Final answer:
The U.S. government upholds our country's fundamental values through legislation and policies but falls short in certain areas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The U.S. government upholds our country's fundamental values and ideals through legislation and policies. Examples include the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which aimed to end discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to protect the right to vote for all citizens. However, the U.S. government falls short in certain areas, especially concerning issues related to equality and freedom. For instance, racial disparities in areas such as education, criminal justice, and employment persist, as well as restrictions on certain freedoms in cases such as surveillance programs and restrictions on free speech.