11. The concepts of Individualism, Responsibility, Government, and Fairness in the American social context

Question 1

bootstrap mentality

Answer 1

The bootstrap mentality refers to the belief that individuals can achieve success through their own hard work and determination, without relying on external help. This idea is deeply rooted in American individualism and the work ethic, emphasizing self-sufficiency and personal responsibility.

Question 2

invisible hand

Answer 2

The invisible hand theory (coined by Adam Smith during the Industrial Revolution) is the idea that in a free market, individuals acting in their own self-interest unintentionally contribute to the overall economic good, as if guided by an “invisible hand.” In simpler terms: when people and businesses make decisions that benefit themselves (like trying to make a profit), they end up helping the economy without meaning to. It’s like how a bunch of people selling things they think will make them money ends up creating jobs, lowering prices, and increasing overall wealth for everyone, even though that’s not their goal. It’s supposed to work because everyone is free to make their own choices, but… yeah, sometimes it doesn’t go quite as smoothly as advertised.

Question 3

Big vs. Small Government in the US Economically (simple):

Answer 3

Laissez-faire (Small Government): Republicans push for smaller government, fewer regulations, lower taxes, and more market freedom.
Keynesian (Big Government): Democrats often advocate for a larger government role, especially in social welfare, infrastructure, and market stabilization.

Question 4

American values

Answer 4

o individual freedom and self-reliance
o equality of opportunity (and competition)
o (hard work)

Question 5

How do the core American values shape the views on work ethic, economic policy and the government’s role in regulation?

Answer 5

 Individual Freedom and Self-Reliance: Americans prioritize personal freedom, autonomy, and the belief that individuals are responsible for shaping their own lives. This stems from the country’s founding principles, including the Declaration of Independence, which emphasized liberty and the rejection of external control.
 Equality of Opportunity and Competition: The ideal of equal access to opportunities is foundational, although it often overlooks systemic inequities (race, gender, socioeconomic background). The competitive spirit is seen as a driver of success, with significant emphasis on individual merit.
 Hard Work as a Virtue: The “Protestant work ethic” remains a cultural touchstone, promoting the idea that success is earned through diligence and perseverance.

Question 6

What is the core idea behind the “invisible hand” theory?

Answer 6

The core idea is that individuals pursuing their self-interest inadvertently contribute to the overall good of the economy. This occurs in a free market with minimal government interference.

Question 7

What are some reasons why the “invisible hand” theory was believed to be effective?

Answer 7

Self-interest was seen as a driver of economic growth and efficiency.
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It was believed that minimal government intervention was best for economic prosperity.
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The theory aligned with American values of individualism and self-reliance.
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It was historically supported during a time when businesses had significant power.

Question 8

What historical event challenged the “invisible hand” theory?

Answer 8

The Great Depression revealed the limitations of the theory, showing that the market was not always self-regulating and that government intervention was needed.

Question 9

What is “laissez-faire” economics and how does it relate to the “invisible hand” theory?

Answer 9

Laissez-faire economics advocates for minimal government interference in the economy, allowing the market to self-regulate. It is closely connected to the “invisible hand” theory, which suggests that such a system works best when left alone.

Question 10

How did the Great Depression change views on the role of government in the economy?

Answer 10

The Great Depression led to the rise of the concept of “big government,” where government intervention is considered necessary to regulate businesses, protect consumers, and address social problems. The New Deal was a key example.

Question 11

What is the difference between “small government” and “big government” perspectives?

Answer 11

Small government advocates for minimal governmental involvement, lower taxes, and decentralized authority, emphasizing individual responsibility.
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Big government refers to an active government that regulates industries, provides social safety nets, and intervenes in economic issues to ensure equality and welfare.

Question 12

What are the typical views of Republicans and Democrats on government intervention in the economy?

Answer 12

Republicans generally favor small government, free markets, deregulation, and low taxes.
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Democrats tend to support big government, with regulations and social programs to address inequality and protect citizens.

