Final answer:
The American value in question is Individualism, which prioritizes individual rights and freedom with limited government intervention. It is a foundational element in American political philosophy and has influenced the development of different economic and political systems, such as liberalism and capitalism.
Step-by-step explanation:
American Values: Individualism
The American value described is Individualism. This principle emphasizes the importance of the individual over the collective, advocating for personal freedom, self-reliance, and a limited role for the government in the lives of its citizens. Movements grounded in the concept of individualism, such as liberalism, existentialism, and anarchism, value personal autonomy and are resistant to external interference by society or governmental institutions. In particular, modern liberalism and libertarianism are two prevailing forms of individualism in the United States, with both advocating for the protection and promotion of individual rights, yet diverging on the extent of government intervention in economic matters.
Classical liberals uphold individual rights and free trade, preferring a capitalist system and limited governmental regulation. In contrast, in response to economic crises, there have been calls for a larger governmental role in market regulation to protect individuals, which is a modern liberal perspective. These differing viewpoints on economics and government regulation reflect the broader conversation on individualism and its impact on civil liberties and society at large, forming the fabric of American political discourse.