4.1 American Attitudes About Government and Politics
Citizen beliefs about government are shaped by the intersection of demographics, political culture, and dynamic social change.
Explain the relationship between core beliefs of U.S. citizens and attitudes about the role of government.
Different interpretations of core values, including individualism, equality of opportunity, free enterprise, rule of law, and limited government, affect the relationship between citizens and the federal government and that citizens have with each other.
Foundational Equality / Formal Equality
Case study : Liberty and vaccine passports
Freedom is a fundamental principle of American identity, centered on the idea of individual liberty. This concept emphasizes ‘negative liberty,’ where freedom means being free from interference rather than having the means to achieve specific goals. The main focus is on unrestricted behavior in both economic and social contexts. There is a strong belief against government involvement in personal freedoms, which includes the right to express one’s opinions, regardless of how offensive, and the right to own firearms, no matter how dangerous.
Equality is also a core value, asserting that every person is born equal. This does not imply that everyone is equal in wealth, status, or abilities, but rather that no one should receive special treatment based on their family background, class, religion, or race. Many Americans oppose the idea of a royal family, believing instead that all individuals should be treated equally under the law. While in practice this may vary, the ideal is that everyone has the opportunity to succeed based on their own efforts, which reflects a unique blend of socialism and capitalism.
Individualism emphasizes that everyone should have the freedom to act according to their own beliefs and to shape their own futures without outside interference, unless necessary to protect others' rights. Achievements are viewed as a result of personal effort, and shortcomings in social or economic advancement are often seen as personal failings rather than issues within society or specific circumstances. The historical influence of Protestantism has significantly shaped a strong cultural work ethic, supported by stories of anyone being able to rise to significant positions, regardless of their background.
Liberalism values liberty over authority, ensuring that individuals and minority groups are safeguarded from the dominance of the majority. Certain rights protect aspects of life from government intrusion, ensuring that the government remains limited and not tyrannical.
Democracy is another essential element, as Americans reject arbitrary or royal rule. Instead, governance is meant to be “of the people, by the people, and for the people,” as stated by Abraham Lincoln. Power ultimately rests on the consent of the governed, who have the right to withdraw that consent and hold their leaders accountable through free and fair elections.
The belief in property rights supports a strong commitment to market capitalism, which is regulated but not completely unrestricted. Without private property, protected by the rule of law, individual freedom cannot exist.
Lastly, constitutionalism ensures that government power is limited by fundamental laws that stem from a higher authority. The US Constitution serves as the foundation of democracy, setting boundaries on government power and providing a framework for holding public officials and policies accountable.
A significant result of this intense belief in American ideals is the deep division in U.S. politics. Many Europeans are confused by the heated disagreements among Americans, especially since the issues seem relatively minor. However, this intensity arises because Americans view their beliefs about American identity as integral to their citizenship. For them, differing opinions are not just political disagreements; they represent a challenge to national identity. There is no separation between political beliefs, such as socialism or nationalism. Instead, they are interconnected. As President Clinton expressed in his 1993 inaugural speech, the solution to America's problems lies in its fundamental values. Yet, what constitutes those values is often a source of disagreement among Americans. Thus, they are among the most ideologically driven people globally. Unlike the indoctrination seen in communist or theocratic regimes, Americans engage in a daily, almost religious appreciation of their country and its core values, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Each year, millions flock to Washington DC to see iconic sites like the Capitol Dome, the White House, and the monuments dedicated to Lincoln and Jefferson.
Polarisation is dividing America State by State
