Political culture and ideology

1. Chapter 4 AP US Government and Politics Mrs. Papish Political culture and ideology

2. Shared Values • Classic Liberalism-stresses the importance of the individual, freedom, equality, private property, limited government and popular consent

3. American Political Culture • Liberty • Equality • Individualism • Power to the people • Democratic consensus • Justice and the rule of law • Nationalism, optimism, and idealism

4. Liberty • Most revered value

5. Equality • Social Equality-no titles, no nobility “We hold these truths to be self-evident that…” • Political Equality-right to equal protection under the law, equal voting power-GOAL not reality • Equal Opportunity-background should not limit one in regards to improving econ status

6. Individualism • Citizens have rights and responsibilities • Concern for preserving individual freedom of choice

7. Democracy Democratic Consensus-as to government and the Constitution • Majority Rule-minority rights • Two-party system and regular elections • Popular sovereignty-power to govern Where do Americans differ…over what certain constitutional provisions require or over the precise meaning of the framers’ original intent

8. Justice by the Rule of Law • Government based on a body of law applied equally and by just procedures

9. Nationalism • Optimism and idealism—our nation is better, stronger and more virtuous than others

10. Political and Economic Change • Industrial transformation from agrarian to industrial • Consequence? Inequality in dist. of wealth- Robber barons • Led to different opinions in politics • Monopolies led to unsafe work conditions and anti-trust leg. • Americans believed gov should “promote the general welfare” by regulating business

11. Great Depression and New Deal ~Turned to gov to improve conditions for jobless and homeless ~Today, most support semi-regulated or mixed free enterprise system ~Second Bill of Rights called for economic security and independence ~Civil and voting rights legislation & war on poverty defined ideological and political fights of last century

12. The American Dream • A complex set of ideas about the economy and its relation to individuals; it speaks to our most deeply held hopes and goals. • The U.S. is the “Land of Opportunity” • Endorsement of capitalism • Recurring issues-tax fairness • Conflict between those who value competitive economy and egalitarian society

13. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Second Bill of Rights” • The right to a useful and remunerative job • The right to affordable food, clothing, and recreation • The right of every farmer to earn a livable income • The right of every business[person] to trade in a monopoly free environment

14. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Second Bill of Right” – con’t. • The right of every family to a decent home • The right to affordable and adequate medical care • The right to adequate protection from the economic fears of old age, sickness, accident, and unemployment • The right to a good education

15. Political Ideologies • Liberalism • Socialism • Conservatism • Environmentalism • Libertarianism

16. Liberalism • Classic liberalism of 19th Century-min. gov. involvement • Modern Liberalism- • ~Support for government sponsored social programs • ~Support for government intervention in economy • ~Opposition to government interference with personal morals or activities • ~Opposition to expansion of the military

17. New Types of Liberalism • ~New Deal Liberals • ~Social Liberals-Peace Liberals • ~Neoliberals-lost faith in welfare programs

18. Conservatism ~Opposition to government intervention in the economy…Pro-business ~Opposition to government sponsored social programs ~Favors dispersing power broadly to avoid concentration of power at the national level ~Support for a strong military ~Belief in a free-enterprise system with property rights

19. Conservatism ~Support use of military force as a means to an ends ~Support balanced budget ~Support limited taxation

20. New Right • 1980’s strong desire to impose social controls • Christian coalition of 90”s • Neo Cons-Left the Democratic party over busing, Vietnam issues, support intervention in Iraq both times and still do in our involvement in Afghanistan

21. Socialism • DIVISIONS • Democratic Socialism-Great Britain, Germany, France, Scandinavian nations ~Support democratic system ~Gov reg and ownership of major industries ~Support for production and distribution of goods and services ~Support for gov planning to protect citizens’ welfare

22. Socialism, contin… • Totalitarian socialism-same as communism such a People’s Republic of China • Beliefs • Support for revolution against existing systems • Gov regulation and ownership of industry • Support for gov planning to protect citizens’ welfare and interests

23. Libertarianism • Ideology that cherishes individual liberty and sharply limited gov • Preaches opposition to gov and just about all programs • Opposes all government regulation

24. Environmentalism • “Green movement” –taken hold in parts of Europe. • U.S. Green party stresses social justice, diversity, gentler farming techniques, energy efficiency, integrity of nature • 2000-Ralph Nader won 3% of popular vote in the Presidential election

25. Criticisms of Liberals • Too much reliance on governmental solutions • Forgets government has to be limited • Big government tends to dictate • Too many controls and too much taxation

26. Criticisms of Conservatives • Gov seen as counter productive and inconsistent • Critics argue conservatives have selective opposition to big government • Gov spending grew during all Rep administrations since the 80’s • Insensitive to social needs • Too much faith in the market • Failure to acknowledge and endorse policies dealing with racism and sexism

27. Where do attitudes about the role of government come from? • Family • Schools • Media • Workplace • Religious or political activities

28. Americans and Political Ideology • More Conservatives than liberals • Fewer extreme liberals or conservatives, most in the middle • Ideological Views • Provides a lens through which to view politics • Americans don’t always fit either ideology • Attitudes toward issues are inconsistant • Most Americans distrust big business more than big government