Final answer:
The percentage of American citizens living below the poverty line has varied over time. Poverty rates are low for certain groups and higher for others, with African Americans having a higher percentage of individuals living in poverty. However, most people living below the poverty line in the United States are white.
Step-by-step explanation:
The percentage of American citizens living below the poverty line has varied over time. Poverty rates are relatively low for whites, the elderly, the well-educated, and male-headed households, while poverty rates for females, Hispanics, and African Americans are higher. However, it is important to note that while African Americans have a higher percentage of individuals living in poverty than others, most people in the United States living below the poverty line are white.