3.2 Personal Political Values

• Freedom – Refers to the ability of individuals to act and think without undue restriction, which highlights the importance of personal liberty and autonomy.

• Order – Represents the need for a stable and structured society where laws and regulations maintain public safety and social cohesion.

• Equality – Involves the pursuit of fairness and justice, ensuring that all individuals have equal access to opportunities and resources.

Freedom

Again, freedom refers to the ability of individuals to act and think without undue restriction. It is one of the most central political values in American society because it emphasizes personal liberty and autonomy. People often point to freedom as the reason they participate in politics, protect rights, and debate the limits of government power.

Examples of freedoms include:

• Freedom of speech – being able to express opinions without censorship
• Freedom of religion – the right to practice any faith or none at all
• Freedom of the press – journalists reporting without government interference
• The right to vote – participating in elections to choose leaders and influence policies
• The right to privacy – protection of one’s home and personal life from intrusion
• Economic freedom – the ability to start a business or choose a career path
• Bodily autonomy – the right to make personal decisions about one’s own body, including healthcare and reproductive choices

Freedom does not mean the absence of all rules, but rather that individuals have wide room to make choices in their personal lives while still living within a society governed by laws. The ongoing challenge in politics is deciding where the line should be drawn between individual liberty and the responsibilities of the community.

Order

Order represents the need for a stable and structured society where laws and regulations maintain public safety and social cohesion. Without order, individuals could not fully enjoy their freedoms, and communities would struggle to function. Government institutions and rules provide the framework that allows people to live together peacefully and predictably.

Examples of order include:

• Laws against theft and assault – protecting personal safety and property
• Traffic laws – regulating speed limits and intersections to prevent accidents
• Police and fire departments – maintaining public safety and responding to emergencies
• Courts – enforcing contracts and resolving disputes fairly
• National defense – protecting against outside threats and maintaining security
• Public health regulations – ensuring food safety, clean water, and vaccinations to protect communities

Order does not mean eliminating freedom. Instead, it reflects the idea that some rules are necessary for society to function and for individuals to live safely and fairly alongside one another.

Equality

Equality involves the pursuit of fairness and justice, providing that all individuals have equal access to opportunities and resources. It is one of the core values of democracy and has been at the center of many of the nation’s most important social and political struggles. Equality does not mean that everyone will have the same outcomes, but it does mean that people should have the same opportunities and be treated fairly under the law.

Examples of equality include:

• Equal access to public schools – providing education regardless of background
• Civil rights laws – preventing discrimination based on race, gender, or religion
• Voting rights – guaranteeing women and men the equal right to vote
• Disability rights – requiring accessible buildings and services for people with disabilities
• Fair housing laws – reducing discrimination in renting or buying a home
• Equal pay laws – addressing wage gaps between groups of workers
• Redistributive policies – programs such as welfare, Medicaid, and food assistance that shift resources to reduce economic inequality and support families in need

Equality often develops through collective action and legal change, as communities and governments respond to demands for fair treatment. Many of the most significant reforms in American history have been aimed at expanding equality and making sure the promise of democracy applies to everyone.

Conflicting Values

However, these values can sometimes conflict with each other. Let’s first discuss the conflict between freedom and order. The tension arises because maximizing freedom can lead to disorder, as individuals may act in ways that conflict with others or undermine societal stability. Conversely, maximizing order can infringe on personal freedoms, as strict laws and regulations may limit individual autonomy and rights.

Another conflict pits freedom against equality. The tension arises because policies designed to promote equality often require some level of government intervention and redistribution of resources, which can be seen as infringing on individual freedoms. For example, implementing universal healthcare for everyone would require significant taxation, which would infringe on the personal freedom of others to do what they want with their money.

Conversely, maximizing personal freedom can lead to significant inequalities, as individuals with more resources or advantages can leverage them to gain even more benefits, leaving others behind. A simple historical example is the rise of wealthy industrialists during the Gilded Age, sometimes called “robber barons.” They had the freedom to operate with little regulation, which allowed them to amass enormous fortunes while many workers struggled in unsafe jobs with very low pay. Consumers were also affected, as monopolies limited competition and reduced their choices. This led to high prices because companies no longer faced pressure to keep costs low or improve quality when they controlled the market.

By reflecting on these themes and their conflicts, you can begin to explore your own political values, considering which aspects you prioritize and how these preferences shape your views on government and policy.

Reference

Janda, Kenneth, Jeffrey M Berry, and Jerry Goldman. 2012. The Challenge of Democracy. 11th ed. Boston, MA: Wadsworth.