Look at the factors which influence one’s political beliefs: religion, family, gender, region (geography or country of origin), and race/ethnicity. Look at the descriptions in the passage.
a) Write how each factor listed above - religion, region or place of birth, gender, family, and race/ethnicity - has influenced your values and beliefs. You should have 2 – 3 sentences per factor (e.g. two ways in which your religious or non-religious upbringing has influenced your political culture). (Total points: 10) Use the chart to begin brainstorming:
b) Compare/contrast your beliefs / values with the description of the U.S. with a focus on liberty, equality, democracy, individualism, rule of law, nationalism and capitalism. Pick three areas (e.g. liberty, equality, etc.) and write whether or not your definition is similar or different from what is in the reading. Think about your heritage and why your definitions may or may not be the same. There is NO right or wrong answer.) (10 points) Use the chart to begin brainstorming: