America's Democratic Identity Binds Together a Diverse Nation

America contains a wide variety of ethnic identities, but is America’s commitment to democracy the “identity” that binds the United States together?

Who Is Us? - The Aspen Institute - The Aspen Institute

The extreme fragmentation of American society is a direct threat to the democratic process

What Does It Mean to “Be American?” 

Knowing our history and knowing American traditions is the single factor that binds the United States together. 

What Does it Mean to Be American? 

Student voices on what it means to be an American 

What does it mean to be American? The answer depends on your politics, study says

The meaning of America and its history is largely dependent on an individual’s political beliefs

PRRI

There is a long tradition in American history of the polarization that exists in American society today

What Does It Mean to Be an American?: Reflections from Students (Part 3)

Additional student voices on what it means to be an American in 2024

Identity, discrimination, and civic engagement - Equity in America

Discussion of survey results on why some Americans are civically engaged and others are not.  Analysis of how an experience of discrimination impacts potential civic involvement 

Age Group Identity and Political Participation

Analysis of how age and generational values impact the probability of civic engagement 

Rethinking Civic Engagement

Analysis of how many young people are civically engaged; involvement of young people often extends beyond the traditional political sphere

Growing Voters: Engaging Youth Before they Reach Voting Age to Strengthen Democracy

Analysis of methods to engage students before they become voters and ways to reach the newest voters 

Principles for Equitable and Inclusive Civic Engagement

A detailed analysis of civic engagement and six principles to guide efforts in this field