American  Political Culture and Philosophy
Abbreviated lecture on F&P Ch. 4
Overview
Importance of waves of immigration and ethnic groupings
American Philosophy
Why?

Immigration
Waves of immigration from various regions
1920s—laws favored Northern & Western Europeans
1965—Quotas relaxed to raise diversity of immigrants

Political culture
Vague and somewhat amorphous term
Usually defined as 'widely shared political beliefs and values'

American PC: Classical liberalism
Classical liberalism
1.  Individuals have basic rights that government may not violate
2.  Equality under law
3.  Government should be limited to protect individuals
4.  Government exists to serve needs of individuals

Individualism and the Common Good
Classical liberalism emphasizes the individual—but society is important too
Adam Smith: "invisible hand" of the marketplace lifts the welfare of all

Political Socialization
Socialization: how children learn about politics and policy
American socialization: mostly disorganized, unsystematic
General themes of individualism and personal effort are emphasized in many contexts

Individualism in Folklore
Daniel Boone was a man, he was a big man. (1734-1820)
Kentucky battles with Shawnee 1774-1787
Kidnapped!
Son, brother killed
Led several attacks on Indians
Mass Marketed Legend

Legendary Individuals
Davy Crockett: Died at the Alamo, 1836

American Individualism
Survey data does show differences between US and other Countries
U.S.: Lower levels of support for statements about government obligations to citizens.
Americans are more optimistic about individual chances
Americans "want freedom to achieve"