are similar to USs. a. those countries tend to have trouble with corruption, military takeovers/captures, and the ascent of demagogues [a person, like a speaker or political leader, who achieves powers and popularity by appealing to the feelings, passions, and prejudices of the people]. b. Each has had times of democratic rule, but only briefly, although all have an elected president, separately elected congress, and an independent judiciary. i. Some have said that democracy is so integral in Us rather than in other countries because US proffered more plentiful land and bigger opportunities. No federal aristocracy, taxes were low, there was the west to move towards when cities were filled. America: a country where small, independent farmers with few landless peasant or indentured servants. ii. But French watcher of American politics noticed that S. America has good land/resources, but democracy has not thrived there. Constitution and land does not explain presence of democracy. Nor does it explain US enduring Civil War, waves of immigrations, and diverse demography Customs of people and political culture [moral and intellectual characteristics]. 5. Unthinkable in US a. Japan, is like US a democracy. i. US is immigrant nation, favors immigrant policies. Japan is Japanese, has limiting immigration policies, few foreign-born citizens b. like Saudi Arabia, US has many people professing religious and often orthodox beliefs. i. But USs Christian majority approves of religious pluralism, Saudi Arabias population advocates laws that retain Islam as a state religion. c. Germany: courts held that non-Christian symbols and attire, but not Christian attire and symbols, can be banned from schools and public places. d. France: government prohibits religious attire in schools, B. The Political System 1. at leaste five key fundamentals in American perspective of political system: a. liberty. i. Americans concerned with rights; think they should be free to do what they want, withsome exceptions, as long as others are not harmed. b. Equality. i. Americans think al people should have an equally weighted vote, and equal chance to engage and have success. c. Democracy. i. Americans feel that government authorities ought to be responsible to the people. d. Civic duty. i. Americans overall think that people should regard community issues with seriousness and assist in those matters when it is possible for them to do so. e. Individual responsibility. i. An outlook unique to Americans; with the exception of a disability, people are accountable for their own actions and welfare.
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Chapter 4: American Political Culture

2. by huge majorities, Americans think each citizen ought to have an equal opportunity to impact government policy and hold public office. a. Do not think people should have titles of royalty. 3. somewhat smaller majorities: people should be allowed ro vote despite not being able to read/write/vote intelligently. a. Americans acknowledge disparities among peoples abilities. i. Still think that teaching kids that all people are equal is a way of actually acknowledging that all people are equally worthy and deserve equal treatment. 4. at least three questions about political culture. a. How do we know <aericans share such notions? i. Originally no opinion polls, and today still they are crude tools of guagin presence and significance of abstract, complex concepts. No way to verify that certain values are valuable to Americans. Involves an inference of the subsistence of certain concepts by observing kinds of books Americans read, speeches listened to, slogans they respond to, their political decisions, and taking into account the examinations of insightful foreigeners. Personality tests and opinions polls done acrossvarious nations can help too.. b. If such values are valuable to Americas, why do we have dispositions that contradict with those values? i. Ex: Americans believed in quality of opportunity, but why were African Americans denied rights for so long? ii. Everyday fact of life: people do things that contradict with their professed way of thinking. iii. In addition to values, self-interest and social circumstances also mould temperament. Swedish exam9iner described USs race relations: an American dilemma lresulting from conflict between American creed [belief in equal opportunities] and American behavior [ dnial of fuill citizenship]. Creed is crucial; indicates a source of change. a. As people are more conscious of the incongruity between values and actions, their actions/dispotion will slowly change. b. Political scientist s. P. Huntington says America is not a lie, but a disappointment because it can be a hope. c. If Americans aggress with certain political values, why has there always been so much political disputes? i. Dispute can occur concerning particular politicals policies between parties who share the same abstract view of political parties. ii. Some political values have little to do with certain issues. Ex: no political value offering a solution to whether or not steelworkers should organize unions. iii. We have strong beliefs, and each person interprets those original values a bit differently. Sometimes equality of opportunity can only be obtained by arbdging personal liberty. Cicivl wayr illustrates way some fundamental thoughes about democracies and their organization have persevered in spite of bitter conflict over different political dogmas. Conferederate did use some aspects of original US constitution. iv. Americans think there are bound by common values/hopes: word americansism In 19th, 20th centurdy, americanism and the American dream common terms. C. The Persistence of Conflict
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Chapter 4: American Political Culture

