By the people, for the people

This was done for a scholarship I'm applying for through the Military Order of the Purple Heart. I didn't spend that much time on it, but I like it.


[In 200-300 words, describe what you feel it means to be an American.]

     In looking at American government, one may find a story of dissent, argument, shifting power, and angry debate. It sometimes seems that our democratic system is an inefficient one, as any decision made is always loudly protested by at least one group. However, this conflict is America’s greatest strength. Only through the pushing and pulling of opposite opinions can a middle road be achieved, a road with the greater good in mind which leads to the best outcome for the majority of the people.
     Our founding fathers knew this; our country began with a split from a fixed government where the opinions of a few mattered more than the needs of many. America’s threefold system of checks and balances makes conflict inevitable. Americans who feel strongly about a variety of issues have the responsibility to declare their thoughts as fuel for such debate—every opinion given helps create the most balanced solution to a problem possible.
     I believe that, to be an American, one must refrain from getting too involved with the petty political feuds sometimes mistaken for a true representation of our way of life. A red or blue badge can never summarize what it means to be a citizen, nor can one election. The foundation of our system relies on the will and opinion of the individual, which rarely coincides perfectly with any single party’s agenda. Our most valuable right may not be that of the vote—we can think and speak freely outside election season, on subjects we may not have a vote on, and we can change our minds if we feel that a change is necessary. Therefore, we must continue to honor our personal independence of opinion, which is the same independence that, centuries ago, made us Americans.