About the Quiz

Individualism emphasizes personal autonomy and freedom, holding that individuals flourish when they are empowered to make their own choices, develop their own capacities, and take responsibility for their lives. From the frontier spirit of self-sufficiency to Americans’ enduring insistence on respecting individual rights, Individualism has been celebrated as a source of innovation, resilience, and personal fulfillment. At the same time, a strong emphasis on Individualism can sometimes downplay the role of community, collaboration, and shared responsibility in maintaining social cohesion.

Community emphasizes social responsibility, shared belonging, and collective well-being, holding that individuals flourish through relationships, common purposes, and obligations to one another. Those who prioritize Community may feel that the success of one’s community takes priority over individual ambitions or desires. From indigenous tribal affiliations, to neighborhood watch groups, to healthy virtual communities that form online – commitment to collective well-being has long been a source of social cohesion, resilience, and shared identity. Too great a focus on Community, however, may sometimes come into conflict with respecting individual rights, innovation, or personal fulfillment.

Tradition emphasizes continuity with the past, inherited practices, and accumulated wisdom, holding that societies and individuals flourish by preserving, transmitting, and learning from time-tested norms, behaviors, and institutions. Those who score highly on Tradition may take a cautious approach to change, seeking instead to preserve stability and established customs. Respect for tradition has helped Americans from all different backgrounds forge a common national identity, and has contributed to the endurance of the United States as the world’s oldest continuous democracy. Still, over-emphasizing Tradition may prevent some from being open to positive change, innovation, or new perspectives.

Change emphasizes innovation, adaptation, and progress, holding that societies and individuals flourish by embracing new ideas, questioning established practices, and continually evolving. Openness to change has been at the heart of many social movements – including the American Revolution, the Abolitionist cause, and the Civil Rights movement – and has underpinned America’s achievements in science, technology, art, and business. At the same time, a strong emphasis on Change can sometimes overlook the ways that rapid transformation may disrupt social stability, weaken shared norms, or erode longstanding institutions.

Civic Openness emphasizes a willingness to engage with people from many different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, holding that respectful exchange across differences strengthens civic life. Those who score high on Civic Openness often seek out cross-cultural experiences and feel comfortable engaging with people who have different perspectives and opinions than their own. Throughout our history–from the port cities of the colonial era to the multiracial civil-rights coalitions of the 20th century–civic openness has been a source of creativity and resilience that have continually shaped the nation. At the same time, a strong emphasis on Civic Openness can sometimes downplay the role that shared cultural bonds and backgrounds play in fostering American identity and one’s own sense of belonging as well as social cohesion and civic responsibility.

Civic Solidarity emphasizes connection, mutual support, and social bonds among members of a group, holding that individuals and communities flourish when people act with loyalty, cooperation, and care for one another. Those who place a high value on Civic Solidarity often see shared identity and mutual obligation as essential sources of trust, resilience, and collective strength. These impulses have historically been expressed through institutions such as tribal membership, mutual aid societies, labor unions, religious congregations, veterans’ organizations, and community associations, which have provided social support, economic security, and a sense of belonging–especially in times of hardship. At the same time, an exclusive emphasis on Civic Solidarity can risk drawing sharp boundaries between insiders and outsiders, potentially limiting openness, inclusion, or broader civic solidarity.

Democratic Norms emphasize respect for the rules, procedures, and expectations that sustain democracy, holding that fair processes and good faith participation are essential to legitimate self-government. Those who score highly on democratic norms often believe that strong institutions, clear limits on authority, and respect for outcomes are essential to maintaining trust and stability in public life. Throughout American history – from the Constitution’s separation of powers to the protection of civil rights and the peaceful transfer of power after elections – Democratic Norms have helped safeguard liberty, uphold equality before the law, and prevent the concentration of unchecked authority.

At the same time, a strong emphasis on Democratic Norms can sometimes be seen as rigid or slow-moving, particularly when these norms conflict with popular demands for change.

Political Tolerance emphasizes respect for diverse political beliefs and the rights of others to express them, holding that democratic societies and individuals flourish when disagreement is managed peacefully and inclusively. People who score highly on Political Tolerance understand that disagreement is inevitable and necessary in a democracy, and that protecting civil liberties–even for unpopular or opposing views–is essential to maintaining a healthy political system. From debates over free speech during the Red Scare to current discussions about extreme speech online, Political Tolerance has been repeatedly tested. However, Political Tolerance can sometimes enable groups that reject democratic norms or post threats to other groups to act unchecked.

National Belonging emphasizes shared heritage, culture, and civic membership, holding that societies and individuals flourish when people feel a sense of belonging, pride, and commitment to the collective well-being of their nation. Those who score highly on National Belonging often see themselves as part of a broader civic community and recognize their fellow Americans as members of the same collective “we.” However, when taken to extremes, National Belonging can lead to exclusion and intensify “us versus them” thinking.

Constructive Patriotism emphasizes love for one’s country paired with a commitment to improving it, holding that societies and individuals flourish when citizens support their nation while working to strengthen its institutions. Those who score highly on Constructive Patriotism respect their country but remain willing to challenge its flaws through protest, civic engagement, or advocacy. From the abolitionists to Progressive-era reformers to antiwar protesters, Constructive Patriotism has guided citizens across the political spectrum. Constructive Patriotism’s strength lies in balancing an attachment to country with a desire to improve it, though an excessive emphasis on critique can, for some, slide into cynicism rather than engagement.

Equality emphasizes the belief that all people possess equal moral worth and should be treated equally under the law. It holds that a healthy democracy works to ensure fair access to opportunity and to prevent unjust barriers that limit individuals’ ability to participate fully in civic and economic life. Those who score highly on Equality often believe that institutions should promote equal rights, consistent legal standards, and broad access to opportunity. Throughout American history, appeals to equality have shaped debates over civil rights, voting rights, education, and economic policy.

At the same time, emphasizing Equality can raise questions about how best to balance equal treatment with differences in effort, achievement, or ability. Disagreements often center on what forms of equality matter most and how they should be pursued.

Democratic Governance as a value describes a civic tension that requires balancing the will of the majority and the protection of minority rights. This tension shapes longstanding debates over how much power should be allocated to majority decisions versus how strongly minority rights should be protected. Prioritizing majority rule allows for decisive governance and reflects the preferences of most citizens, but can risk marginalizing smaller or less powerful groups. Emphasizing minority rights safeguards vulnerable groups and ensures inclusion, but can slow decision-making or reduce responsiveness to popular opinion. Democratic Governance is ultimately about finding a balance along this spectrum, recognizing that both principles are essential to a functioning democracy.