Final answer:
America's two often conflicting ideals are community and individualism, with the American flag's associated ideas of bravery and freedom being examples of nonmaterial culture. The U.S. favors an individualist system valuing civil liberties over community good.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two defining ideals of America that are often in conflict are community and individualism. This tension reflects the American dream, which embodies both the pursuit of individual success and the desire for equal opportunity for all. American writers and societal changes over the decades have highlighted the nation's struggle between the ideals of conformity and individuality, as well as the balance between civil liberties and the good of the community.
When it comes to the American flag, the ideas of bravery and freedom that many associate with it, are examples of nonmaterial culture, symbolizing the values and beliefs that Americans share despite their diverse backgrounds.
In the context of government systems, America tends toward an individualist system, where the emphasis is on the importance of individuals and their civil liberties over the good of the community, even including the government’s role in society.