Political Culture

• A nation’s way of thinking about politics and government (and economics) – NOT EVERYONE in country agrees– General statements/beliefs/values/ideas– Broad ideology

American Political Culture• STRONG POPULAR SUPPORT FOR:

– INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY (rights, freedoms)• LIMITED GOVERNMENT

– EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY– DEMOCRACY (accountability)– CIVIC DUTY (responsibilities of citizens)– RULE OF LAW– INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY– NOT ECONOMIC EQUALITY!!!!!!!

POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION

• Process by which political values are passed to the next generation

• SOCIALIZATION political culture

• SOURCES?

American Viewpoints

• Free speech and assembly– Majority agree in principle with those rights– In practice many are intolerant of views they

do not support

Changes in Political Culture

• Since 1950, trust in governmental institutions has declined in United States

• WHY? HISTORICAL EVENTS?