What Does It Mean To Be An American?

Being an American cannot be defined by one simple word or phrase. Since the formation of The Declaration of Independence in which the United States declared itself as a sovereign nation that is not beholden to any country, that is when an American identity came into existence. The meaning of an American has evolved and been interpreted in different ways throughout American history. After the formation of the United States Constitution, the core values of an American were embedded in that document. Because of the Constitution, these values were able to be passed on from generation to generation. A modern American means to be treated equally under the law, have a voice and a representation in the political process, given an opportunity to pursue
In the United States, there is a separation of powers between the three branches of government and each branch of government has the ability to check and balance the other two branches in order to ensure civil liberties and safeguard them against any overreach by any of the three branches of government. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” (Jefferson 1) The Founding Fathers such as Thomas Jefferson, was one of the principal authors, who wrote The Declaration of Independence and on top of their minds was ensuring the fair and just treatment for all Americans with no separation or favorability of certain individuals by the U.S. government. Every American citizen is entitled to be treated justly and equally by the
To be able to have a career in which someone can provide for themselves and the people they are responsible for and also to have a prosperous future without worrying about financial struggles, that is what means to have in opportunity in America. “The basic things expected by our people of their political and economic systems are simple. They are: Equality of opportunity for youth and for others. Jobs for those who can work.”(Roosevelt 1) This quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt describes one of the most important obligations of the government to its citizens which providing them the right conditions to achieve their goals. In the United States, each person should have the opportunity to become whatever they desire, if it's reasonable, as long as they work hard for