What Does American Mean?

Immigrants to America are being given a new test they will have to pass to become naturalized American citizens. The new test asks 100 questions that supposedly determines their understanding of American democracy.

Immigration officials said they sought to move away from civics trivia to emphasize basic concepts about the structure of government and American history and geography. In contrast to the old test, which some immigrants could pass without any study, the officials said the new one is intended to force even highly educated applicants to do reviewing.

“This test genuinely talks about what makes an American citizen,” said Emilio Gonzalez, the director of Citizenship and Immigration Services, speaking at a news conference in Washington.

What does it mean to be an "American" (presumably a citizen of the USA and not of Canada, Mexico, Central or South America). Too many citizens seem to think it means being deeply in love with a piece of red and white cloth. Some think it means being the big guy on the block and that might makes right. Many think it means we are the chosen people of the hebrew god of the bible and that we damn well better do what that god commands.

Personally, I think being an American is best described in 52 words written at the end of the 18th century.

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence,promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Justice, Tranquility, Welfare, Liberty: these are the words that describe what America means. A country that understands and promotes equality for all, the rule of law, and checks and balances in government.