ABSTRACT
Numerous empirical analyses have shown differences between the political orientations of people living in European societies on the one hand, and their behaviour on the other. Differences can also be found as regards the ideas of good society as, for instance: What role should merits and needs play as guiding principles in the distribution of income and status? To what extent should governments regulate the economy? What are the characteristics of a good citizen? Can government, parliament, the courts and the police be trusted? Even the broad consensus on democracy as the best form of government prevailing among the European publics goes along with different views as to how democratic regimes should be organized. Should people themselves participate in the making of authoritative decisions or should they entrust the decisional authority to elected representatives? Equally, the degree of support for political regimes varies significantly between the European member states (cf. for instance, Dalton 2004; Gabriel/Plasser 2010; Gerhards 2005; Kaase/Newton 1995; Klingemann et al. 2006; Lane/Ersson 2005; van Deth 2004; van Deth et al. 2007). The variations in political attitudes and behaviour are not only to be noted between European societies; those differences also exist within the respective societal communities. Not all Danes, Germans, Portuguese or Hungarians are satisfied with their lives, trust in parliament or are interested in politics. The political societies in all European countries do not share a uniform public.
