Political Culture

Three levels of Political Culture

• 1. The political system - how people view the values and organizations that comprise the political system.

• 2. Process – expectations of the political rules and decision-making methods, and individuals’ relationship to the government.

• Policy – publics’ policy expectations.

System Level

• A political system must have the support of its citizen if it is to endure.

• National Pride – feelings of national pride are an affective and emotional tie to a political system.

• Seems strongest in nations with long histories that have emphasized feelings of patriotism.

• Ex. U.S.

• National identity – nationalism – common identity – can be fostered by a common religion and common language – common ethnicity.

• Legitimacy of government – may occur for different reasons. - traditional society may come from inheriting the throne or

a rulers commitment to religious customs. - In a modern society it may depend on selection of leaders

by voters in free elections and following a constitution. • at all levels it involves an understanding between the people

and the political authorities.

Process Level

• What are the publics expectations of the political process?

• What is your role as a citizen?• What rights and responsibilities do you have?• Why are developing nations less likely to have

an involved citizenship?• What can develop the cultural base of active

citizenship? What is this process called?

Policy Level

• Influenced by the public’s images of a good society and government’s role in achieving the goals.

• Should government manage economy or should private property rights and market forces do that?

• What role does the developmental stage of a country play in this expectation?

• What specific issues does a country have?

• What policies are concerns of all countries?• What are the expectations for functioning of

government? • Are outputs more important or the process of

government itself?