Outline and Explain the Principal Characteristics of Contemporary American Political Opinion

‘American Dream’ (a term created by James Truslow Adams) is a subjective term usually implying a successful and satisfying life. The term usually implies financial security and material comfort, and is a state of life that is dreamt of by a majority of the American population (as well as being the term widely used to lure substantial numbers of European immigrants at the end of the 18th century). Many Americans subconsciously refer too this idea when shaping their political opinion. They look too find the party that will provide them with the ability too have a successful life with a high income. Liberals believe that ‘it is possible to achieve substantial change while still conforming to the general ethos of capitalism’ which means that Liberals feel that they represent a chance to open up opportunities to all, including those who have been previously disadvantaged. They also feel that present conditions in America means that it does not live up too promise offered. They fail to recognise the importance of problems such as economic decline, growing criminality rates, and welfare dependency. Conservatism is structured around four basic principles; minimal government, the fear that traditional institutions are in decline, the emphasis of law and order and finally the association with an assertive foreign and defence policy. They believe that if these four principles are encouraged then it will create a better America, therefore fulfilling the ‘American Dream’. This would be structured around a small government that would create low taxes for its country, a better health social and educational system, which would encourage Christian beliefs and promote the ethical values of marriage and the enjoyment of having a family. In recent years, many Americans have switched what party they vote for and relate too. This is because the issues which are important too voters have changed. Many American’s are becoming more independent and free from religion, making them less caring of issues such as abortion and gay marriage, with an attitude of it being about a person’s social opinion rather then a political enforcement. Another key issue is the current situation with the war in Iraq, many Liberals feel that the forces should be removed and that America shouldn’t have gone too war in the first place but many Conservatives still uphold the idea that it was the right thing too do.Therefore a political opinion does tend too be based on the social beliefs of a person. Both parties and ideologies incorporate the ‘American Dream’ into their policies as this is a belief shared by a majority the electorate. However, their opinions tend too vary when it comes to issues such as the size and power of the federal government, social issues and the foreign and defence policy. Depending on what a persons beliefs on those issues are will form their political opinion but will get them further too reaching the ‘American Dream’.