1. in spite of terminating slavery, fistering civil rights, expanding range of free speech, still argue about abortion, morality, religion, immigration, and affirmative actions. a. Some people think moral principle are absolute/unconditional while others think it is situational. b. Some think immigrants should assimiklate, others think celebrate diversity. c. Dependent on definition of good citizen. i. Some sefine: vote, pay taxes, obery law, support military. Study says this view common with orlder people, esp. experiencers of Great Depression and WWII. ii. Some define: doubt government, prepared to protest, boycotting. Taken by college educated, born in 1964-1984 iii. Those two generations dont trust each other. Think older is rigid, conformist, too supportive of status quo, too impressed by military. Think young [generation X] is alienated, self-centered, distrustful, lacking in morality. d. People still love this country across the ages. D. The Economic System 1. similarly judged by Americans for political systems. a. Liberty important. i. Free-enterprise system. ii. Nations economy generally fair and efficient. But people believe government should regulate so businesses dont become too strong and abusive. 2. Americans more willing to tolerate economical inequality than political. a. Equality of opportunity but not equality of results. i. If all can have chance to progress, than it is okay for people with more ability to get jobs with higher wages. Americans wiolling to foster education & training programs to assist disadvantaged, buther there should not be any preferential treatment. b. Leader of very liberal feminist & civil rights groups likely to support preferential treatment because they find fault with economic system, but stil are likely to advocate ability-based wages vs. need-based i. Will also oppose top limits. c. Americans willing to help people truly in in need [including elderly and disabled, but not those on welfare]. d. Americans dislike use of preferential hiring programs & quotas to deal with racial inquality. 3. at core of all this is collective commitment to economic individualism and personal responsibility. a. Most popular: individualist view of social policy. 4. views on economic policis change. a. More likely to think government shuld help needy and regulate business ythan previously III.

COMPARING AMERICA

WITH

A. Intro 1. Americans like own country more than euor like their own coutrnies [71% of Americans] 2. Americans think kids should learn value of ahrd work; belief in god is necessary for moralities. a. Eorus have contrasting views: i. About relgion. ii. Think outside forces determine success in life. B. The Political System 1. Sweden has well-developed democratic government; constitution, free speed, elected legislature, comptering political parties, honesty and nonpartisan bureaucracy.
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OTHER NATIONS

AP Government

Chapter 4: American Political Culture

a. Political structure vastly divergent from Americas. i. More deferential than US. Almost all adults vote, ut there is little other plitcal involvement. Defe to expert opinion, dopnt challenge court decisions, believe leaders hould do what is best, not what people wbant 2. Japan a. Different history,. Set of customs b. Compared with upoer0status Jaopanese i. Americans emphasize individualism, competition, equality in political, economic, social relations ii. Japanese valued good relations with colleagues, gruopp decisions, social harmony, respect for hierarchy iii. Americans more worried about rules and treating others fairly but impersonally, with regard for rights. iv. Jap. Cared about being sensitive to personal needs of others, avoiding conflict, discussion based decisions. 3. Americans and some G. British had greater sense of civic duty and civic competence than gernamns, italiams, Mexicans. a. of Americans and 1/3 british thought one should be active in community, 4. less voters in Maericas, but more avid participation in campaigning, political meetings, active in commmmunity, taking to govt authorities. 5. Americans trust govt less than before, but more than other countries. a. In public institutions and private institutions b. Very aprtriotic c. Know about USs flaws, but needs only change in policies not system C. The Economic System 1. Sweden favors equality of results over opportunity a. Swedish think workers should get equal pay and considered top limits for incomes. b. Americans think freedom more important than equality; less likely to think hard work is not rewarded or that govt should guarantee standard of living. i. Less income inequality in Sweden, thanks to govt. D. The Civic Role of Religion 1. America among most religious nations in world. a. More likely than average Euro to believe in God, pray daily, have distinct setting of right vs. wrong. b. Religious people donate more money to charity than secular. c. More likely to donate money/time to nonreligiouns ass/ns. 2. religious effect on politics. a. great awakening in 1730s-1740s b. religious ideas fuled break with England, mentioned in declaration of independence. c. Slavery in 19th century. d. Prohibition of alcohol I 20th. e. Political change. i. Civil rights of 1950s and 1960s led by clack religious people ii. 1980s Moraly Majority supported amendenments about prayer in school and banning abortion. iii. 1990s Christian Coalition f. outher political candidate dont talk about religion, but American ones do. g. Pledge of allegiance tried to ban because of under god i. Did not enter supreme court, was undecided upon. IV.

