Final answer:
The small scope of American government is primarily due to the prominence of individualism in American political culture, supporting personal freedom over expansive government roles.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the most important reasons for the comparatively small scope of American government is the prominence of individualism in American political culture. In America, there is a strong belief in personal freedom and individual responsibility, which can sometimes oppose the expansion of government roles in the lives of citizens. This individualistic view contrasts with more collectivist societies, where the government may play a more active role in ensuring the welfare of its citizens. The history of political thought in the U.S., as defined by scholars like Daniel Elazar, categorizes American political culture into moralistic, individualistic, and traditionalistic types, with individualism being significant in shaping the government's scope.
The structure of federalism and the diffusion of political cultures across states, based on historical migratory patterns, further contribute to this individualistic leaning. Americans tend to value the ability to engage with multiple levels of government but also hold a certain distrust in a fully active government, which is evident in the prevalence of laissez-faire principles and the history of political practice that has typically favored limited government intervention.
Moreover, the influence of élites versus the pluralistic nature of political involvement indicates a balance of power that can limit the government's expansion. The two-party system also maintains a status quo that avoids extremes seen in more political heterogeneous societies with multiparty systems like those in Europe.