Final answer:
Individuals influence the identity of the United States by participating in democracy, shaping public policy, and embodying ideals of personal freedom. They do this through voting, civic engagement, and cultural advocacy, while also contributing to national identity through state practices and media portrayal.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individuals shape the identities of the United States through various means, such as by participating in civic life and being involved in the democratic process. This can be through voting, which reflects the principle of "one person, one vote", or by engaging with political parties, interest groups, and the media to influence public policy. Additionally, how individuals interpret and enact their personal freedom and individual responsibility shapes the American identity, which is deeply rooted in valuing individualism, as opposed to more collectivist values seen in other societies.
Moreover, individuals also contribute to identity formation through cultural expressions and by advocating for civil rights, thereby affecting how well America lives up to its founding ideals. Political science theory delves into the debate of elitism versus pluralism, discussing whether the true influence is restricted to economic and political elites or if it is more diffusely spread among diverse groups and individuals.
Lastly, the sense of national identity is also bolstered by state practices that encourage citizens to see themselves as part of a harmonious society, bound by common history and destiny. These practices include government-sponsored events, symbols, and the mass media's portrayal of the daily actions of the state, which focuses citizens' attention on the government as the central authority.