Question 1

Americans share the basic beliefs that comprise American political culture yet disagree on many issues along lines of class, gender, race, and religion.Take two basic American beliefs (e.g., democracy, individualism, equality, community)and show how each can be interpreted differently depending on one's identity.

Accepted Answer

One basic American belief is democracy. While all Americans may agree on the importance of democracy, individuals from different class backgrounds may interpret this belief differently. For example, someone from a lower socioeconomic class may see democracy as a way to empower the working class and ensure equal representation for all, while someone from a higher socioeconomic class may see democracy as a way to protect their own interests and maintain the status quo.

Another basic American belief is individualism. While all Americans may value individualism, individuals of different races may interpret this belief differently. For example, a white American may see individualism as the freedom to pursue their own goals and ambitions without interference, while a person of color may see individualism as a way to break free from systemic oppression and achieve equal opportunities.

Overall, while Americans may share basic beliefs, their interpretations of these beliefs can vary greatly depending on their identity and lived experiences. This can lead to disagreements on many issues along lines of class, gender, race, and religion within American political culture.

Question 2

Explain the differences between liberal and conservative ideologies.Do you think "liberalism" and "conservatism" are accurate labels for the belief systems of contemporary Americans? What other ways of understanding American ideologies might be more useful?

Accepted Answer

Liberal and conservative ideologies are two distinct belief systems that shape the political and social views of individuals.

Liberalism generally advocates for government intervention in the economy to address social inequality, support for civil rights and liberties, and a more progressive approach to social issues. Conservatives, on the other hand, tend to prioritize individual freedom, limited government intervention in the economy, and traditional values and social norms.

In the context of contemporary American politics, the labels of "liberalism" and "conservatism" may not fully capture the complexity of individuals' beliefs. Many Americans hold a mix of liberal and conservative views on different issues, and may not neatly fit into one category or the other. Additionally, the political landscape is constantly evolving, and new ideologies and belief systems continue to emerge.

One way to understand American ideologies more accurately might be to focus on specific policy issues rather than broad labels. For example, instead of labeling someone as a "liberal" or "conservative," it may be more useful to discuss their views on specific topics such as healthcare, immigration, or environmental policy. This approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of individuals' beliefs and avoids oversimplifying complex political ideologies. Additionally, understanding the historical and cultural context that shapes individuals' beliefs can provide a more comprehensive understanding of American ideologies.

Question 3

What are generational effects?

Accepted Answer

Students' answers may vary.
Generational effects are the idea that public opinion is shaped primarily by the collective experience of particular generations in their early adulthood; this concept suggests that distinctive ideas of politics came from the generation that fought World War II, that lived through the Vietnam War, and that experienced the "postmodern" politics of the 1980s.

Question 4

What are the differences between liberalism and conservatism?

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Question 5

Who called public opinion a great beast?

Accepted Answer

Alexander Hamilton referred to public opinion as a "great beast" in his political writings, highlighting his concern over the sway of public sentiment in politics and governance.

Question 6

Explain the process of political socialization.Which agents have the most impact and which are the most important? What do young people today look like given their context?

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Question 7

What is democratic elitism?

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Question 8

Explain the views of public opinion from elite democrats and popular democrats.Make an argument whether the public is as ignorant and irrational as the elite believe.

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Question 9

What are the agents of political socialization?

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Question 10

Explain the two alternative ideologies: populism and communitarianism.

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Question 11

What is the difference between equality of condition and equality of opportunity?

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Question 12

In speaking about equality, Americans usually mean

Accepted Answer

Equality of opportunity is a core aspect of what Americans typically mean when they discuss equality. It emphasizes the idea that everyone should have the same chance to succeed, without guaranteeing equal outcomes.

Question 13

What is public opinion?

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Question 14

Explain the importance of the gender gap.

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Question 15

For elite democrats, public opinion

Accepted Answer

Elite democrats often believe that the general public lacks the necessary information and rationality to make informed decisions, so public opinion should not heavily influence policy-making.

Question 16

Hamilton said public opinion is capricious and

Accepted Answer

Hamilton believed that public opinion is subject to breezes of passion, meaning it can be easily swayed by emotions and is not always stable or rational.

Question 17

Philosopher John Dewey argued

Accepted Answer

John Dewey believed in the importance of communication and community for the formation of public opinion. He argued that democracy thrives when citizens engage in conversation and deliberation with one another, which helps in forming a strong and informed public opinion. This contrasts with views that see the public as either already sufficiently informed or as a passive entity. Dewey's emphasis was on the participatory aspect of democracy and the critical role of public discourse.

Question 18

What is ideology?

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Question 19

Public tolerance for advocates of unpopular ideas is often lower than its belief in civil liberties.Choose a couple of unpopular ideas and explain how the public is tolerant of their rights.

Accepted Answer

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Question 20

Explain political culture.

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 5: Public Opinion and Political Culture Can the People Be Fooled