American exceptionalism

American exceptionalism is the idea that the United States is qualitatively different from other countries because of its origins, ideals and history. It is usually grounded in the founding on principles of liberty, equality and self-government, rather than ethnicity or tradition, and in its constitutional system.

Alexis de Tocqueville described America as exceptional in the 1830s, though he used the term "exceptional" in comparison, and the phrase later spread through political debate. Many invoke John Winthrop's 1630 image of a "city upon a hill" and Ronald Reagan's use of it. For some, exceptionalism implies a special responsibility, such as promoting freedom abroad; for others it means that the nation should lead by example.

Conservatives often use the term as a statement of patriotism and a standard for policy, and critics accuse the left of denying it. Others, including some scholars and political figures on the left and right, say that it can encourage complacency or arrogance, ignore slavery, segregation and other failures, or justify intervention abroad, a concern raised by paleoconservatives. In practice, many Americans describe their country as exceptional or unique, and polls show partisan differences in how they define it. See neoconservatism.