Ideals of Democracy 

The U.S. government is based on ideas of limited government, including natural rights, popular sovereignty, republicanism, and social contract.  The Declaration of Independence, drafted by Jefferson with help from Adams and Franklin, provides a foundation for popular sovereignty, while the U.S. Constitution drafted at the Philadelphia Convention and led by George Washington, with important contributions from Madison, Hamilton, and members of the “Grand Committee,” provides the blueprint for a unique form of political democracy in the U.S  

The protection of Civil Liberties and Rights in the USA today 

The principles of the US Constitution - their effectiveness today 

The American Revolution was a revolution of elites and property owners. Revolutions such as the 1789 French Revolution, the 1917 Russian Revolution, and the 1978–1979 Iranian Revolution produced great societal change—as well as plenty of bloodshed. The American Revolution was different. Despite the revolutionary ideas behind it, the Revolution was essentially a conservative movement that did not drastically alter the colonists’ way of life. Its primary goal was to restore rights that the colonists felt were theirs as British subjects and to enable them to live as they had before Britain tightened its regulations following the Seven Years’ War. American colonists did not feel the need for great social, economic, or political upheavals. Despite their opposition to British rule, they “were not oppressed people; they had no crushing imperial shackles to throw off .” (Gordon S Wood)  As a result, the Revolution did not create class conflicts that would split society for generations to come. 

Due to a unique national identity, the concept of the 'American Dream' has endured through various historical events such as the Great Depression of the 1930s and the Vietnam War in the 1960s and 1970s. While other nations have experienced significant economic growth and offered high levels of social mobility, terms like 'Australian Dream' or 'Japanese Dream' are seldom discussed. The prominence of the 'American Dream' indicates that there is something distinctive about American democracy that allows considerable freedom in economic, social, and political areas. This foundation in core values explains why Americans often encounter a mix of curiosity and confusion abroad; their shared identity as Americans, regardless of race, stands out to foreign observers. Embracing American identity feels almost like a spiritual transformation, marked by a sense of equality and shared beliefs rooted in Americanism. Nevertheless, a key aspect of this identity is the widespread mistrust of government, especially the federal government. This skepticism can be traced back to America’s revolutionary roots against British rule, where colonists resisted what they saw as unfair taxation, and it resonates with a population that has often included individuals seeking to escape authority.

Americans have consistently harbored doubts about the risks associated with high taxes and the authority of the government. They tend to worry more about what the government might impose on them rather than what it can provide. This concern is reflected in the strong belief in gun ownership as a means of protecting freedom and defending against crime. While this mindset has softened during specific historical moments, like the Great Depression after the 1929 Stock Market Crash, the underlying suspicion has remained strong. The unique characteristic of American beliefs is its skepticism towards government. Distrust of power and viewing government as the greatest source of that power are fundamental themes in American political thought.