The American political culture centers on a set of core ideals--liberty, equality, diversity, self-government, and individualism--that serve as the people's common bond. These mythic principles have a substantial influence on what Americans will regard as reasonable and acceptable, and on what they will try to achieve.
Politics is the process that determines how a society will be governed. The play of politics in the United States takes place within the context of democratic procedures, constitutionalism, and capitalism, and involves elements of majority, pluralist, and elite rule.
Politics in the United States is characterized by a number of major patterns, including an enduring set of cultural ideals, a highly fragmented governing system, a high degree of pluralism, an extraordinary emphasis on individual rights, and a pronounced seperation of the political and economic spheres.
The United States is a nation that was formed on a set of ideals that include liberty, equaliy, self-government, individualism, unity, and diversity. These ideals were rooted in the country's European heritage, and early America's vast open lands and abundant natural resources influenced their growth. They became America's common bond and today are the basis of their political culture. Although they are mythic, inexact, and conflicting, these ideals have had a powerful effect on what generation after generation of Americans has tried to achieve politically for themselves and others.
Politics is the process by which society determines whose values will prevail. The basis of politics is conflict over scarce resources and competing values. Those who have power win out in this conflict and are able to control governing authority and policy choices. The related question as to who governs America can be connected to the theories of majoritarianism, pluralism, or elitism.
The play of politics in the United States takes place through rules of the game that include democracy, constitutionalism, and capitalism.