Americans share a set of core political values that shape attitudes about government. The CED lists four big ones: individualism (people can shape their own lives), equality of opportunity (everyone should get a fair chance), free enterprise (markets, private property, and competition drive the economy), and rule of law (everyone—including leaders—must follow the same laws). Different interpretations of these values explain why some want a smaller federal government while others want more government action to ensure opportunity or protect rights (LO 4.1.A). Knowing these helps on the exam when you explain how beliefs affect views about government roles. For a quick review, see the Topic 4.1 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-government/unit-4/american-attitudes-about-government-politics/study-guide/AXTYIo7KQlKP51Gjtr5I) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-government).

Americans disagree about the size of government because they interpret core political values differently. For example, strong individualism and faith in free enterprise lead some to favor limited government—people should shape their own lives and markets should decide prices. Others emphasize equality of opportunity and want government programs to level the playing field, so they support a bigger government role. Views on rule of law and civic associations (Tocqueville’s associationism/civil society) also matter: if you trust civil society and local groups, you’ll prefer less federal power; if you think national rules ensure fairness, you’ll back more government action. Social background and political socialization (family, schools, media) influence which value you prioritize, so public opinion varies. This ties directly to LO 4.1.A in the CED. For a focused review of this topic, see the Fiveable study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-government/unit-4/american-attitudes-about-government-politics/study-guide/AXTYIo7KQlKP51Gjtr5I) and try practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-government).

Individualism and equality of opportunity are related but different core values in AP Gov. Individualism says each person can shape their own life through choices and effort—so government’s role should be limited, protecting freedom and property so people can succeed on their own. Equality of opportunity, by contrast, means everyone should have a fair starting point to compete (same rules, access to education, no legal barriers). That can justify more government action (like public schooling or anti-discrimination laws) to level the playing field. Both appear in EK 4.1.A and affect whether you prefer a smaller or more active federal government. On the exam, be ready to explain how these beliefs shape policy opinions (LO 4.1.A). For a focused review, see the Topic 4.1 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-government/unit-4/american-attitudes-about-government-politics/study-guide/AXTYIo7KQlKP51Gjtr5I) or the unit overview (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-government/unit-4). For extra practice, try problems at (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-government).

Free enterprise—the idea that markets, not government, should decide prices, products, and services—pushes many Americans to prefer limited government regulation. If you value individualism and equality of opportunity (CED LO 4.1.A / EK 4.1.A.1), you’re more likely to see regulation as interfering with personal choice, entrepreneurship, and market competition. But interpretations vary: some Americans accept targeted regulation (antitrust, consumer safety, environmental rules) as necessary to protect fair competition and equal opportunity when markets fail. On the AP exam, be ready to explain how core beliefs (individualism, free enterprise, rule of law) shape attitudes about the size and role of government—use examples showing when people favor regulation (to fix market failures) versus when they oppose it (to protect economic freedom). For a quick refresher, check the Topic 4.1 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-government/unit-4/american-attitudes-about-government-politics/study-guide/AXTYIo7KQlKP51Gjtr5I) or unit review (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-government/unit-4); practice questions are at (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-government).

Short answer: yes—rule of law means everyone is supposed to follow the same laws, including politicians. The CED defines rule of law as “every person, even those in power, must follow and is accountable to the same laws” (EK 4.1.A.1). In practice that means elected officials aren’t above the law: they can be investigated, sued, impeached, or criminally charged. But there are limits worth knowing for the AP exam: some officials have legal immunities for official acts (e.g., certain presidential actions while in office), and enforcement often depends on institutions (courts, Congress, DOJ). That’s why rule of law ties into checks and balances and accountability in American political culture—core ideas you should link when answering free-response questions. For extra review, check the topic 4.1 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-government/unit-4/american-attitudes-about-government-politics/study-guide/AXTYIo7KQlKP51Gjtr5I) and practice problems (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-government).

Some Americans want more government help while others want less because they interpret core American values differently and have different life experiences. If you prioritize equality of opportunity and see markets as unfair, you’ll support bigger government programs (welfare, regulation) to level the playing field. If you emphasize individualism and free enterprise, you’ll prefer limited government so people can make their own choices and markets reward effort. Income, education, and socialization (family, schools, media) shape those views—people who feel vulnerable want safety nets; wealthier or more market-oriented people worry government reduces personal freedom or economic growth. Trust in government and beliefs about its effectiveness also matter: low trust → less support for expansion. This fits LO 4.1.A: different interpretations of individualism, equality of opportunity, free enterprise, and rule of law shape attitudes about government (see the Topic 4.1 study guide for a quick review: https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-government/unit-4/american-attitudes-about-government-politics/study-guide/AXTYIo7KQlKP51Gjtr5I). For more practice, check the AP Gov practice problems (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-government).

