350-400 words

PSCI 1122: State and Local Government

WRITING ASSIGNMENT #1

DUE: 5/25/16

In 350 -400 words, please respond to the following (points will be deducted for not meeting the minimum word count requirement):

State Political Culture is defined as a set of beliefs and attitudes that are consistent over time and confined to a certain geographic area.

Using the notes from Chapter 1 in the textbook and the article, "Why Do Different States Have Such Wildly Different Ideas about Government?" (pgs 8 – 10 in State and Local Government):

1. Discuss what state political culture is, what affects a state's political culture, and how it affects decision-making.

2. With so many different state political cultures, is it possible to ever come to consensus on issues like gun control, gay marriage, marijuana legalization, abortion, and education. Explain your answer.

In your response, you should be using both the notes and the article to support your response.