american political tought

I noticed in the discussion where many of our classmates have posted about “what it means to be an American?”. I always ask myself questions, such as what is the influence of immigrants on american political tought? or like the question i askeded myself in the discussions where many of classmates have contributed with there responses. What does it mean to be an American? before reading ch.1 in the textbook “Faultlines” i would of said an American is to be a U.S citizen. I must admit i never really had toughts on this subject, after doing my reading in this textbook i have learned that to be an American goes above our rights of birthright citizenship. An American is the people who contribute to their country, the people who get involved in helping America preserve all the good things it has to offer us. Now i understand the importance of civic learning, patriotism and the american vote. As an American we have a legal right to be politicaly involved, an american could also be someone who sees the value in voting. Especially young voters i think they need to know that there actions could make America a better nation. It will not end the concerns about democracy but it is a positive social change for America.