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Norms and Values in Politics and Society: American Politics and Political Culture

Leon Foster

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Published in Rational Lives: Norms And Values In Politics And Society (American Politics And Political Economy Series)

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Norms and values are fundamental to any society, and they play a particularly important role in politics. Norms are the unwritten rules that govern how people behave in society, while values are the shared beliefs and principles that guide our actions. In politics, norms and values shape everything from the way candidates campaign to the way laws are made. They influence the behavior of politicians, the expectations of citizens, and the functioning of political institutions.

Rational Lives: Norms and Values in Politics and Society (American Politics and Political Economy Series)

by Dennis Chong

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Shared Beliefs and Expectations

One of the most important norms in American politics is the belief in democracy. Americans believe that the government should be of the people, by the people, and for the people. This belief is reflected in the way that our government is structured, with its checks and balances and its emphasis on popular sovereignty. Another important norm is the belief in individual rights. Americans believe that everyone has certain fundamental rights, such as the right to free speech, the right to bear arms, and the right to a fair trial. These rights are protected by the Constitution, and they are considered to be essential to a free and democratic society.

In addition to these shared beliefs, Americans also have certain expectations about how politicians should behave. We expect our politicians to be honest, ethical, and responsive to the needs of their constituents. We also expect them to work together to find solutions to the challenges facing our country. When politicians violate these expectations, they can lose the trust of the public and damage their careers.

The Role of Political Institutions

Political institutions play a crucial role in shaping and reinforcing political norms and values. The Constitution, for example, establishes the basic principles of our government and sets out the rights and responsibilities of citizens. The courts interpret the Constitution and enforce the laws, while the legislature makes the laws and the executive branch carries them out. These institutions work together to create a system of checks and balances that helps to ensure that no one branch of government becomes too powerful.

Political parties also play an important role in shaping political norms and values. Parties provide a way for like-minded people to organize and work together to achieve their goals. They develop platforms that outline their positions on the issues, and they recruit and support candidates who share their views. Parties also help to socialize new members into the political system and to teach them about the norms and values of the party.

The Influence of Media and Public Opinion

The media and public opinion also play an important role in shaping political norms and values. The media can influence public opinion by the way it frames the news and by the stories it chooses to cover. Public opinion, in turn, can influence the behavior of politicians. Politicians are aware of the importance of public opinion, and they often tailor their messages and their policies to appeal to the voters.

In recent years, the rise of social media has given everyone a platform to express their opinions and to share information. This has led to a more fragmented media landscape and has made it more difficult for politicians to control the message. However, social media can also be a powerful tool for political mobilization and for holding politicians accountable.

Challenges and Tensions

Maintaining political norms and values in a changing society can be a challenge. As society evolves, so too do our values and beliefs. This can lead to tensions between different groups in society and can make it difficult to find common ground. For example, the rise of identity politics has led to a greater focus on the interests of particular groups, such as women, minorities, and LGBTQ people. This has sometimes led to conflict with those who believe that the government should be focused on the needs of all citizens, regardless of their race, gender, or sexual orientation.

Another challenge to political norms and values is the growing polarization of American politics. In recent years, the two major political parties have become increasingly divided on a wide range of issues. This polarization has made it more difficult for politicians to find common ground and to work together to solve the challenges facing the country. It has also led to a decline in civility in political discourse and has made it more difficult for citizens to have productive conversations about politics.

Norms and values are essential to any society, and they play a particularly important role in politics. They shape the way that we think about politics, the way that we behave, and the way that our government functions. Maintaining political norms and values in a changing society can be a challenge, but it is essential to the health of our democracy.

Rational Lives: Norms and Values in Politics and Society (American Politics and Political Economy Series)

by Dennis Chong

5 out of 5