Americans share the basic beliefs that comprise American political culture yet disagree on many issues along lines of class, gender, race, and religion.Take two basic American beliefs (e.g., democracy, individualism, equality, community)and show how each can be interpreted differently depending on one's identity.

One basic American belief is democracy. While all Americans may agree on the importance of democracy, individuals from different class backgrounds may interpret this belief differently. For example, someone from a lower socioeconomic class may see democracy as a way to empower the working class and ensure equal representation for all, while someone from a higher socioeconomic class may see democracy as a way to protect their own interests and maintain the status quo.

Another basic American belief is individualism. While all Americans may value individualism, individuals of different races may interpret this belief differently. For example, a white American may see individualism as the freedom to pursue their own goals and ambitions without interference, while a person of color may see individualism as a way to break free from systemic oppression and achieve equal opportunities.

Overall, while Americans may share basic beliefs, their interpretations of these beliefs can vary greatly depending on their identity and lived experiences. This can lead to disagreements on many issues along lines of class, gender, race, and religion within American political culture.