Unpacking the Concept of Political Culture: A Definition and its Relevance to AP Gov

Unpacking the Concept of Political Culture: A Definition and its Relevance to AP Gov

Politics has always been an inherent part of human life. It governs us, directs us and impacts our lives to a great extent. However, the political systems in different countries vary greatly, and the reason behind these differences can be attributed to the concept of political culture. This article will delve deeper into the concept of political culture, its definition, and relevance to AP Gov.

Introduction

The term political culture was first coined by Gabriel Almond and Sidney Verba, who conducted a study on political culture in five different countries. Political culture refers to the collective attitudes, values, beliefs, and behaviors of a society towards politics and the government. The political culture of a country is shaped by various factors such as its history, social structure, traditions, religion, and economic development.

Definition of Political Culture

Political culture can be defined as a set of attitudes, values, and beliefs that shape the way a society perceives and interacts with the political system. The political culture of a country is deeply ingrained and can be passed on from generation to generation. The political culture of a country influences the way people participate in the political process, the level of trust they have in the government, and their expectations from the government.

Types of Political Culture

There are different types of political culture, but the three most commonly observed types are:

1. Parochial Political Culture – In countries with a parochial political culture, people have very low levels of political awareness and are not interested in politics. They have limited expectations from the government and rely heavily on personal relationships and informal networks.

2. Subject Political Culture – Countries with a subject political culture have high levels of political awareness but limited participation. People have expectations from the government but do not take an active part in the political process.

3. Participant Political Culture – In countries with a participant political culture, people have high levels of political awareness and are actively involved in the political process. They play an active role in decision-making and hold the government accountable.

Relevance of Political Culture in AP Gov

The concept of political culture is of great relevance to AP Gov. The AP Gov course aims to provide students with an understanding of the American political system. A thorough understanding of the political culture of the United States is crucial in achieving this objective. The political culture of the United States is characterized by a strong emphasis on individualism and self-reliance. Americans value personal freedom and are wary of big government.

Conclusion

Political culture is an important concept that helps us understand the way a society perceives and interacts with politics and government. The political culture of a country influences the political system and the way people participate in the political process. Understanding the concept of political culture is crucial in achieving a deeper understanding of the political system of a country. In the case of AP Gov, an understanding of political culture is key to achieving the course’s objectives.

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