American Political Culture in the Modern World

When comparing the political culture in the United States to that of similar European countries one finds that the US tends to stand alone on many different important issues. This can be attributed to the fundamentally different culture and institutions that are in place in each country. While John Rohr, in his book Founding Republics in France and America: A Study in Constitutional Governance, maintains that culture has had a significant influence on the development of individual nations, it has been found that the gap creating the key differences between the United States and other similar European countries, according to Mary Ann Glendon in her book Abortion and Divorce in Western Law: American Failures, European Challenges, can be attributed to the institutions in power that attempt to discern the publics' will for democratic benefit and at the same time guide the citizenry in it's attitudes about life and liberty so as to create a better society.

The key difference in culture that creates such a wide disparity in political opinions and institutions between European countries and the US is that of individual rights and the role of that individual in society. In Tocqueville's essay on the French revolution he wrote of the word "individualism" that it:

...was unknown to our ancestors, for the good reason that in their days every individual necessarily belonged to a group and no one could regard himself as an isolated unit.

This idea, while ancient and transformed by current modes of thought, is still found as a background for much European legislation and policy making. The sense of community and common purpose is easily observed in those nations by noticing the obligations set on their governments to provide for the public good and welfare of its inhabitants.

The stance taken on abortion in these countries illustrates the role that individuals play in society and the values that governments may try to instill in them. In France the issue of abortion regards that of whether or not a human life will be taken and under what circumstances if so. Whereas in the US the issue of abortion regards that of a woman's individual liberty, privacy, and the destruction of a non-human. The fact that two totally separate issues are being addressed speaks volumes about what role government plays in such personal issues. In France:

...the legislation as a whole is pervaded by compassion for pregnant women, by concern for fetal life, and by expression of the commitment of society as a whole to help minimize occasions for tragic choices between them.

This sense of community and social welfare is strong in European nations and shows the active role the government pursues in providing for the basic rights of all its inhabitants. In the US, where a more diverse and isolated society developed, the ties to community are not as strong. This can be attributed to the fact that the US was created on the premise of individual autonomy for its citizens and a matter as personal as abortion can not easily be regulated in a society where government was set up to protect an individuals rights and lifestyle. The government in the US was created with the idea that the citizens are the only sovereign power and that the Constitution is the embodiment of the people administering their power. This creates an environment where the government is an institution ensuring and protecting that individual sovereignty. This isolation of power ultimately leads to the deterioration of the community as a whole. "Indeed, the very grammar of the name of [the United States]-a plural noun modified by an adjective-mocks the idea of a comprehensive whole."

It first is important to differentiate the US institution from the European model of government. The US institution of government is firmly grounded in protecting and preserving the personal and individual liberties assured to its citizens by its Constitution. The power to assure these rights and liberties comes directly from the people and their willingness to participate in this form of government. The government and its regulations thus serve each individual in America. The government is designed so no one branch may acquire a preponderance of power in relation to the others. This is important because of the bipartisan institution in place in the US. The careful thought put into balancing power in the US government has shaped the society and culture of that nation since the day of its acceptance.

The European model tends to overlook personal benefit and individual right in favor of a more expedient and less congested way of supporting an entire nation of individuals.

Legal systems on the French and German model have imagined the human person as a free, self-determining individual, but also as being defined in part through his relations with others. The individual is envisioned, more than in [the United States] legal system, as situated within family and community; rights are viewed as inseparable from corresponding responsibilities; and liberty and equality are seen as coordinate with fraternity.

This sense of community in European government can be best explained by using France as an example. The administrative form of government exhibited in France is exactly the kind of executive authority a country with such strong community ties needs. The expedient process of enacting regulations and policy-making by the administrative branch shows the faith that France has in the ability of its government to properly interpret what the "public good" is. The "public good" in France is the preservation of state and society as a whole. This may stem directly from the fact that France has had so many changes in power that the citizens only recognize the "nation" as impervious to the effects of time and government. The design of their current government reflects the attitudes and opinions of France's populace.

While culturally and institutionally the United States may differ from similar democratic European countries the key reason for such a disparity is because of the institution that is in place in the US. While France and other European countries enjoy some sense of nationalistic pride based on community and common culture the diverse environment of the United States leaves its citizens devoid of any sense of solidarity. Thus the citizens of the United States look for other ways in which to create a cohesive society in which to live. The American Constitution provides an easy model to follow concerning life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In adopting such a constitution and adhering to the principles found therein a society has been created around a common set of values and morals. This provides for the unity necessary to develop a prosperous democratic society in the modern age. " I believe the reason is because it is our Constitution-and perhaps our Constitution alone-that holds us together as a people." While this is true in the United States it is not the case in other similar European countries. Thus, the institutions contained within a state are the most important factor in differentiating American political culture from that of European countries that may share some of the same ideals.

Abortion and Divorce in Western Law bu Mary Ann Glendon Pg. 115

John Rohr: Founding Republics in France and America: A Study in Constitutional Governance (University Press Lawrence Kansas 1995) Pg. 27

American Failures, European Challenges (Library of Congress Cataloging-In-Publication 1987) Pg. 19

Glendon Pg. 19

Glendon Pg. 58-59

Rohr Pg. 135

Rohr Pg. 26

Rohr Pg. 134-135

Rohr Pg. 254-255

Rohr Pg. 137

Rohr Pg. 133

Rohr Pg. 25

Rohr Pg. 269