Part 1- Basic Knowledge (22pts)-

We have been discussing multiple American Identity Traits in class thus far. Please
LIST in short statements one trait from EACH of the following groups and how
that trait was a part of that group. Native, Spanish, French, Capitalism, African,
Puritans, Quakers, Southern Colonies, Enlightenment, Greek, Roman.

Example Greeks- From the GREEKS we have inherited the trait of COMPETITION
because the Greeks invented the Olympics to prove physical or cultural superiority.
Native American We inherited the trait of mathematical thinking from the Mayans
because they invented the concept of zero.
Spanish The Spanish gave us the trait of being adventurous because they
were exploratory people that conquered most of North America.
French The french brought the trait of style and fashion to North America
with their clothing (beaver skin hats)
Capitalism Capitalism brought creativity into the Americas because people
owned their own businesses and the government had less control
over them.
African Africans brought some of our musical identity in our religions
developing hymns for churches when being converted to
christianity.
Puritans Puritans brought hard work to the Americas because they believed
hard work pleased god.
Quakers Quakers brought the belief of equality to the untied states by
opposing slavery and giving women and equal voice in meetings.
Southern Colonies Many of the southern colonies brought the belief of religious
freedom by establishing laws in their constitutions that granted it.
Enlightenment The enlightenment brought scepticism because people started
following scientific ideas instead of religious ideas.
Greek Greeks brought the idea of United States democracy in its polis
systems. Where they had an urban center and buildings around it
much like the state capitals of the United States.
Roman Romans brought the trait of competition in their forms of
entertainment like the coliseum.

Part 2- American Exceptionalism and the American Identity (40pts) (This should be
your most significant writing portion)

(Background) American exceptionalism has been historically referred to as the belief

that the United States differs qualitatively from other developed nations because of its
national credo, historical evolution, and/or distinctive political and religious institutions.
The difference is often expressed in American circles as some categorical superiority,
to which is usually attached some alleged proof, rationalization or explanation that
may vary greatly depending on the historical period and the political context. However,
the term can also be used in a negative sense by critics of American policies to refer
to a willful nationalistic ignorance of faults committed by the American government.
On the one hand, American intervention on the world stage has claimed a moral
purpose of acting altruistically in defense of freedom and democracy. On the other
hand, America has been accused of behaving as a "nation above nations" imposing
its hegemony on the rest of the world, acting in its own interest, with no concern for
others. The U.S. is far from unique in claiming to be special. Many nations, ancient
and modern, have regarded themselves as having a special role to play, sometimes
blessed by God. Pinnacle nations can be forces for good or for evil in the world.
History suggests that pinnacle nations that temper power with morality, with the aim of
maintaining peace, of spreading justice or of defending human rights may have a
crucial role to play in securing a sustainable future for the planet and human race.
Former imperial powers are among the world's strongest champions of human rights
and human equality. (New American Encyclopedia, 2018)

Is there something extraordinary about the America Identity/ Americans?

For this question you will need to research an article on the American Identity
or American Exceptionalism, and have a conversation with someone about the
article and answer the following questions.
Questions about the Article:
What is the author's belief on exceptionalism?
Who made America exceptional? The founders are one of the main reasons america
is exceptional

What is the article

titled and who is the
author? “Why American Exceptionalism Is Different From Other
Countries’ “Nationalisms”” By: Kim R. Holmes

Who is the target The targeted audience are the people who do not believe in
audience, and what is American exceptionalism. Kim R. Holmes wants the audience to
the main argument of believe that America is exceptional because of the way the
the article? founders combined normally separated ideas like a government
and freedom. He describes that they did this by giving people
natural rights and giving the government limited power and checks
of power with multiple sectors of the government.
What is the political or
social history/bias of
the writer or the site? Kim R. Holmes was an assistant secretary of the state in the
years 2002-2005. He is part of the republican party so he may
lean his views towards that side. But he is a political leader so
he has experience in government ideas and what would make
us exceptional. He mostly states but does not talk to much
about immigrants and other countries.
How would they The American identity is the principle that America was built upon
describe the American from the beginning. The natural rights of man and the idea of
Identity? thinking for yourself. He states that these ideas came from a
combination of the enlightenment and philosophical ideas that were
combined by the founders to create the constitution and the bill of
rights. The American identity is just the simple principles that apply
to every human American or not. America cares about other
countries other than itself. The American Identity in simple terms is
the right to freedom.
How would they He would say America is a city on a hill because of their belief in
answer the question: natural rights. He stated this by describing the experience of an
Is the American immigrant to america. Immigrants that come to America are given
Identity or Americans the natural rights of an American no matter what their race or ideals
Exceptional? Is are. In a lot of other places complete freedom is not an option and
America a City on a the government has most of the control. We do not have any
Hill? specific ethnicity or religion like other countries. In England if you
disrespect the queen you may be imprisoned for two years or in
many asian countries freedom of religion is taken away. With all the
rights Americans have we truly are different and exceptional. We
are free and that is why America is a city on a hill.
Questions about the Interview/Conversation (at least 15 minutes, you will have to give them
some examples about why America is or isn’t exceptional. Start with the question

Is there something extraordinary or special about the American Identity/

Americans?
Who is the My Dad, Ryan Morgan
person/people you
talked to you
How did they answer My dad believed one of the main reasons america is exceptional is
the question? because of our “representative democracy” he stated that most
other countries don't get to choose their leaders so the leader can
become more easily corrupted. Also combined with natural rights,
specifically the right to bear arms, Americans are able to defend
themselves and fight against the government's wrongdoings. With
our representative democracy and our natural rights, America is
truly exceptional.
Reflection on Article and Interview
What did you learn as a I learned that the founder combined a combination of philosophical
result of the article and ideas with enlightenment ideas like the right to fight against a
Interview? corrupt government and our God given rights written in the bill of
rights. I also learned that America is also a lot more diverse than
many other countries. Because of the freedom of religion many
different people came to America making it diverse. I also learned
that the way our country is governed is exceptional because the
people have control. God does not choose our leaders and,
Although, America has many of these traits in common with other
countries it is the combination of it all that makes it exceptional.

Part 3- Your Opinion (18pts)

Write your opinion on the question about the American Identity and American
Exceptionalism? Is there someone extraordinary about the American Identity? I
expect at least two paragraphs, please provide reasoning and evidence to support
your opinion.

What is your Opinion I believe there is something exceptional about America. America
about American has a very different story than other nations, it was created as a
Exceptionalism? combination of many different explorers thoughts and in a time of
new ideas. The founders built on these ideas to create what makes
America exceptional. I believe their combination of ideas from
philosophers and the enlightenment did create a unique society.

What ideas did the founders combine? Some of them were the
idea that humans have basic God given rights, people need to
have power over the government, our acceptance and freedom.
They used these ideas to create a diverse country that had
nationalism without everyone having the same traits like race or
religion. Whereas most other countries have some right taken
away either complete freedom of religion or control over
government. All the freedoms the American people are given is
what makes America an exceptional place.