Today's Question: Given the diversity of America, what 'universal' values have come to define American political culture and tradition?
Vocabulary:
Alexis de Tocqueville
capitalism
civic duty
conflictual political culture
consensual political culture
core American values
Democracy in America
political culture
political efficacy
political tolerance
rugged individualism
rule of law
Introduction:
What defines us as Americans politically is a seemingly common political culture, a set of widely shared political beliefs and values. Those values and beliefs have significant roots in American history and the ideals of the founding era. But American political culture has evolved with history, adopting new traditions and norms that weren't originally a part of the American political fabric. The core American values, though generally defined since the beginning, have seen their meaning expanded and reaching more people as time progressed.
Activity:
Day 1 (following the Unit 1 FRQ exam). Click on the link "American Political Culture" below and read through the summary of the values that seem to have united us since America's inception. Using the chart (below), fill in the general description of each listed ideal.
Day 2 (following the Unit 1 multiple choice exam). Read the link "Political Culture in America" below. Then, using the information from this reading and your own insight and values, go back to the chart and evaluate the general meaning of America's political values in conjunction with what you see as the reality of such values today.
Assignment/Homework:
Day 1-
-Finish the left column of the chart began in class.
-Read Wilson & DiIulio (textbook), Chapter 4 (pp. 75-92) for further context and understanding.
-Begin creating your flashcards for Unit 2.
Day 2-
-Finish the right column of the chart began in class.
-Read the article "Political Culture is Diseased" (below) on one congressional candidate's take on the current political culture and discuss your thoughts in the relevant class discussion. Be sure to post in the blog labelled for your class (ex. Mod 2 or Mod 5)
Political Culture Is Diseased (PDF 114 KB)
Article from The News Leader, November 2011.
CHART - American Political Culture (DOC 34 KB)
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American Political Culture
Overview from ushistory.org
Political Culture in America
Focus on "Dilemmas of Equality" through "A Nation of Immigrants."