Question 13

How does the idea of the “invisible hand” connect to American values?

Answer 13

The idea connects to the American values of individualism, self-reliance, and hard work. It supports the idea that individuals should succeed through their own efforts and the government should not interfere.

Question 14

Is the “invisible hand” theory considered fully successful today?

Answer 14

No, the theory in its purest form is not considered fully successful. History has shown that unchecked markets can lead to crises and inequalities, and some government regulation and intervention is often necessary.

Question 15

What is the “bootstrap mentality” and how does it relate to the “invisible hand?”

Answer 15

The “bootstrap mentality” insists that anyone can succeed through hard work. It aligns with the “invisible hand” theory’s emphasis on self-reliance and minimal government help. However, it ignores systemic inequities and can lead to victim-blaming for those who struggle.

Question 16

What was the primary debate between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson regarding government size?

Answer 16

Hamilton (Federalist): Advocated for a strong central government to support a robust economy and national bank.
Jefferson (Democratic-Republican): Favored states’ rights and a smaller federal government, fearing central power would trample individual freedoms.

Question 17

What was the purpose of the First Bank of the United States (1791), and how did it relate to government size?

Answer 17

First Bank of the U.S. (1791): Established by Hamilton to stabilize and improve the nation’s credit and handle war debt.
Relation to Government Size: Represented a big government move by centralizing financial power under federal control.

Question 18

How did the Civil War impact the size of the U.S. federal government?

Answer 18

Impact of Civil War: Expanded federal government significantly under Lincoln to manage wartime efforts, including raising armies and funding the war.
Relation to Government Size: Marked a shift toward bigger government with increased federal authority over states.

Question 19

What was the significance of the Wagner Act (1935), and how did it reflect big government principles?

Answer 19

Wagner Act (1935): Also known as the National Labor Relations Act, it guaranteed workers the right to unionize and bargain collectively.
Relation to Government Size: Reflected big government by expanding federal intervention in labor relations.

Question 20

Describe the Social Security Act (1935) and its role in government expansion.

Answer 20

Social Security Act (1935): Established a system of old-age benefits, unemployment insurance, and welfare programs.
Relation to Government Size: A cornerstone of the New Deal, it significantly increased federal government’s role in social welfare.

Question 21

How did the Interstate Highway System, initiated by Eisenhower, reflect big government policies?

Answer 21

Interstate Highway System: A massive federal infrastructure project to build a nationwide network of highways.
Relation to Government Size: Expanded federal government’s role in infrastructure and transportation.

Question 22

What was Reagan’s approach to government size, and what key legislation exemplified this?

Answer 22

Reagan’s Approach: Advocated for small government with reduced taxes and deregulation.
Key Legislation: The Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 cut income taxes significantly, emphasizing smaller government by limiting federal revenue and oversight.

Question 23

Explain the Affordable Care Act (2010) and its impact on federal government size.

Answer 23

Affordable Care Act (2010): Aimed to expand healthcare coverage through mandates, subsidies, and insurance exchanges.
Relation to Government Size: Increased federal government’s role in healthcare regulation and social services.

Question 24

What was the purpose of the American Rescue Plan (2021), and how did it reflect big government ideology?

Answer 24

American Rescue Plan (2021): A COVID-19 relief package providing direct payments, extended unemployment benefits, and vaccine funding.
Relation to Government Size: Embodied big government through substantial federal spending to support the economy and public health.

Question 25

How did the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 reflect small government principles?

Answer 25

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017): Reduced corporate and individual tax rates to stimulate economic growth. Relation to Government Size: Reflected small government by reducing federal income, aiming to limit government spending and intervention in the economy.

Question 26

How did the GI Bill (1944) expand the role of the federal government?

Answer 26

GI Bill (1944): Provided educational benefits, housing loans, and unemployment compensation to WWII veterans. Relation to Government Size: Expanded federal involvement in social welfare and education.

