Chapter 2- American Society

and Its Values

Social Institutions

•Socialization- the process of learning how to participate in a group

•Social institutions- systems of values and rules that determine how our society is organized

5 Social Institutions 1. Economy- meets wants and needs by providing

a system for producing and distributing goods and services

2. Family- most basic institution, meets physical needs by providing needed materials

3. Education- helps individuals fit into our society4. Religion- fosters community, belonging, brings

values, and meets important emotional needs 5. Government- meets a society’s need for law

and order, security, and public services

Characteristics of our Economy

•Consumer- a person who uses, or consumes, goods and services to satisfy his or her wants

•Market- place where people exchange good or services

•Price- the amount you must pay for a good or service in a market

•Money- is anything which is generally accepted as payment for a good or a service

American Economic Freedoms

1.Freedom to buy and sell2.Freedom to compete3.Freedom to own property4.Freedom to choose an

occupation5.Freedom to make a profit

The Role of Government•Keeping the Peace•Protecting the Country•Providing Necessary Services

•Maintaining Other Institutions

Forms of Government

•Monarchy- a form of government in which all or most of the power is in the hands of one individual, the monarch

•Dictatorship- a government controlled by one person, called a dictator

•Democracy- a government in where the power is shared by all the people

Political Socialization •Patriotism- is the demonstration of love

and devotion to one’s county•Political socialization- the process of

learning how to behave politically