United States examines national identity ahead of 250th anniversary

As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, scholars are examining the evolution of American national identity.

Deborah Schildkraut, a professor of political science at Tufts University, notes that American identity has historically been defined by aspirational civic ideals. This includes the belief that anyone can become American through contribution to society and adherence to principles such as individualism, community, and constitutionalism. However, Schildkraut observes that these ideals have frequently existed alongside periods of ethnocultural exclusivity, creating a recurring gap between the nation's perceived identity and its reality.