Mp contemporary american and exceptionalism 1 2
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The British Legacy Principles of American Democracy American Political Values Political Values and a Divided Electorate Political Values in a Multicultural Society 1
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America Land of the Free? Lecture 2 with audio
Transcript of Mp contemporary american and exceptionalism 1 2
The British Legacy
Principles of American Democracy
American Political Values
Political Values and a Divided Electorate
Political Values in a Multicultural Society
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Introduction
An awareness of the importance and contested nature of the federal structure of government in the US is vital if we are to understand the ways in which public policy is made and implemented there.
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The British Legacy
In writing the U.S. Constitution, the framers incorporated two basic principles of government that had evolved in England:
Limited government
Representative government
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Principles of American Democracy
We can say that American democracy is based on five fundamental principles:
Equality in voting
Individual freedom
Equal protection of the law
Majority rule and minority rights
Voluntary consent to be governed
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American Political ValuesFrom its beginnings, America has been defined by a set of ideas, or its political culture—a patterned set of ideas, values, and ways of thinking about government and politics.
The political values outlined in the Declaration of Independence include natural rights (to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness), equality under the law, government by the consent of the governed, and limited government powers.
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OriginsFramers of the constitution heavily influenced by ideas from ‘antiquity’ or classical civilization.
Founders’ main priority was to clarify what government could NOT do, rather than what it could. This can lead to problems of interpretation, as we will see.
Federalism is derived from the Latin: Foedus –pact / agreement.
Powers shared between state and federal government OR
Implying a distinct boundary between the roles and powers of the states an the federal government?
Political Values and a Divided Electorate
Differences among Americans in interpreting political values underlie the division between the Republican and Democratic parties.
Voters are split right down the middle
The war in Iraq gave Democrats control of Congress in 2004
Economic crisis in 2008 gave Democrats a large margin, but in 2010 Republicans took control of the House and many state legislatures.
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Political Values in a Multicultural Society
• One of the outgrowths of the civil rights movement of the 1960s, however, was an emphasis on multiculturalism, the belief that the many cultures that make up American society should remain distinct and be protected by our laws.
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AMERICAN DEMOCRACY
American Political Ideology
The Traditional Political Spectrum
Beyond Conservatism and Liberalism
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American Political Ideology
Americans tend to fall into two broad political camps: liberals and conservatives.
Liberal has been used to refer to someone who advocates change, new philosophies, and new ideas.
Conservative has been described as a person who values past customs and traditions that have proved their value over time.
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American Political Ideology—Conservatism
Modern American conservatism values capitalism that is free from government control or regulation.
• FDR’s New Deal programs (1930/40s) involved the government in the economy to a greater degree than ever before.
The conservative movement in the 1950’s and 1960’s was clearly ideological.
Conservatism today places a high value on individual responsibility for economic circumstances as well as family values and patriotism.
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American Political Ideology—Liberalism
Modern liberalism in the United States took its form during the Johnson (took over after the JFK assassination) administration of the 1960’s.
Liberals argue that big government is a necessary tool for promoting common welfare.
Support for minority rights became an integral part of liberal ideology.
Strongly favor the separation of church and state.
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The Traditional Political Spectrum
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Beyond Conservatism and Liberalism
Economic Progressives or Social Conservatives
Some people favor government intervention to promote economic “fairness” and moral values.
Low income people frequently fall into this category
Romney’s 47%?
Many Americans do not fit into the traditional spectrum
Socially progressive but fiscally conservative
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Understanding the SystemAn appreciation of the federal nature of US government and politics is essential.
Federalism has an ambiguous constitutional basis that is constantly reinterpreted by the Supreme Court and the Activities of Congress.
Many historical and current debates in US politics have a federal component.
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American Exceptionalism
Democracy in America
moral superiority v crude propaganda
American View
World View
So who is right?
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The Supporting ArgumentsNational and Political Culture
Unique founding principles
checks and balances
No “tyranny of the majority”
Really?
American political rights
Opportunity based on ability
Religious tolerance
Frontier spirit
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Arguments AgainstHistory of US
Slavery
Segregation
Major social and economic divisions
Similarities between America and other countries
High incarceration rate of Blacks/minorities
Death Penalty/Executions
Lack of basic healthcare
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Seymour Martin Lipset
"Americans do not feel obligations, other than familial, if these conflict with the requirements of efficiency or income. They are more disposed than other people to expect individuals to do their best for themselves, not for others."
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An American Theme
‘There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.’
Bill Clinton (inaugural address 20 January 1993)
‘A shining city on a hill...’ (Ronald Reagan inaugural, 20 January 1981)
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Still the case:‘In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we
understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labour, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.’
- Barack Obama, inaugural address, 20 January 2009.
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Politics on the Web• www.usa.gov
• www.thisnation.com
• www.newspapers.com
• www.cnn.com/POLITICS
• www.cdt.org
• People-press.org
• www.library.yale.edu/socsci
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