Foundations of Ideology

This module sets the conceptual groundwork, clarifies the stakes, and establishes the need for a new analytic model.

MODULE 1

01

Welcome to American Ideologue

Introduces the project and its provocations. Outlines the goals of this project. Challenges modern cynicism about ideology and stakes the claim that America has one.

02

Civic Engagement and the Dying American Ideology

A personal narrative rooted in Bellah, Putnam, and Ladd. Establishes the cultural infrastructure necessary for ideology to function.

03

The Science of Ideas: Defining Ideology

Defines ideology as a dual system (normative + operational). Separates ideology from partisanship and movements. Includes historical grounding in de Tracy, Marx, and contemporary political theory.

04

In Search of the American Ideology

Survey of major intellectual schools: Hartz, Lipset, Ladd, Smith, Bellah, Sandel, Hofstadter. The need for an analytic model.

MODULE 1

The American Ideology

“The Methodology.” Revealing a new systematic approach to discovering, understanding and defining the American Ideology.

05

A Framework for the American Ideology

Introduces the two-axis analytic model that defines the American Ideology. Together, these axes give rise to four cardinal values at the center—values that synthesize these tensions into a coherent system.

06

Communitarian Individualism

Explores the American expression of liberty—not as unbounded autonomy, but as liberty constrained by moral obligation, civic duty, and belonging. It shows how American liberty has always presupposed a virtuous citizen, embedded in civil society, capable of self-governance.

07

Moral Equality

Here we examine the American interpretation of equality—not as uniformity or enforced outcomes, but as a commitment to shared dignity, fairness, and opportunity. Rooted more in the Imago Dei than in economic class struggle, this value offers a moral and social equilibrium that resists both hierarchy and flattening.

08

Republicanism

Not the party, but the philosophical and institutional tradition: a belief in constitutional government, civic virtue, the rule of law, and liberty preserved through structure. This post traces how republicanism reconciles liberty with order and individual rights with the common good.

09

Federalism

More than a legal arrangement, federalism is a structural value rooted in pluralism, decentralization, and a distrust of concentrated power. This post argues that American federalism isn’t just pragmatic—it’s a moral safeguard, essential for balancing the National Idea with the diverse and local commitments of the Democratic Idea.

10

When the Balance Breaks

Examines what happens when America loses its ideological center. It outlines the four pathologies that emerge when the core tensions are resolved in favor of one pole

American Ideology 101:
Introduction

Over the next several months, I’ll be proposing an analytic model—a methodology—for discovering, understanding, and defining what I call the American Ideology. In weekly posts, I’ll reveal the framework behind this model, explore its roots in political thought and American history, and reflect on its relevance to the challenges we face today.

While the structure of this Substack may seem a bit formal—maybe even a little jarring—it’s mostly tongue-in-cheek. Think of it as me poking gentle fun at myself for occasionally taking this project (and myself) a little too seriously. If you’re here to read and think, that’s more than enough. But if you’re open to engaging a bit more, I’ll be introducing a few “gimmicks” to make the experience more interactive:

Each post is a lecture. Or better: a short seminar session. Posts are meant to be digestible—no more than 20 minutes to read. Occasionally, I’ll link to longer essays for readers who want to dive deeper.
The syllabus is alive. Below you’ll find a working outline for the series. Much of this content began as an unfinished dissertation I started writing three decades ago. It’s being rewritten in real time, updated both for historical accuracy and for our current political moment. So the curriculum is not only subject to change—it’s likely to.
Explainer videos are coming. These will drop asynchronously and irregularly (The first video is shown below at course #5 - even before the course has begun!). If you’re following the series closely (as everyone should, of course), rely on the written posts as your foundation.
Live Q&A chats will follow each post, simulating the back-and-forth of a real seminar. If there’s interest, I’ll occasionally host video discussions. And if no one shows up, I’ll happily talk to myself for half an hour.
Guest lectures and podcast episodes may appear from time to time. If you’d like to serve as a guest lecturer or sparring partner, let me know—no prerequisites required. Like the Episcopal Church: All Are Welcome.
A bibliography (or reading list) will accompany most posts. I will not be burdening you (nor me) with the clutter of endless footnotes in the posts (although they will grace the longer deep-dives I crib from the dissertation draft). You’re on your own for acquiring the texts—especially the obscure out-of-print ones.

American Ideology 101

American Ideology 101: Introduction

American Ideology 101:
Introduction