Simone Lawson
The American Dream is a concept that has evolved over time, but it remains an integral part of the American ethos. While the US Constitution is not as mythically resonant as the Declaration of Independence, it serves as the backdrop for the American Dream. The idea of the American Dream was popularised by James Truslow Adams in his 1931 book, Epic of America, where he described it as a dream of a land where life is better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. The American Dream has been a recurring theme in American literature, from Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. It has been associated with upward mobility, economic success, and the pursuit of happiness. However, some argue that the American Dream has been under assault, with a focus on material success rather than the idealism of a better life for all.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Democracy | Equality of opportunity, justice for all |
| Equality | Success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative |
| Freedom | To make choices and live in accordance with one's values |
| Opportunity | To achieve success and prosperity, regardless of birth or position |
| Social mobility | Upward mobility, economic success, and security |
| Homeownership | |
| Education |
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What You'll Learn
Democracy, equality, and justice
The American Dream, historically, has been associated with the idealism of the great American experiment. It has been described as a sociopolitical concept, encompassing more than just material comfort and economic success. Instead, it represents the aspiration for a better life, where every citizen has an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative. This dream of democracy, equality, and justice is deeply rooted in the American Constitution, which provides the framework for these ideals.
Democracy, as a fundamental principle of the American Dream, is enshrined in the Constitution through the establishment of a representative government and the protection of individual rights. The Constitution outlines a system of checks and balances, dividing the government into three branches: the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. This separation of powers ensures that no single branch dominates, promoting democratic ideals by allowing for a balanced distribution of authority.
Equality, another cornerstone of the American Dream, is reflected in the Constitution's commitment to ensuring equal justice under the law and safeguarding certain fundamental rights for all citizens. The Fourteenth Amendment, for instance, guarantees equal protection under the law, prohibiting states from denying any person "life, liberty, or property, without due process of law." This amendment has been pivotal in advancing civil rights and ensuring that all individuals are treated equally before the law, regardless of their background or identity.
Justice, as a key component of the American Dream, is explicitly mentioned in the Preamble of the Constitution, which states the intention to "establish Justice." This commitment to justice is further reinforced by the establishment of an independent judiciary, ensuring that laws are impartially interpreted and disputes are resolved fairly. The Constitution also empowers the judiciary to review the actions of the executive and legislative branches, holding them accountable to the principles of justice and the rule of law.
The American Dream, as written in the Constitution, thus embodies the aspirations of democracy, equality, and justice. It represents a vision of a nation where individuals have the opportunity to pursue their dreams, where equality and justice prevail, and where the government is accountable to the people and operates within a framework that protects their fundamental rights and freedoms. While the interpretation of the American Dream has evolved over time, these foundational principles remain at its core, shaping the country's identity and guiding its path toward a more perfect union.
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Individual freedom and equality
The American Dream is a concept deeply rooted in the nation's ethos, with its tenets traced back to the Declaration of Independence. The phrase was coined by writer and historian James Truslow Adams in his 1931 book "Epic of America," describing "that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement."
Adams' vision for the American Dream was not solely focused on material success or the accumulation of wealth. Instead, he emphasized social order, where individuals could attain their fullest stature regardless of their birth or position. This dream of individual freedom and equality is further elaborated in the US Constitution, which serves as the backdrop, if not the foundation, for all American Dreams.
The Constitution, with its principles of democracy, justice, and equality of opportunity, provides the framework for Americans to pursue their dreams. It guarantees political and economic freedom, the rule of law, and private property rights, enabling individuals to make choices and strive for success without fear of arbitrary force. The First Amendment, for instance, ensures freedom of speech and religion, allowing individuals to live according to their values and beliefs.
However, it is important to recognize that the American Dream has evolved over time and means different things to different generations. While Adams' original concept focused on social mobility and equality of opportunity, the modern interpretation often associates the American Dream with upward mobility and economic success. This shift has led to criticisms that America has lost its way by prioritizing material success over other values, as Adams himself warned.
Despite these criticisms and evolving interpretations, the core ideals of individual freedom and equality remain central to the American Dream. Political analysts and scholars, such as Yuval Levin and Aziz Rana, continue to explore the role of the Constitution in fostering and potentially reviving the American Dream. They discuss the complexities of the American political system and the need for reforms to ensure the realization of the American Dream for all citizens.
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Social mobility and economic success
The American Dream, a term coined by writer and historian James Truslow Adams in his 1931 book "Epic of America," refers to the idealism of the great American experiment. It represents the aspiration for a better, richer, and happier life for all citizens, regardless of their background or social status. Adams described it as:
> "That dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement."
The American Dream is deeply rooted in the nation's ethos and has been a recurring theme in American literature, such as Mark Twain's "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby." Over time, the concept has become associated with upward social mobility and economic success, often measured by homeownership, education, and financial stability. The idea of achieving the American Dream requires political and economic freedom, rules of law, and private property rights. It promises freedom, equality, and the opportunity to pursue happiness and success, as outlined in the Declaration of Independence.
