28 Chapter 1 | Understanding American PoliticsSources of conflict in
American politics
Identify major sources of conflict in American politics.
(Pages 15–20)Summary
Although Americans generally agree on a free market system, there is
considerable conflict over how much the government should support
tax policies that redistribute wealth. Conflict also arises on cultural
grounds, pitting religious “red-state” Americans against the more sec-
ular “blue-state” Americans. There is also disagreement on the extent
to which racial, gender, and ethnic diversity should be celebrated or
minimized.Key terms
free market (p. 15)
redistributive tax policies (p. 15)
culture wars (p. 15)
ideology (p. 19)conservative (p. 19)
liberal (p. 19)
libertarians (p. 19)Practice Quiz Questions
- Democrats tend to favor tax policies and are
inclined to regulate industry.
a redistributive; more
b conservative; more
c redistributive; less
d conservative; less
e regressive; less - Which issue is commonly associated with the culture wars?
a the national debt
b environmental regulation
c affirmative action
d the tax code
e same-sex marriage - An individual who opposes government social welfare
policy and supports the legalization of drugs is most likely a
.
a libertarian
b socialist
c Democrat
d Republican
e centrist
Resolving conflict: democracy
and American political values
Explain how the American values of democracy,
liberty, and equality work to resolve political conflict.
(Pages 20–24)Summary
Democracy, liberty, and equality are American political values that are
essential for understanding how conflict is resolved. Representative
democracies resolve conflict through elections rather than through
violence. Although liberty ensures that people will have the freedom
to express differing views, democracy is the best system for resolving
those conflicts. Political equality ensures that everyone is treated the
same before the law and that all votes are equal, and the equality of
opportunity means that every person has an equal chance to realize
his or her potential.Key terms
norms (p. 21)
democracy (p. 21)liberty (p. 21)
equality (p. 22)Practice Quiz Questions
- Which type of equality is not typically agreed upon in
American politics?
a equality of opportunity
b equality before the law
c political equality
d one person, one vote
e material equality (such as equal income) - What did James Madison argue was “worse than the disease”?
a giving too much power to state legislatures
b allowing people to have too much freedom, which would lead to
chaos
c giving up liberty to get rid of conflict
d allowing politicians to exercise their judgment rather than listen to
the people
e taking cod liver oil to treat various ailments
How to be a critical consumer
of politics
Understand how to interpret, evaluate, and use political
information. (Pages 24–25)Full_02_APT_64431_ch01_002-029.indd 28 16/11/18 1:36 PM