The American ideological consensus is that “…the American people have shared many of the same ideals, the same basic principles, and the same patterns of belief” (McClenaghan 104) . When America became populated with ideologically homogeneous people, their beliefs began to define our nation and became American identities. If asked what they think of America, people of other nations would say that the roads are made of glass, that opportunities are there, and that civil rights are plentiful. These stories can be emphasized; however, the underlying message is that the American people have more freedoms than the people of other nations. The most well-known American identity is freedom, and although this American identity has been tested throughout its history, it can still be said that America is a land of the free. When the dogmatic kings of 17th century Europe began to abuse freedom. the rights of its own people and persecute others, the people were forced to flee. But where would these people go? Everywhere they went in Europe, they were persecuted. These people desperately needed freedom and that is exactly what they found in the New World. On American soil, the Founding Fathers built a Constitution and a democratic government so that no one else's rights would be suppressed. The Constitution was accompanied by the Bill of Rights, which contained ten amendments that protected every right of Americans, from freedom of the press to the right to a fair and speedy trial. These rights were in turn protected by civil liberties or “…guarantees of the security of persons, opinions, and property against arbitrary acts of government” (McClenaghan 772). Under this new government, a democratic nation was... middle of paper... won for itself, just like the Negro. And for their full development, it is necessary that women, just as much as black men, benefit from perfect equality of rights. (1345) The national identity of liberty ultimately prevailed and America became one of the first nations to view women as equal to men and grant them equal rights. American freedom has faced many tribulations, particularly during the era of slavery, segregation, and women's suffrage. However, the ideological belief in individual freedom has always triumphed. From the time the first Pilgrim set foot on American soil until the present day, America has been ruled by a democracy and the freedom that this system of government grants its people. “Americans share a common identity based on the freedom – always consistent with respect for the freedom of others – to live as they choose” (Friedman).