PowerPoint Presentation

Lost in the Universe

Political Culture: The Ideas That Unite Us!

Political culturea set of ideas, values and ways of thinking about government and politics that are widely shared in a society.

Belief in DemocracyElements of democracyPopular sovereignty: Ultimate political power (sovereignty) rests in the peopleMajority rule: Decisions ought to be made by the majority of society and / or its elected representatives

Elements of democracyThe Rule of Law:The public is NOT ruled according to the arbitrary whims of its leadersInstead, governed by laws created within the framework of a democratic process and within limits established by a Constitution

Elements of democracyThe Rule of Law:The laws apply to everyone, including government officialsThe laws are applied fairly and objectively to all regardless of race, gender, religion, etc.

Rule of Law Score (Source: The World Bank)

Anti-StatismState = governmentAnti- = againstAnti-statism: Preference for strict limits on government intervention into personal, social and economic affairsHistoryLong tradition of anti-statism ever since the American RevolutionBolstered by American tradition of individualism

Views of the Role of the Government (Source: Pew Center)

Attitudes Toward Government Responsibility(Source: World Values Survey)

Attitudes Toward Aid to the Unemployed(Source: World Values Survey)Attitudes Toward Government Taking the Rich to Redistribute Wealth to the Poor(Source: World Values Survey)

Tax as a Percentage of GDP[Source: Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)]

Average Total Government Spending as a Share of GDP, 2004 2007(Source: Center for American Progress)

Belief in CapitalismElements of capitalismRespect for private propertyLimited government intervention in economic activity (e.g. the buying and selling of goods)Individual freedom to enter into private contracts with little government intervention

Response to: Capitalism is the best system on which to base the future of the world(Source: Globescan and the Economist)

Attitudes Toward Private vs. Government Ownership of Business(Source: World Values Survey)

Belief in Civil LibertiesIncluding:Freedom of SpeechFreedom of ReligionSeparation of Church and StateRight to PrivacyRight to Due Process of Law

Belief in EqualityPolitical equality: All persons treated equally by the government (see 14th, 15th, 19th amendment)Social equality: All persons regardless of gender, race, disability, etc. treated equally in society

Response to: Men make better political leaders than women do(Source: World Values Survey)

Belief in EqualityEquality of OpportunityBelief that all Americans should have the same opportunity to succeed in life including economically. For example:Universal access to education, housing, etc.Best jobs for those who deserve them based on meritDoes NOT include belief that all Americans must be guaranteed success by the government

Response to: We should make every effort to improve the position of blacks and minorities, even if it means giving preferential treatment(Source: Pew Research Center)