THE SOURCES

OF

A. Intro 1. some experiences give Americans a concern of asserting and mainating rights. a. American revolution, fought over liberty. b. Constitution asserted personal liberty and and reconciled it with social control
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POLITICAL CULTURE

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Chapter 4: American Political Culture

2. adversial spriri of MAerican politics a. concern over rights. b. Distrust og authority, people with power. i. Ex colonial distrust of british rule. ii. Maericans think human nature is fundamentally corrupt Ed/depraved Constitution curbed bad side of human nature. 3. the 1800 batwtle between presidential candidate and their political parties eased the way for political parties a. people acceptes that liberty anf orderly political change could come together. 4. constitution offered way to bprad political involvement with division of political authority. 5. religious diversity. a. Religious diversity ionevitable: i. No state religion, constition prohibita it, religiously diverse immigrants. b. Conflict between Puritanism [stress on fasith, hard work] and catholic church devotion to sacraments, religious authority]. 6. no established religion, but strong influences from Protestantism and Puritanism. a. Encouraged/required like of personal achievement, religious conviction i. Work, make money, obey law, do good b. Churches were sources of help for practice/developemtn of practicing civic & political skills. 7. aspects of culture preserved and trasfered by family unit, although it has eroded over time. a. also, mass media, friends, fashion, eaisure, entertainment b. family chcraceristics promote tought that all have rights to be protected & mny interest should be looked at before voting. B. The Culture War 1. almost all Americans coolectively hold certain elements in favor a. m,ost controversial issues: i. abortion, gay rights, drug use, school prayer, pornography. b. Two cultural classes fighting over values. i. Orthodox. Morality is as important or more than self-expfression. Morality comes strauight from god or laws of nature. Do not change and independent of personal likeing. M,ost conspicuous: fundamentalist Protestants, evangelical christinas Strong view about drugs, pornography, sexual morality. ii. Progressive. Personal freedom is as or more important than morality. Traditional moral to be evaluated with respect to circumstances. Depend on personal linking, can change. Liberal Protestantism and people w/ no strong religious beliefs Most donot regard secularism as part of main ideology. c. Supreme court ruled no state sponsored religion in school. 2. two views on culture war. a. Morris fiorina politically, culture war is a myth; most Americans just take uo a middle position b. LAALN ABRAMOWITZ more and more people choose party affiliations on basisi of partys position on key affairs. i. More public is politically involved, V.

MISTRUST

OF

A. Intro 1. people distrustful of political authorities, not system. a. More supportive than other euros of their country. b. Striking decline in faith in leaders. i. 1960s Vietnam war.
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GOVERNMENT

AP Government

Chapter 4: American Political Culture

ii. Watergate and president Nixon iii. 1990s clintopn almosty impeachmet iv. bushs un;liked iraq war. c. Maybe we were too high before. i. Nobody expected much from federal government. 1960s, 1970s: domestic turmil, urban ruiots, civil rights, Vietnam, economic inflation, nvroment about B. Civil Society 1. distrust of government contributes to toles ofo civil society, collectin of private, voluntary groupd, independent of govt and commercial high school 2. Americans likely to join voluntary groups to learn cooperation, community service, social capital [connetion peope have with each at her] 3. Robert Putnam says the more social capital, the higher the trsut betweem members. i. Worried about social capital people less likely to join volunteerships. But... Americans still do more than other democracies. Civic health has recently inclined In ethnically, racuilly different coutries. We hunker down VI.

POLITICAL TOLERANCE
A. Intro 1. democracy reliant on people tolerance of ideas and actions otherwise it would fail. a. Does not mandate perfect tolerance. i. Just let there be discussion of ideas, selectin of rulers in oppression-free sone. 2. concretely, Americans not tolerant of some group. If we do not like some groups, how do they survive? We dont act on our beliefs. Some say political officehoders are more tolerant We want to deny some group of rights, but not sure which one. Courts are apart from public opinion, can act against major sentitments Political liberty should not be take fo granted. Liberty muit be learned and oprotected.

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