Elazar, a political scientist, broke down states problem solving into three subcultures; Individualistic, Moralistic and Traditionalistic. All policies are to fall under one of these categories. Each subculture has significant differences in views on government, political leaders and duties of the average citizen. Elazar believed that each state handles their policies different based on their culture and history. These subcultures can be closely examined when looking at each policy or law passed individually. These subcultures can be taken from many viewpoints from globally all the way to locally. In most cases, they're examined from a state prospective, and how a state passes such policies and laws based on the beliefs throughout history.
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Individualistic cultures rely on the marketplace to thrive. The fact that the government is .
limited, helps keep the market fluctuating properly. Views on leadership in this culture are very self-centered and politicians run for political prowess, and dominance as a personal promotion. Corruption in an individualistic society is considered tolerable because politics are known to be dirty. Elections in this type of society are cultivated and construed towards the gaining of the desired position, rather than the issues it incorporates. This culture is aggressively opposed to government intervention. Personal ambition is what pushes this idea.
A policy that is supported by the individualistic idea would be the support and protection of small businesses. For example, there's insurance established to protect small businesses from larger corporations and law suits. These are set up to draw interest away from large business and keep the economic flow local. Texas as well as other states do this in faith of personal initiative and self-drive. The state sets up many laws and policies as a double standard with many exceptions benefiting smaller business. In an individualistic society it is empowered by people who are constantly looking for an upper-hand.
