Notes for 9-24

Notes for 9-24

Political culture is a set of widely shared beliefs, values, and norms concerning the ways that political and economic life ought to be carried out. It defines the relationship of citizens to gov't, to one another, and to the economy.

The American political culture may share beliefs, values, and norms, with those of other countries, but the sum and configuration of each political culture is unique. A conflictual political culture is one in which different groups clash with opposing beliefs and values; a consensual political cutlure experiences less conflicts.

Values that have shaped American political culture: liberty, equality, individualism, democracy, rule of law, and civic duty.

Values can change over time. A recent trend is mistrust in gov't. Has declined since mid 1960s and the trend is persisting into the 21st century with Americans in record numbers expressing disgust with politics. Drop in political efficacy, a citizen's capacity to understand and influence political events.
It has 2 parts: internalis the ability to understand and influence political events. External is belief of individual gov't will respond to his/her personal needs or beliefs. Americans ar more likely to participate than Europeans.

Public opinion is the collective attitude of the citizens on a given issue or question. Opinion polling- involves interviewing a sample of citizens to estimate public opinion as a whole. Is a reliable way to measure public opinion.

Characteristics of contemporary relationship between gov't policy and gov't opinion:
1) Public's attitudes towards a gov't policy can vary dramatically
2) Public opinion places boundaries on allowable types of public policies.
3) If asked by pollsters, we are willing to register opinions on matters outside their expertise.
4) Gov't tends to respond to public opinion
5) Gov't sometimes doesnt want what people want.