In our unit on Public Opinion and Political Ideology, we have begun to look at the evolution of values and view of government in the United States.  Of particular interest is that growing tension between the value of individualism and the belief in that "Second Bill of Rights".  We see this tension played out in the discussions and debates leading to the November Presidential election. 

 

The question is, what is the role of government?  Is it for government to secure food, shelter and healthcare for Americans?  Do individuals have a natural right to these items and is it the role of government to provide them?  Or, is it the role of government to provide the conditions for success so individuals can make their own way?  Is the answer somewhere in between?  How do we see this question reflected in the current Presidential election debates?

 

What do you think?