Question 27

What was the Patriot Act (2001), and how did it impact government size?

Answer 27

Patriot Act (2001): Expanded federal surveillance and law enforcement powers post-9/11 to combat terrorism. Relation to Government Size: Increased federal authority in national security, reflecting a temporary big government surge.

Question 28

How have white, middle-class men historically shaped predominant American values?

Answer 28

They have held influential roles in politics, academia, science, and media, creating ideals that reflect their experiences and often exclude marginalized groups.

Question 29

How do systemic barriers affect racial minorities in the U.S.?

Answer 29

They face significant challenges in employment, education, and housing due to entrenched systemic inequalities. Therefore, the equal opportunities are not as equal as Americans like to pretend. And being self-reliant and individualistic? Not as easy when the system is built against you and your individual values are ridiculed and put you into a position of marginalization. (Shaming feminists, not accepting sexual minorities at all, etc.)

Question 30

In what ways do LGBTQ+ individuals face discrimination in the U.S.?

Answer 30

They encounter barriers in mental health support and equal opportunities, impacting their well-being and success.

Question 31

Despite progress, what systemic inequities do women still face in the U.S.?

Answer 31

Women continue to encounter disparities in pay and workplace representation. They are denied promotions and are offered lower-paying, less prestigious positions regardless of qualifications. Salary negotiations? Forget those, unless you are ready to be called a hysterical, hormonal bitch. Also no reproductive rights and limited bodily autonomy, leading to medical femicide.

Question 32

What is the "bootstrap mentality," and what are its criticisms?

Answer 32

It promotes the idea that anyone can succeed through hard work but often ignores systemic inequities, encourages victim-blaming, and neglects structural solutions. Victim-blaming for example: Oh you had cancer and could not work? No, you are lazy, relying on sick leave instead of working like the rest of us! And then they indeed work, just the cushy job was given to them by their CEO uncle, whilst the cancer girl was the one juggling working in Starbucks and trying to finish her degree in a community college while her parents could not even afford rent properly, not to mention helping her getting into an Ivy League.

Question 33

Describe the U.S. cultural emphasis on individualism.

Answer 33

Americans prioritize independence, personal responsibility, and self-reliance, often attributing success or failure to individual effort. Again, a double-edged sword. Putting effort into things slay, but effort is not always enough as we have different backgrounds and hardships.

Question 34

How does the U.S. "me-first" culture manifest?

Answer 34

It emphasizes personal freedom and self-expression, often overlooking collective efforts and promoting an individualistic outlook.

Question 35

What are some contradictions in American views on culture and generalization?

Answer 35

While Americans resist being generalized as a homogeneous culture, they often generalize about other cultures and maintain a strong sense of national pride.

Question 36

How does American individualism affect child-rearing practices?

Answer 36

Parents encourage independence early on, with children expected to make decisions and become self-reliant, often moving out by age 18.

Question 37

How does American culture perceive staying with parents into adulthood?

Answer 37

It is often stigmatized unless children contribute financially, as independence is highly valued.

Question 38

What is the legacy of the "Frontier Mentality" in American culture?

Answer 38

It fosters self-sufficiency and a distrust of external assistance, contributing to resistance against universal healthcare and social safety nets.

Question 39

How is privacy valued in American culture?

Answer 39

Americans highly value personal space and autonomy, with private rooms for children where possible and sensitivity around personal information. No wonder that the Patriot Acts were so divisive.

Question 40

What duality exists in American privacy ideals?

Answer 40

Despite valuing privacy, Americans often exhibit extroverted social energy in public settings, balancing private and public personas.

Question 41

What is a fundamental American view on government?

Answer 41

It is seen as a potential enemy of freedom, even if elected, with a general suspicion that larger, stronger governments threaten individual liberty.

Question 42

How is the U.S. Constitution designed regarding government power?

Answer 42

It focuses on preventing government from doing harm rather than enabling it to do good. Especially with the additional Bill of Rights.

Question 43

What are the three branches of the U.S. federal government?

Answer 43

Legislative (Congress: Senate & House of Representatives), Executive (President & Cabinet), and Judiciary (Supreme Court & lower courts).

Question 44

What mechanism prevents any branch of the U.S. government from gaining too much power?

Answer 44

Checks and balances.

Question 45

What are the Bill of Rights?

Answer 45

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution, designed to protect individual freedoms from government interference.

Question 46

What historical event shaped American skepticism towards government?

Answer 46

The American Revolution, where colonists felt the British government sought to limit their freedom and economic opportunities.

Question 47

What did Thomas Paine say about government?

Answer 47

"Government even in its best state is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one."

Question 48

What was the early expectation of the American government post-independence?

Answer 48

To allow individuals to pursue their goals freely, with minimal interference.

Question 49

What does "small government" mean in the American context?

Answer 49

Limited involvement in individual lives and economic activities, emphasizing minimal business regulation, lower taxes, and decentralized authority.

Question 50

Who was a key advocate of small government and what was his vision?

Answer 50

Thomas Jefferson, who idealized a nation of self-reliant farmers with minimal government intervention.

Question 51

How did American views on government shift from the Civil War to the Great Depression?

Answer 51

The ideal of free individuals shifted from farmers to successful businessmen, with a belief that government should not interfere in business.

Question 52

What is laissez-faire economics?

Answer 52

An economic system with minimal government interference, where the market self-regulates. Usually supported by the Republican Party.

Question 53

Give an example of laissez-faire in practice.

Answer 53

Reaganomics in the 1980s, which involved tax cuts and deregulation to reduce government intervention in markets.

Question 54

What are the contrasts between Jefferson's vision and modern realities?

Answer 54

Jefferson's small government ideal suited an agrarian society but clashed with the complexities of industrialization, requiring more regulatory frameworks.

Question 55

How does the American emphasis on self-reliance affect healthcare attitudes?

Answer 55

Healthcare is viewed as a personal responsibility, not a government obligation, with social safety nets often resisted to avoid dependency.

Question 56

What are the advantages of small government?

Answer 56

Encourages self-reliance, reduces bureaucratic inefficiency, and prevents government overreach.

Question 57

What are the drawbacks of small government?

Answer 57

It leaves vulnerable populations at risk and can lead to economic disparities and corporate abuses due to insufficient regulation.

Question 58

How do Democrats typically propose to fund social safety nets?

Answer 58

Democrats generally support higher taxes, particularly on wealthy individuals and corporations, to generate revenue for funding social safety net programs, such as healthcare, unemployment benefits, and social security.

Question 59

What is the core idea behind the Democratic approach to government, according to the sources?

Answer 59

The core idea is that of "big government" which involves active government intervention to regulate businesses, protect consumers and workers, and address social problems, using policies like wealth redistribution.

Question 60

What is the primary aim of Democrats when reallocating wealth?

Answer 60

The primary aim is to create a fairer society by providing social safety nets for the needy and more vulnerable, as well as to address systemic inequalities and ensure that everyone has a basic level of support, creating a more equal opportunity to succeed in life, even if they were born without wealth or privilege.

Question 61

What rights are protected by the First Amendment? How does the First Amendment prevent government overreach?

Answer 61

Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government. It prohibits the government from interfering in personal expression and public discourse, ensuring a free and open society.

Question 62

What is the main protection under the Second Amendment? How does the Second Amendment prevent government overreach?

Answer 62

The right of the people to keep and bear arms. It ensures individuals can protect themselves, serving as a check against a potentially tyrannical government.

Question 63

What does the Third Amendment prohibit? How does the Third Amendment prevent government overreach?

Answer 63

Forcing citizens to house soldiers in their homes during peacetime without consent. It protects individual privacy and property rights from military intrusion.

