I am an American - All Things Constitutional

What It Means to Be American: The Issues That Created America

Freedom and self-governance are at the heart of what it means to be American.

In 1776, Americans declared independence from a king who ruled without their consent. They fought a revolution not for a new ruler, but for the revolutionary idea that government belongs to the people. The Declaration of Independence stated that all men are created equal and have God-given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Constitution created a system where we the people govern ourselves through elected leaders, checks and balances, and the rule of law — not kings or tyrants.

To be American, from the very beginning, means:

Believing every person has the right to be free — to speak, worship, work, and live as they choose (as long as they don’t harm others).
Supporting self-governance — voting, serving on juries, paying taxes, and holding leaders accountable.
Valuing opportunity over birthright — anyone willing to work hard and pledge loyalty to these ideals can become fully American.

This is the promise that created America. It is not perfect, but it is the ideal we have fought to expand for over 250 years.

Religions in America and How Each Perceives Being American

America is one of the most religiously diverse nations on Earth. Here are the major groups and how many Americans typically see their faith shaping their American identity.

Christianity (62% of Americans)

Protestants (~40%) and Catholics (~19%) often view America as a land of religious liberty founded on Judeo-Christian values. Being American means living out God-given freedom, moral responsibility, and the right to worship (or not) without government interference.

Religiously Unaffiliated / “None” (29%)

Atheists, agnostics, and those who say “nothing in particular” see America as a secular republic where reason, science, and personal freedom come first. Being American means defending the separation of church and state and equal rights for all beliefs.

Judaism (2%)

Jewish Americans often see America as a beacon of freedom and opportunity — a place where they escaped centuries of persecution. Being American means cherishing democracy, the rule of law, and the right to practice their faith openly while contributing fully to society.

Islam (1%)

Muslim Americans view America as the ultimate example of religious freedom. Being American means being able to pray five times a day, build mosques, and participate in democracy while staying true to their faith.

Hinduism (1%)

Hindu Americans see America as the land of opportunity and pluralism. Being American means hard work, education, family values, and the freedom to celebrate their traditions without fear.

Buddhism (1%) and Other Faiths

Buddhists, Sikhs, and smaller faiths view America as a place of peace, tolerance, and personal growth. Being American means practicing their beliefs and contributing to a diverse society where every faith is respected.

Source: Pew Research Center, 2023-24 Religious Landscape Study (released February 2025).
View full study →

Being American from the Perspective of America’s Diverse Races

America’s racial and ethnic makeup (U.S. Census Bureau estimates, July 1, 2024):

White (non-Hispanic): 57.5%
Hispanic/Latino: 20.0%
Black/African American: 13.7%
Asian: 6.7%
Two or More Races (Multiracial): 3.1%
Native American/Alaska Native: 1.4%

White Americans — Many see being American as rooted in the founding ideals, individualism, and the “melting pot” story. They often emphasize self-reliance and pride in the nation’s history.

Black Americans — Being American means claiming the full promise of freedom that was long denied. It is about fighting for equality while loving a country that has both oppressed and inspired them.

Hispanic/Latino Americans — Many view America as the land of opportunity and family. Being American means working hard, preserving cultural traditions, and building a better future for the next generation.

Asian Americans — Often see America as the ultimate meritocracy. Being American means excelling through education and entrepreneurship while honoring family and cultural roots.

Native Americans — Being American is complex: they are the original inhabitants. It means protecting tribal sovereignty and culture while participating in the broader American story.

Multiracial Americans — A growing group. Being American means living proof that race is not a barrier — blending cultures and showing that identity can be both-and.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, United States (July 1, 2024 estimates).
View Census data →

What Brings Americans Together — and What Tears Us Apart

What Brings Us Together

The things that bring Americans together are simple and powerful:

The shared belief in freedom, self-governance, and equal rights.
Love of country, the flag, the Constitution, and the American Dream.
Hard work, opportunity, and the idea that anyone can rise.
Respect for the rule of law and the right to disagree peacefully.

What Tears Us Apart

The things that test us apart include:

Political division and the temptation to see the “other side” as enemies.
Racial and cultural misunderstandings that still linger from our imperfect past.
Fear that the American promise no longer applies to everyone equally.

Recent polling shows a record-high 80% of Americans believe the nation is greatly divided on its most important values.

Sources:
Founding ideals: Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution.
Division data: Gallup poll, September 2024.
View Gallup poll →

In the end, to say “I am an American” is to choose hope over anger, unity over division, and the founding promise over our failures.

E Pluribus Unum — Out of Many, One.