Summary of State Political Culture
Summary
Daniel Elazar’s theory argues, based on the cultural values of early immigrants who settled in different regions of the country, the United States is made up of three component cultures: individualistic, moralistic, and traditionalistic. Each culture views aspects of government and politics differently, particularly the nature and purpose of political competition and the role of citizen participation. Critics of the theory say the arrival of recent immigrants from other parts of the globe, the divide between urban and rural lifestyles in a particular state, and new patterns of diffusion and settlement across states and regions mean the theory is no longer an entirely accurate description of reality.
Glossary
moralistic political culture: a culture that views the government as a means to better society and promote the general welfare
traditionalistic political culture: a culture that views the government as necessary to maintaining the existing social order or the status quo
This lesson is part of:
American State and Local Governments