U.S. core political values—strong individualism, belief in equality of opportunity (not equal outcomes), support for free enterprise, and a commitment to rule of law—tend to make Americans more skeptical of big government and more focused on personal responsibility than citizens in many other democracies. Compared with Western European countries, the U.S. emphasizes market solutions and individual autonomy more and accepts greater economic inequality; many Europeans prioritize social equality and larger welfare states. Compared with newer democracies, Americans often show higher trust in civil society and voluntary associations (Tocqueville’s associationism). These differences matter for attitudes about government size, redistribution, and regulation—exactly the kinds of links the AP CED asks you to explain (LO 4.1.A; EK 4.1.A.1). For more detail, review the Topic 4.1 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-government/unit-4/american-attitudes-about-government-politics/study-guide/AXTYIo7KQlKP51Gjtr5I) and practice related questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-government).

Tocqueville (Democracy in America) said Americans combine strong individualism and equality with a habit of forming associations—churches, clubs, charities—which create “social capital” and protect liberty by checking government and preventing a “tyranny of the majority.” He warned that excessive individualism could weaken civic life, so voluntary associations are crucial for healthy democracy (this idea is called associationism or civil society). Why it matters for AP Gov: Tocqueville’s observations map directly to Topic 4.1 concepts—individualism, equality of opportunity, rule of law, and civil society—and help explain why Americans often prefer limited government but still rely on private groups to solve public problems. Use his ideas when answering LO 4.1.A questions (core beliefs → attitudes about government) on multiple-choice or FRQs. For more on this topic, see the Topic 4.1 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-government/unit-4/american-attitudes-about-government-politics/study-guide/AXTYIo7KQlKP51Gjtr5I), the Unit 4 overview (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-government/unit-4), and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-government).

Individualism (you shape your life by choices) and equality of opportunity (everyone gets a fair chance to compete) can pull in different directions. If you emphasize strict individualism, you favor limited government, letting markets and personal responsibility decide outcomes—that can preserve freedom but leave unequal starting points untouched. If you stress equality of opportunity, you support government actions (public schools, anti-discrimination laws, targeted programs) to level the playing field—that can mean more regulation or redistribution, which some see as limiting pure individual choice. On the AP CED this is exactly LO 4.1.A: different interpretations of these core values affect views about the proper role of federal government and citizens’ responsibilities. In FRQs, be ready to explain trade-offs with examples (education funding, affirmative action, welfare vs free enterprise). For a quick review, see the Topic 4.1 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-government/unit-4/american-attitudes-about-government-politics/study-guide/AXTYIo7KQlKP51Gjtr5I) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-government).

Free-enterprise beliefs shape a lot of current U.S. politics by pushing for limited government intervention and market-based solutions. Examples: (1) Tax policy—conservatives argue lower corporate and income taxes spur business growth and individual responsibility; debates over the 2017 tax law reflect that. (2) Deregulation—industries (energy, finance, tech) lobby for fewer rules so markets set prices and products, influencing Congress and agencies. (3) Healthcare and education—market-oriented proposals (private insurance competition, school choice/vouchers) reflect free-enterprise ideas about equality of opportunity and individualism. (4) Trade policy—tensions over free trade vs. protectionism show how beliefs about markets shape tariffs and foreign-policy economics. These tie directly to EK 4.1.A.1 (free enterprise) and help explain why interest groups and voters pressure lawmakers—useful stuff to cite on the AP exam when explaining how core beliefs affect attitudes about government (see the Topic 4.1 study guide: https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-government/unit-4/american-attitudes-about-government-politics/study-guide/AXTYIo7KQlKP51Gjtr5I). For more unit review: https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-government/unit-4 and extra practice: https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-government.

