U.S. Political Culture

1
U.S. Political Culture

• Mark Stephan
• Political Behavior
• PS 417

2
Todays Class

• U.S. Political Culture
• Necessary Components of a Democracy
• Our basic political beliefs
• Minimum needs in order to maintain a democracy

3
Backdrop

• National Election Study going back to the 1950s
• Survey data
• More next week, including talking a bit about
  research methods
• Late 20th century analyses

4
Representative Government

• Consent of the governed
• Control over those who govern
• What kind of elections?
• What is political culture?

5
Our Basic Beliefs

• American Creed
• Freedom, equality, individualism
• Politics or Economics?
• Goals versus Procedures?
• Elites and masses
• Is mass commitment necessary?

6
Our Basic Beliefs (continued)

• American Pride
• Belief in institutions vs. individuals
• Trust in government?
• Appropriate role for citizens
• Political Socialization

7
In the News.

• Iraq elections coming up in a couple of weeks
  why such a big deal to the US?
• Gregoire is now governor but only after some
  on-going controversies about the electoral
  process in WA

8
Maintaining Democracy

• Broad belief in democracy
• Belief in leaders
• Beliefs of leaders
• Distrust and high expectations?
• The turn to violence..
• Undemocratic leaders could they arise in this
  country?

9
First Brief Paper

• Handout read
• Discussion.