American

1
Chapter 4

• American
• Political Culture

2
Political Culture

• Definition a distinctive and patterned way of
  thinking about how political and economic life
  out to be carried out.
• So, how should our govt carry on politically and
  economically?

3
Our Political System

• The duties of our govt should be carried out
  according to the following elements
• Liberty
• Democracy
• Equality
• Civic duty
• Has the govt successfully carried out these four
  elements?
• Has the US experienced political conflict? When?

4
Economic System

• Americans support free enterprise but want limits
  on the marketplaceWhy?
• Americans prefer quality of opportunity to
  equality of resultExplain.
• Americans have a shared commitment to economic
  individualism and self-relianceHuh???

5
Role of Religion

• Americans are highly religious
• Religion has driven our politics
• Liberals and conservatives use religion to
  promote political change
• Are these statements true? Explain.

6
Sources of our Political Thinking

• Revolution
• Distrust of authority
• Political parties
• Religious diversity
• Family values
• Class distinctions
• Technology
• Which factor listed above has the most influence
  on our political thinking? Explain.

7
Do we Mistrust our Govt?

• Do we? Explain.
• Since 1950, the majority say yesWhy?
• Vietnam
• Watergate
• Clinton
• 911
• Housing bust
• Remember, distrust of our officials does not
  necessarily mean distrust of our govt.

8

• Questions
• What is the biggest factor that shapes your
  political thinking? Explain.
• What is the biggest factor that shapes public
  opinion? Explain.
• Are interest groups good or bad for the American
  government? Explain.