Patriotism is an active loyalty to one’s country. Patriotism is important to any country. It is what bonds citizens of a country together regardless of other distinctions. American Patriotism is a loyalty not to a party or president, but to the American Constitution and founding values. The Constitution guarantees the basic freedoms and rights of American citizens, establishes a balance of power within the government, and creates the system for elections and peaceful transitions of power. The Constitution is America, and American citizens are America. As America changes, its roots stay the same. America is, as Abraham Lincoln said, “government of the people, by the people, for the people”.

Patriotism is an attitude, an outlook, a perspective, not just actions. Patriotic attitudes show themselves with actions. The patriotic American spirit celebrates national holidays like Independence Day, the 4^th of July, and Thanksgiving, when the pilgrims thanked God for providing abundance after a bitter first winter. Patriotism displays itself by voting and caring about the future of our great country. Acting upon beliefs, standing up for what is right, and becoming involved in political action also display patriotism. True patriotism is carried out with respect, compassion and honor.