Chapter 4 Tuesday, September 13, 2016 8:01 AM ? Introduction The American model of government both here and abroad Tocqueville on American democracy Abundant and fertile soil for democracy to grow No feudal aristocracy; minimal taxes; few legal restraints Westward movement; vast territory provided opportunities Nation of small, independent farmers "Moral and intellectual characteristics," today called political culture Political Culture Defined as a distinctive and patterned way of thinking about how political and economic life ought to be carried out (e.g. stronger American belief in political than in economic equality) Elements of the American political system Liberty Democracy Equality Civic duty Some questions about the U.S. political culture