Question 64

What does the Fourth Amendment protect against? How does the Fourth Amendment prevent government overreach?

Answer 64

Unreasonable searches and seizures; requires warrants based on probable cause. It safeguards personal privacy and property from arbitrary government intrusion.

Question 65

What are the key protections under the Fifth Amendment? How does the Fifth Amendment prevent government overreach?

Answer 65

Protection against double jeopardy, self-incrimination, and guarantees due process and compensation for eminent domain. It ensures fair treatment under the law and limits government power in legal proceedings and property seizures.

Question 66

What rights does the Sixth Amendment guarantee? How does the Sixth Amendment prevent government overreach?

Answer 66

The right to a speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, to be informed of charges, and to confront witnesses. It ensures transparency and fairness in criminal prosecutions, protecting individuals from secretive or unjust trials.

Question 67

What does the Seventh Amendment guarantee? How does the Seventh Amendment prevent government overreach?

Answer 67

The right to a jury trial in civil cases involving disputes over a certain monetary threshold. It preserves the role of the jury as a check on potential judicial abuse in civil cases.

Question 68

What does the Eighth Amendment prohibit? How does the Eighth Amendment prevent government overreach?

Answer 68

Excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment. It ensures punishments are proportionate and humane, preventing the government from using the judicial system as a tool of oppression. BUT: still capital punishment, and not only the lethal injection, some are very cruel.

Question 69

What does the Ninth Amendment state? How does the Ninth Amendment prevent government overreach?

Answer 69

The enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution does not deny others retained by the people. It affirms that individuals have other fundamental rights beyond those listed, limiting the government's power to infringe on personal liberties.

Question 70

What does the Tenth Amendment reserve? How does the Tenth Amendment prevent government overreach?

Answer 70

Powers not delegated to the federal government nor prohibited to the states are reserved to the states or the people. It reinforces federalism by ensuring that the federal government only exercises powers explicitly granted by the Constitution.

Question 71

Definition of Big Government:

Answer 71

Definition: Active government that regulates industries, provides social safety nets, and intervenes in economic and social issues to ensure equality and welfare. Contrast with Republicans: Republicans favor little to no government regulation, while Democrats support using government to regulate businesses, protect consumers and workers, and solve social problems.

Question 72

Origins of Big Government:

Answer 72

The Great Depression (1930s): Impact: Economic collapse and mass unemployment weakened public trust in big business and laissez-faire policies. Shift: Need for government action to help people in need, high unemployment, and economic hardships. Democratic Response: Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal initiated government intervention to function as a welfare state.

Question 73

Continuation Post-WWII:

Answer 73

Expansion by Lyndon B. Johnson (1960s): Great Society Programs: Medicare, Medicaid, and programs addressing poverty, education, and racial inequality.

Question 74

New Deal Programs:

Answer 74

Financial Aid Provided to: Retired people, unemployed individuals, and families. Healthcare: Introduced for the poor and elderly.

Question 75

Keynesian Economics:

Answer 75

Definition: Government intervention is necessary to stabilize the economy, especially during recessions. Key Idea: Increase government spending and investment to boost demand and create jobs. Political Support: Typically favored by Democrats. Examples: New Deal (1930s): Massive government spending during the Great Depression. Obama's Stimulus Act (2009): Government spending to revive the economy during the 2008 financial crisis. Affordable Care Act (2010): More government involvement in healthcare. American Rescue Plan (2021): Stimulus checks and extended unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Question 76

Controversy Over Government Role:

Answer 76

Economic Security vs. Self-Reliance: Concerns about government weakening self-reliance and individual freedom. Public Programs: Social Security, unemployment insurance, public works projects. Public Expectations: Shifted towards government actively providing financial aid and economic security.

