Consensual Political Culture in America

      Although America is described as a melting pot, a country of different cultures, ideas, and people, the American political culture, the widely shared beliefs, values, and norms that define the relationship between citizens and government, is consensual. Refer back to July 4, 1776, when the Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence. Thirteen colonies announced their separation from Great Britain citing "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". These words are the fundamental law of America. Governments exist to represent and protect the people, and when they are no longer doing their job the people have the right to make a change to their government. The Declaration of Independence defined American beliefs. They still hold true today even though there are differences of opinion by citizens about America's political system. In the video clip with Barack Obama addressing the nation in 2004, Barack referred to "the American story, the greatness of our nation". He spoke about different reasons why people come to America, including his ancestors. He stressed the importance of individualism and how America is one place that offers it. America is a place where people of all types and potentials are welcome. A place where people can make it on their own as America is a place of opportunity. He also said, "Our pride is based on a very simple premise, summed up in a declaration made over 200 years ago", and he repeated the American beliefs about equality and unalienable rights citizens are entitled to which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. He said, "that is the true genius of America." He continued to say, "There is no liberal America, no conservative America, there is the United States of America...We all pledge allegiance to the United States of America. Obama was referring to the blue (liberal) states and the red (conservative) states that were referenced in Brook's article, One Nation, Slightly Divisible. In his article, Brooks listed differences in America between the red and blue states. For example, several differences mentioned are "Red America is traditional, religious, self-disciplined, and patriotic while Blue America is modern, secular, self-expressive, and discomfited by blatant displays of patriotism." He also mentions that "certainly Red and Blue America disagree strongly on some issues, such as homosexuality and abortion. But for the most part the disagreements are not large." One might conclude that America is a divided nation based on this, one of conflictual political culture, because of these differences, but it is not the case. These differences are a result of the diversity of the different people living in America. Everyone is unique. Everyone has there own beliefs. People choose to live in America where they want to live. The government doesn't tell them where to live. As long as there are people, there will always be differences, but it's not a bad thing. America is all about allowing people to make choices. In the video clip with President Trump's victory, President Trump said, "Americans from all races, religious backgrounds, and beliefs want and expect the government to serve the people." He pledged to be "President for all Americans." This suggests that American is a democracy form of government where differences are welcome and uniting people is really what America is all about. Differences in opinions are good and are encouraged to make America great.

This is a picture of Barack Obama the night he addressed the nation in 2004 when he affirmed there really is a "U" in the United States of America, and it has been this way for over 200 years.