Start with a clear thesis that links core American values to specific attitudes about government (LO 4.1.A). Example thesis: “American individualism and belief in equality of opportunity shape widespread support for limited government welfare but strong backing for rule-of-law protections.” Then 3 body paragraphs: (1) Define a value (individualism) and explain how it leads to skepticism of big government programs (use EK 4.1.A.1 language); (2) Do the same for equality of opportunity and free enterprise—show tradeoffs (e.g., support for market freedom but demand for equal access); (3) Explain rule of law and how it creates expectations of accountability. Use evidence (historical quotes or survey data) and reasoning to connect value → attitude → policy preference. End with a brief rebuttal of an alternate view (e.g., civic republicanism/civil society argues for more collective action) and explain why your thesis still holds. For AP practice, follow the Argument Essay rubric: clear thesis, at least two pieces of evidence, reasoning, and rebuttal. Review the Topic 4.1 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-government/unit-4/american-attitudes-about-government-politics/study-guide/AXTYIo7KQlKP51Gjtr5I) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-government).

They share the same core values (individualism, equality of opportunity, free enterprise, rule of law), but people define and prioritize those values differently because of life experience and political socialization. Factors: socioeconomic status (wealthier people stress free enterprise and individualism), region and community norms (rural vs. urban), religion and culture, education, and which groups/institutions (parties, interest groups, media) shape your views. Historical thinkers like Alexis de Tocqueville show how civil society and associationism produce different local norms. Those different starting points change how people think government should act—some see equality of opportunity as a call for government programs, others as a reason to limit government intervention. This idea is exactly what LO 4.1.A and EK 4.1.A cover. Knowing these causes helps on Unit 4 multiple-choice and FRQs (Unit 4 = 10–15% of the exam). For a clear review, see the Topic 4.1 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-government/unit-4/american-attitudes-about-government-politics/study-guide/AXTYIo7KQlKP51Gjtr5I) and practice 1,000+ problems (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-government).

"Submerged state" is a term Suzanne Mettler uses to describe government benefits and interventions that are hidden—delivered through tax breaks, subsidies, or indirect programs rather than obvious public welfare checks. People often don’t recognize these as government action because they come as tax credits, contractor subsidies, or employer incentives, so recipients may think their gains come from the private market, not the state. How it connects to American attitudes: because core U.S. values (individualism, free enterprise, equality of opportunity) shape how people view government, a submerged state can reduce visible support for government intervention. If citizens don’t see government’s role, they may underappreciate or oppose public programs—even those that help them—making policy change harder. This idea ties to LO 4.1.A about how values affect attitudes toward government (see the Topic 4.1 study guide for more: https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-government/unit-4/american-attitudes-about-government-politics/study-guide/AXTYIo7KQlKP51Gjtr5I). For more practice, check unit resources (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-government/unit-4) and 1,000+ practice Qs (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-government).

Rule of law means everyone—including elected officials—must follow the same laws (CED EK 4.1.A.1). That idea shapes how Americans view government power: if people believe the rule of law is strong, they’re more likely to trust government limits and accept its authority because leaders are held accountable. If they think leaders are above the law, they become skeptical, favor stronger checks (courts, free press, elections), or support reforms to increase accountability. Rule of law also ties to equality of opportunity and individualism: people expect legal rules to protect rights fairly so citizens can compete and make choices. For AP relevance, LO 4.1.A asks you to explain exactly this link between core beliefs and attitudes about government. For more review, check the Topic 4.1 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-government/unit-4/american-attitudes-about-government-politics/study-guide/AXTYIo7KQlKP51Gjtr5I), the Unit 4 overview (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-government/unit-4), and 1000+ practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-government).

When Americans disagree about core values like individualism versus equality, it shapes who they want government to help and how much power they expect it to have. That disagreement causes competing public policies (tax cuts vs. welfare expansion), fuels partisan conflict and polarization, and makes compromise harder in Congress and state governments. It also drives different forms of political participation (interest groups, voting, litigation) and leads to uneven policy across states because federalism lets states choose different balances. Courts often resolve value clashes, creating lasting precedents. For the AP exam, connect this to LO 4.1.A and EK 4.1.A—explain how differing interpretations of individualism, equality of opportunity, free enterprise, and rule of law affect citizens’ attitudes toward federal power. Review Topic 4.1 on Fiveable (study guide: https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-government/unit-4/american-attitudes-about-government-politics/study-guide/AXTYIo7KQlKP51Gjtr5I), the unit overview (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-government/unit-4), and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-government) to see exam-style examples.