Question 77

Advantages of Big Government:

Answer 77

Stability and Support: During crises like the Great Depression and COVID-19 pandemic. Access to Services: Broader access to healthcare, education, and welfare.

Question 78

Drawbacks of Big Government:

Answer 78

Economic Impact: Expands federal debt and taxation. Dependency: Potential for reduced individual initiative.

Question 79

Key Philosophical Divide: Democrats vs. Republicans Role of Government:

Answer 79

Democrats: Advocate for big government; regulations and social programs to address inequality. Republicans: Support small government; minimal regulations, lower taxes, and individual responsibility.

Question 80

Key Philosophical Divide: Democrats vs. Republicans Welfare and Social Aid:

Answer 80

Democrats: Expansion of welfare programs. Republicans: Reduction or elimination to promote self-reliance.

Question 81

Key Philosophical Divide: Democrats vs. Republicans Economic Policy:

Answer 81

Democrats: Government intervention to regulate businesses and protect consumers. Republicans: Free-market principles with minimal interference

Question 82

Key Philosophical Divide: Democrats vs. Republicans Healthcare:

Answer 82

Democrats: Support for universal healthcare or expanded access. Republicans: Favor private insurance over government-run systems.

Question 83

Foundations of Fairness:

Answer 83

Equality: Declaration of Independence and constitutional principles aim to ensure no formal class system. Early Amendments: 13th (abolishing slavery), 14th (equal protection under the law).

Question 84

Equality of Opportunity:

Answer 84

Belief: Everyone has a fair shot at success, regardless of background. Lincoln's Vision (1860s): Emphasized "equal chance to get rich."

Question 85

Fair Play vs Marginalized Populations

Answer 85

Concept: Equal opportunity to enter the race for success, but systemic disparities affect outcomes. Systemic Inequality: Women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals face oppression despite constitutional promises. Women: Denied reproductive rights, leading to medical femicide and erosion of bodily autonomy. Racial Disparities: Discrimination persists through racial profiling, police violence, and limited resource access. LGBTQ+ Rights: Legal barriers in employment, healthcare, education; attacks on trans youth care.

Question 86

The Trump Era:

Answer 86

Policies: Direct attacks on reproductive rights, wage gaps, and underrepresentation in leadership. Systemic Inequalities: Undermine the American Dream of upward mobility; wealthy advantage perpetuation, marginalized group cycles of poverty.

Question 87

Subtle Discrimination:

Answer 87

Daily Interactions: Tone of voice, seating arrangements, speech patterns reflect status distinctions.

Question 88

American Outlook on Equality:

Answer 88

Potential: Belief in the potential for high standing regardless of initial station in life. Rags to Riches: Concept of attaining wealth through hard work (American Dream). Valuation of Achievers: High value on those who work hard and achieve measurable success.

Question 89

Materialism:

Answer 89

Societal Value: Success measured by social status or wealth, often linked to profession and hard work. Consumerism: Overconsumption and defining success through possessions.

Question 90

Federal Level Responsibilities (Exclusive Powers)

Answer 90

Declaring War Coining Money Regulating Interstate and International Trade Conducting Foreign Affairs Establishing Post Offices Raising and Maintaining Armed Forces Admitting New States Establishing Federal Courts Making Immigration and Naturalization Laws Patent and Copyright Laws

Question 91

State Level Responsibilities (Exclusive Powers)

Answer 91

Conducting Elections Establishing Local Governments Regulating Intrastate Commerce Licensing Professionals Establishing Schools Enacting Land Use Laws Regulating Public Health and Safety Issuing Driver's Licenses Controlling Alcohol Distribution

Question 92

Shared Responsibilities between State and Federal Levels (Concurrent Powers)

Answer 92

Taxing and Borrowing Money Establishing Courts Building and Maintaining Infrastructure Making and Enforcing Laws Providing for the General Welfare Regulating Banks Taking Private Property for Public Use (Eminent Domain) Criminal Justice Systems Public Health and Safety Services