Daniel Elazar

Daniel Elazar was a political scientist who studied how regional cultures in the United States influence political beliefs and behaviors. He identified three main cultural traditions: the Moralistic, emphasizing community well-being and active government; the Traditionalist, favoring hierarchy and preserving established social order; and the Individualist, valuing personal freedom and limited government. His work helps explain why different states and regions develop distinct political attitudes and policies. Elazar’s insights are widely used to understand regional political differences and the foundation of American political development.