AP U.S. Government and Politics Glossary

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Jonathan Milner Jonathan Milner

Political Norms

Definition

Much of the human behavior is constrained not by laws, but by norms: acceptable standards of behavior. There is no law that you must say hi or make eye contact when greeting someone, but it would fall outside the norm(al) if you didn’t. A lot of political behavior is constrained more by norms than laws. Political norms refer to the unwritten rules and expectations that guide political behavior and the functioning of political institutions. Foundational American political norms include respect for the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution; civil and truthful discourse; free and fair elections that reflect the will of the majority and result in peaceful transfers of power; and rejection of political violence and intimidation. These norms shape the values, practices, and interactions of political actors, influencing how power is exercised and how citizens engage with their government. Norms are enforced by observers who disapprove of norm-breaching behavior and are willing to apply sanctions that make it socially costly. There are actions that Americans and their political leaders can take collectively to make enforce norm based behavior:

  1. Embrace and model acceptable public behavior.

  2. Be willing to call out anyone who violates laws or norms, even if they are in the same political party.

  3. Communities must promote stronger civic education, civic engagement, and civil debate.

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Example

 
 

Questions

  1. What is the meaning of political norm?

  2. What are some examples of political norms that most Americans embrace?

  3. Which of these foundational American political norms do you think is the very most important?

  4. At Cheers there was a guy named Norm, how is this different?

  5. Why do some people break political norms?

  6. How can individuals try to enforce adherence to political norms?

  7. Find an image or emoji that does a good job of conveying the meaning political norms.

  8. How do you think the current administration illustrates the idea of norms?

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw political norm. Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

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