1. What is it
   1. Denis Kavanagh "the set of values, beliefs and attitudes within which a political system operates"
   2. Almond and Verba "the pattern of orientations to political objects among members of a nation"
   3. "the way we do things around here" anon!
   4. Gramsci "a form of ideology" - the ideology of the ruling class. The means through which class domination is maintained and accepted by the subordinate classes as well.
   5. A new name for an old idea: Aristotle: concerned with the social and cultural conditions needed to produce an ideal polity Rousseau: importance of custom, opinion and morality in politics Satanka Yotanka: shared feelings of identity, one-ness vital for the stability and continuity of the tribe
   6. A means of understanding and affirming who "we" are.......
2. Where is it?
   1. Primarily invisible and mostly imagined, but...
   2. Some tangible qualities and manifestations:
      1. Language
         1. Think of Belgium for importance of language. But also Basque, Welsh, Cornish, Scots and Irish Gaelic etc.
      2. Dress
         1. Probably less important than it was and often contrived, but there nonetheless. Se the kilt and it's romantic fantasy history.
      3. Official symbols, anthems, flags, food, national heroes, other totems
3. Why is it significant
4. National identity-cultures and subcultures and conflicts
5. Comparing political cultures
6. How useful are cultural explanations of politics?
7. Case study: trust in government