What term defines the commonly shared beliefs about how government should operate?

The term that best defines the commonly shared beliefs about how government should operate is political culture. Political culture encompasses the values, beliefs, and attitudes that people in a society hold regarding politics and governance. It shapes how individuals view authority, their role within the political system, and the expectations they have for their government.

Political culture is different from political ideology, which refers to a specific set of beliefs about politics that can vary widely among individuals and groups. While political ideology can be a part of political culture, it is more focused on specific beliefs or doctrines, such as liberalism or conservatism.

Public policy refers to the actions that government takes in response to issues or problems and does not encompass the broader set of beliefs that define how government should operate.

Civic engagement relates to the ways in which individuals participate in political and community activities, which can be influenced by the political culture but does not itself define the shared beliefs about government operation.

Therefore, political culture is the most encompassing term for the shared beliefs about governmental processes and organization in a society.