However, critics argue that the American Dream has been co-opted by materialism and the pursuit of wealth. In reality, the American Dream, as envisioned by Adams, is not merely about motorcars and high wages but emphasizes a social order in which each individual can attain their fullest potential and be recognized regardless of their birth or position. This vision aligns with the principles of democracy, equality, and justice enshrined in the Constitution.
Intergenerational poverty and social mobility present significant challenges to the American Dream. Studies have shown that an American child who grows up in poverty faces higher poverty exposure during early adulthood compared to other developed countries. This indicates that social mobility is more difficult to achieve in the United States than in countries with stronger social safety nets and less extreme wealth disparities.
Despite these challenges, the American Dream continues to be a powerful ideal for many. It represents the promise of a better life, where hard work, determination, and initiative can lead to success and prosperity. The Constitution, with its emphasis on freedom, equality, and democracy, provides the foundation for individuals to pursue their dreams and aspirations, fostering social mobility and economic success for those striving for the American Dream.
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Citizenship and immigration
The American Dream is deeply rooted in the nation's history and has been a source of inspiration for various groups, including women's rights activists, populists, and immigrants. The Declaration of Independence, which states that "all men are created equal" and have the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,," forms the basis of this dream. The US Constitution, which concluded the country's founding, serves as the backdrop for these aspirations.
Regarding citizenship and immigration, the Fourteenth Amendment of the US Constitution states, "All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." This amendment overturned the Supreme Court's decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford, which incorrectly interpreted the Constitution as excluding people of African descent from US citizenship based on race. However, it is important to note that the Fourteenth Amendment has not been interpreted to grant citizenship to everyone born in the United States without exception.
The children of undocumented immigrants born in the United States may not automatically be granted citizenship if their parents are not US citizens or lawful permanent residents. This is especially true if the mother's presence in the country at the time of birth was temporary or unlawful. Recent policy directives from the White House have emphasized this stance.
To address the complexities of immigration and provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, the Dream Act has been proposed. The Dream Act, first introduced in 2001, seeks to protect immigrants who entered the United States as children and are at risk of deportation. Over 20 versions of the bill have been presented in Congress, and the current three versions aim to provide a pathway to citizenship through college, work, or military service.
The American Dream has always been associated with immigration and the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success and prosperity through hard work. This notion of equal opportunity and social mobility has been a driving force for immigrants seeking a better life in the United States.
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The role of the US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence, issued on July 4, 1776, and the Constitution of the United States, ratified in 1788, are two of the most important documents in American history. They are foundational texts that embody the values and principles that have shaped the nation's political and social fabric.
The Declaration of Independence was a statement of colonial rights and motivations for seeking independence from Great Britain. It was designed for multiple audiences: the King, the colonists, and the world. The Declaration's main purpose was to explain and justify the colonists' right to revolution and to announce the creation of a new, independent country. It summarized the colonists' grievances against British rule, including taxation and frontier policies, and served as a call to action for other nations to join their fight against tyranny. The Declaration's adoption on July 4, 1776, marked a significant turning point in American history, as the 13 American colonies officially severed their political connections with Great Britain and established their sovereignty.
The US Constitution, on the other hand, established the framework for the American government and outlined the rights and liberties of its citizens. It created a federal system with a division of powers between the national government and the states. The Constitution formed a national government consisting of three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial, with a system of checks and balances to prevent the concentration of power in any one branch. It also protected various individual liberties, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to bear arms.
Together, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution have played a pivotal role in shaping the American Dream. The Declaration, with its emphasis on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, has become a symbol of the aspirations and ideals that define the American identity. It has been invoked by various groups, including women's rights activists, populists, and anyone seeking a better life. The Constitution, while lacking the mythic resonances of the Declaration, serves as the backdrop for these dreams by providing a stable framework that guarantees certain freedoms and a level playing field for all Americans.
The American Dream, as it has evolved, is often associated with upward mobility and economic success. However, it is important to note that historically, the phrase represented something more profound and aspirational than simple material comfort. The American Dream, as envisioned by the Founding Fathers, encompassed ideals of democracy, equality of opportunity, and justice for all. It was about creating a social order in which every individual had the opportunity to attain their fullest potential, regardless of their background or circumstances of birth.
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Frequently asked questions
The American Dream is the ideal that every citizen of the United States should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative. It is the dream of a better, richer, and happier life for all citizens, regardless of birth or position.
The US Constitution is the backdrop, if not the foundation, for all American Dreams. It is the document that unifies the nation and fosters the American Dream. The Constitution, along with the Declaration of Independence, embodies the sacred heritage of the nation and the values of freedom, democracy, and equality.
Some critics argue that the American Dream has become too focused on material success and the accumulation of wealth. They believe that the dream has been distorted to prioritize economic success over other values, such as social order, equality, and political freedom. Additionally, scholars like Aziz Rana have critiqued the Constitution's failure to deliver on the American Dream, citing issues with the majoritarian checks and constraints in the US political system.
