Delegation Resource Manual: Month by Month Implementation Guide
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35
YMCA PA Youth & Government Program
Examples of Conflict in American Political Culture
Important Elements of American Political Culture:
Liberty- preoccupation with rights, economic freedom
Equality- equal vote, equality under the law, equal opportunity (not equal wealth)
Democracy- politicians accountable to the people
Civic duty- Serve the community
Individual Responsibility- barring some disability, individuals responsible for their own actions.
Read each scenario carefully. Identify the two elements of American political culture in conflict for
each statement. Record the conflict on the space provided.
Example: High School students can pay taxes on their incomes but cannot vote.
Conflict: Civic Duty (pay taxes) is in conflict with Equality (equal vote)
Example: You can’t yell ‘Fire’ in a crowded building.
Conflict:
Example: Citizens must pay income tax every April.
Conflict:
Example: Individuals can vote and register for the Selective Service at 18, but cannot legally drink
alcohol until they are 21.
Conflict:
Example: The government can confiscate your land to build a highway.
Conflict:
Provide two additional examples of conflicts in the five elements of American political culture.
1.____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
2.____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
How would you describe the National Culture?
How does it differ from other nations you are familiar with?
