The national characteristic of the political and social structure of America is what makes it unique from other nations of the world. Martin Lipset points out that the key to understanding social, economic and political trends throughout American history is to consider them in the context of the five terms or otherwise known as the five dimensional prism, which are both governmental and social policies that establish a sense of independence and equality within the nation. Lipset also points out how you can’t understand the problem of America without noticing how it varies from other nations that have a different political, social and cultural identity. According to the passage given, the five core pillars of the American creed account for …show more content…
For example Martin Lipset stated that “..it is impossible to understand a country without seeing how it varies from others. Those who know only one country know only one country know no country.” (Author, Page Number) He points it out later on in the passage. For instance: the author describes how one of the most important bodies of writing that involves this country is referred to as the “foreign traveler” literature. These are articles and books written by visitors, largely European, that deal with the way in which America works when compared to other countries. Writers like Alex de Tocqueville traveled to America to find out why establishing a democratic government in his native country, France, during the French Revolution, had a bad outcome. But the same political system that was established in America, led to stability in the republic. Alex de Tocqueville emphasized that the meaning of the five terms of the
The basis of American society has been built upon the individual
The United States of America has gone through many eras in its young, two-century history, driven by innovation and progress through the various individuals and groups that have contributed with long lasting effects. It is important to note, however, the conflicts that came along with it. Throughout America’s history, many people have attempted to create progress in their social, economical, and practical lives as they see fit. This sometimes led to conflicting interests, and the high-stakes nature of their pursuits caused turmoil in the form of turf wars, stemming from each side’s efforts to push for their own goals. Thomas Jefferson penned these immortal words in the Declaration of Independence: “ “We hold these truths to be self-evident,
Alexis De Tocqueville was a french writer and an early observer of the American political culture during 1830 's. He came to America to answer the question, “Why are the Americans doing so well with democracy, while France is having so much trouble with it?” He identified a couple of factors that influenced America 's success like abundant and fertile land, countless opportunities for people to aquire land and make a
In today’s world, many American leaders and citizens believe that their nation is infallibly exceptional despite the vast amount of evidence that points to the contrary, and these views are far from harmless towards the nation’s identity and progress. When a group -- or in this case, a nation -- believes themselves to be exceptional, it can lind then to the problems that exist around them. They would see no reason to improve themselves if they were already exception in their minds. more and more Americans are
Though seen as a country in itself, the United States is divided into multiple nations based on lifestyle and opinion. The individuality that citizens value is powerful enough to create divisions in the country. People can easily differentiate one from another and some are even open to adapt to even more change. Americans understand and emphasize their differences well enough to value the nation as independently
Here are its main provisions, all previous history of the state of American States - is the path of the translational motion to the attainment of the status of the most powerful nation world. There was a consequence of historical events, which American people had to pass through, as if, in advance someone has planned such logic as an obvious progress towards the attainment of the global leadership. It seems as if the hand of Providence has taken care of the best of circumstances, prior to the formation of American nationhood, when in one place and at one time, there were all necessary components of a future civilization - technology, the middle class, language, religion, combined with tolerance, love of knowledge and science, and, most importantly, the task of forming the national government. For two centuries, "the first modern civilization" "maturing" to demonstrate world its unprecedented economic and moral potential of the idea of the "American century" was not only the intention of refute and even the danger of isolationism as American foreign policy stratagems, but also to justify and reinforce the system of weighty arguments moral authority of America is globally present in the world. Luce unerringly accurate chooses the most accurate
It was once said that “America is the greatest, freest and most decent society in existence“. It is an oasis of goodness in a desert of cynicism and barbarism; this country, once an experiment unique in the world, is now the last best hope for the world“. Today, many Americans share these sentiments. In fact, for many, America is more than a country; it is also a philosophy and a way of life. Since its inception, the founding fathers believed that they could create a nation unlike any other.
The United States of America is a big, powerful and wealthy country in the world. The division of class, individuality, religion, and race are but a few of the embellishments within the society. The blend of these numerous diversities is the crucial ingredient to the modern nation. America has been formed upon them, with that said the “average American”- have a single means in common; a single concept; a single goal; the American Dream. The Dream consists of a seemingly simple theory; success.
America has been influenced by hope, faith, hard work, and literature throughout history during its search for self. It took a lot throughout the creation and the development of american life. America’s search for self began in the very beginning of america 's creation. Starting from the first settlers who had to create their own homes to learning how to plant their own crops with no idea on what to do with any of their houses or crops. Through their journey they had to use what they knew and they’re tools to create their houses and plant their crops.
However, the United States is a very diverse country and with diversity comes different sets of beliefs. In the reading, Made in America, by Laurie Olsen, she touches
As a result, individualism and equality are most preciousness values in the American
These conflicts within America are all a part of people’s internal personality and morals and not with an outside influence. This shows that the main challenges that America face today are from within and can only be solved by people realizing these problems and trying to fix them. Some people need to lose their sense of entitlement and sensitivity and unite together as one to progress America forward. Sense of entitlement, the division between the public, and sensitivity of some people have spread through America like a disease and until cured of these diseases, America is stationary and slowly dying
Fundamental American values include liberty, order, equality, and property. Not all of these values are fully compatible. The value of order often competes with civil liberties, and economic equality competes with property rights. Even today, there is a considerable consensus among American citizens about certain concepts that are deemed to be basic to the United States political system. The most fundamental concepts of the American political culture are those of the dominant culture.
Democracy in America is one of the most important books on American political life. During his nine-month stay in the United States in 1831, Alexis de Tocqueville was able to capture the essence of freedom and equality in American life. In doing so he saw that democracy was taking over the world and saw the true meaning of democracy in America with its ‘equality of conditions’. He often repeats that the advancement of democracy and equality is inevitable and that nothing can be done to stop it. While this unstoppable force of equality has helped American society, its presence also presents many dangers.
The final part will offer a conclusion on the issues raised in our paper. The basic principles on which the American Dream is founded were developed in the 17th Century. Based on the ideas and values of equality, liberty, justice and fairness, the Declaration of Independence guaranteed the American people