Public Agenda: What Does It Mean To Be An American? Freedom, Choice, And The Responsibility Of Self Government by Dr Shellie M Bowman Sr

I recently encountered a statement on social media that simply read: “I do not care if you are a Republican or a Democrat. Just start acting like an American.” The sentence was brief, but it caused me to pause. What does it actually mean to act like an American? As a scholar of public administration, a military veteran, and a citizen who has benefited from the opportunities this nation affords, I initially thought of the achievements many people associate with the American experience: education, service, professional success, and civic participation. Yet the more I reflected, the more I realized those outcomes are not the definition of being an American. They are the result of something deeper.

Being an American, at its core, is the freedom to choose.

Within the rule of law, Americans possess the ability to pursue their aspirations without infringing upon the rights of others. That principle is deeply embedded in the constitutional tradition of the United States and in the philosophical foundations of liberal democracy. Political theorists have long described liberty as the condition in which individuals are free to act according to their own will so long as they do not harm others (Mill, 1859/2002). The American system of governance reflects that balance between freedom and responsibility. Citizens are granted the ability to act, speak, believe, and associate freely while recognizing that the same freedom must be extended to their neighbors.

As I continued reflecting, the meaning of American identity became clearer. To be an American means that one can choose many paths. One can be a Democrat, a Republican, an Independent, or none of the above. One can believe deeply in matters of faith or approach the world through empirical skepticism. One can read widely, seek knowledge from many sources, and form independent conclusions about the world. One can see oneself in one way while another observer may describe that same identity differently. These freedoms are not signs of weakness in a democratic society. They are evidence of its strength.

In the American tradition, the right to choose is inseparable from the responsibility to respect the rights of others. When individuals attempt to impose their personal beliefs or identities upon others through coercion or force, the principle of liberty begins to erode. This tension has been a central challenge of democratic governance since the founding of the republic. As political scientist Robert Dahl (1989) observed, democratic systems rely on a delicate balance between individual freedom and collective decision making. When authority is used to punish individuals merely for refusing to conform to another person’s definition of acceptable identity or belief, democratic norms are weakened.

The ethical traditions that shape American society reinforce this understanding of shared human dignity. Sacred texts across many faith traditions remind humanity that life itself is a gift not chosen by those who receive it. In the Christian tradition, for example, the Book of Genesis describes the creation of humankind as bearing the image of the divine (Genesis 1:27, New Revised Standard Version). Likewise, the apostle Paul wrote that in the moral order of creation there is neither superiority nor inferiority among people, but rather a shared human standing (Galatians 3:28, New Revised Standard Version). These teachings emphasize that human value does not arise from social status or political affiliation but from the inherent dignity of human life.

From the perspective of public administration, these principles translate into the practical responsibilities of governance. Public institutions must serve a diverse population composed of individuals with different identities, experiences, beliefs, and aspirations. Scholars of democratic governance have emphasized that inclusive institutions are essential for legitimacy and effective public service (Frederickson, 1990; Riccucci, 2015). Diversity brings a kaleidoscope of perspectives that enrich policy deliberation and strengthen collective problem solving. Inclusion ensures that the voices of citizens are heard and considered within the decision making process. In this sense, the commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is not merely a social aspiration but a governance imperative.

Leadership in such an environment requires humility and attentiveness. A responsible public servant must listen carefully, recognize the strengths individuals bring to the community, and create opportunities for those strengths to contribute to the collective good. Democratic governance functions best when citizens believe their voices matter and that their participation can influence the direction of their communities.

The American commitment to equality has always been a central yet evolving ideal. In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson famously wrote that “all men are created equal.” That phrase established a moral aspiration for the nation, even though the historical reality of the United States often fell short of that promise. Over time, Americans have repeatedly revisited the meaning of equality and sought to expand its practical application. Scholars have described this process as an ongoing effort to align constitutional ideals with lived experience (Smith, 1997).

If we borrow an analogy from fiscal governance, the concept of equality can be understood as requiring periodic adjustments for the realities of the present moment. Just as economic systems adjust for inflation to maintain accurate value, democratic societies must revisit their founding principles to ensure that equality is realized in practice. Equity, in this sense, is not a rejection of equality but a mechanism for fulfilling its promise by ensuring that all citizens have meaningful access to opportunity.

My own life reflects the power of choice within the American system. My faith, my education, my professional path, and my service to community were all the result of decisions made along the way. Each individual reading this essay is likewise shaping their own journey through choices made in daily life. These choices define the lived experience of American freedom.

If the American experiment is to reach its full potential, citizens must remember that freedom is not only the right to act but also the responsibility to allow others the same liberty. The strength of the United States lies not in uniformity but in the ability of diverse individuals to coexist within a shared framework of law and mutual respect.

My reflection ultimately led me to a simple conclusion. I may be associated with one political party or another. I may share certain beliefs while disagreeing with others. Yet above all, I am an American by choice. That choice affirms the principle that within the law and with respect for the rights of others, individuals are free to pursue their own paths.

If we can embrace that understanding, the divisions that dominate modern discourse may begin to soften. The phrase United States would again reflect its original meaning. Citizens with different views could stand together in recognition that freedom, responsibility, and human dignity belong to everyone.

The American promise has always been aspirational. But when citizens commit themselves to the principle that liberty must be shared rather than imposed, the nation moves closer to realizing its highest ideals.

References
Dahl, R. A. (1989). Democracy and its critics. Yale University Press.
Frederickson, H. G. (1990). Public administration and social equity. Public Administration Review, 50(2), 228–237.
Jefferson, T. (1776). The Declaration of Independence. Continental Congress.
Mill, J. S. (2002). On liberty. Dover Publications. (Original work published 1859)
Riccucci, N. M. (2015). Public administration: Traditions of inquiry and philosophies of knowledge. Georgetown University Press.
Smith, R. M. (1997). Civic ideals: Conflicting visions of citizenship in U.S. history. Yale University Press.
The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version. (1989). National Council of Churches.

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