Expectations

Definition

Expectations refer to the anticipated roles and responsibilities that citizens and institutions believe the government should fulfill in society. This concept encompasses beliefs about government intervention, public welfare, economic management, and individual rights, shaping the way people view government actions and policies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Expectations about government roles have evolved over time, influenced by historical events, social movements, and changing public attitudes.
2. During periods of economic crisis, such as the Great Depression, expectations shifted towards greater government intervention in the economy to provide stability and support.
3. The New Deal programs in the 1930s significantly altered expectations by establishing a precedent for federal involvement in economic and social welfare.
4. Controversies surrounding healthcare reform often highlight differing expectations about whether the government should guarantee healthcare as a right or allow market forces to dictate access.
5. Public opinion polls frequently reflect changing expectations regarding government responsibility, revealing a complex relationship between citizen beliefs and political action.

Review Questions

• How have historical events shaped public expectations of government responsibilities?
  • Historical events such as the Great Depression and World War II have significantly shaped public expectations of government responsibilities. During the Great Depression, people looked to the government for economic relief, leading to programs like the New Deal that expanded federal intervention in citizens' lives. Similarly, wartime needs required the government to take on new roles, increasing expectations for effective leadership and resource management. These experiences laid the groundwork for future demands on the government regarding economic stability and social welfare.
• Discuss how differing expectations about government's role can lead to political controversies.
  • Differing expectations about government's role often result in political controversies, particularly around issues like healthcare, education, and environmental regulation. For example, some people believe that access to healthcare should be a fundamental right guaranteed by the government, while others argue that it should be primarily managed by private entities. These conflicting views can lead to heated debates in Congress and among the public, showcasing how varying perceptions of government responsibility impact policy-making and political discourse.
• Evaluate how changing public expectations influence legislative actions and political parties' platforms.
  • Changing public expectations directly influence legislative actions and the platforms of political parties as they seek to respond to constituent demands. For instance, as societal attitudes toward climate change shift toward greater urgency, parties may adopt more aggressive environmental policies to align with voter concerns. Similarly, as more citizens advocate for social justice and equality, legislators are prompted to introduce reforms that reflect these priorities. This dynamic illustrates how expectations shape not only immediate policy decisions but also broader electoral strategies and party ideologies over time.

Related terms

Social Contract:

An implicit agreement among the members of a society to cooperate for social benefits, often used to justify the authority of the state.

Limited Government:

A political system in which the powers of the government are restricted by law, usually in a constitution, to protect individual liberties.

Public Policy: The principles and actions adopted by the government to address societal issues and fulfill public needs.