Is the U.S. an exceptional country?

IS THE US AN EXCEPTIONAL COUNTRY?

Jillian Jandl

            The United States of America has a foundation of unique ideas that cannot rightly be compared to other nations. While other countries take generic unifying qualities and try to apply them, the U.S. uses particular principles that make sense in making the nation exceptional. The United States’ governmental, economic, and religious views incorporate values that prove how exceptional the country is. All qualities of America value liberty and equality, making up an exceptional country for the people.

            The political aspect of America has been crucial to properly running the country from the beginning. Unlike other nations, a large amount of political authority was put in the hands of the people when the U.S. was founded. Early in the country’s existence, limits were put on the government to protect the people and to give the people the rights they needed to live the life they wanted. The purposes of the government and the restrictions on its authority were stated immediately after America’s separation from Britain in the Declaration of Independence. The founders wanted human rights from the very beginning to protect the liberty of the people and to base their power on what the governed people want. The Constitution and Bill of Rights then introduced more protection for the people, and reasonable laws that equally apply to everyone. America focuses on the exceptional qualities of protecting human freedoms and allowing society to flourish with a strong sense of liberty for the people. 

            Religion in the United States is a major reason that the country is considered to be exceptional. The nation does not follow the norm and set a common religion to unify the country. Instead, America gives freedom of religion as a written right of the people, stated in the Bill of Rights. While unity is very important, American ideals show that giving the people the freedom to practice their personal beliefs is more important in maintaining the happiness of all citizens. People desire to pursue their values, and America sees that it is wrong to force someone to follow a belief that they do not agree with. The popular government that exists in the U.S. allows religious faith to thrive and for the people to independently choose their own belief system. If government gives political power to the people, they deserve moral power as well, and this exceptional nation understands that. 

            In addition to these powers, economic authority is also given to the American people. Everyone has the right to work for a profit and to buy, own, and sell property. This is the basis of a well-run economy, while it is structured by the government, but gives the people all power to run the system within. Without strict limitations on the economy, the people have the means to pursue happiness and economic liberty. The free enterprise that is incorporated in American economy, allows businesses to flourish on their own and to receive all earning that they work for. This system is a major source of prosperity for the country and is the basis of the United States’ successful economy. The principles that America applies make for a prosperous nation. The people like having liberty in the economy to purchase, sell, and maintain and to independently run a business. These freedoms let people see America as an exceptional country.

            The view of the United States as an exceptional nation is an accurate evaluation. The liberties given to the people maintain their happiness, while also preserving a well-run country. Not only has America found ways to balance government power and power of the people, but the nation has also found ways to compromise, in the interest of the people. The government simply holds enough power to secure the people’s basic human rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. American principles provide the people with the freedoms they desire to stay happy and prosperous, and provide the country with a solid governmental system that the people trust. Together, these many impressive qualities make up the exceptional nation of the United States of America.