Few questions seem to divide us more these days than what it means to be an American. One of the reasons this seemingly innocent question stirs such passion is because there's really no one right answer.

Despite varying definitions of citizenship, most Americans nevertheless would agree that the principles outlined in America's founding documents—the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights—are a good place to start and are key to maintaining our national identity. 

In fact, 83 percent of respondents to a recent poll commissioned by the Bradley Project on National Identity believe there is a unique American identity based on the freedoms and opportunities secured by the Constitution, including freedom of speech, religious liberty and the right to own private property. Alarmingly, however, the same poll found that 63 percent of respondents believe this identity is growing weaker. 

Fortunately, some people aren't just talking about the problem but are doing something about it. The 109^th Congress, for instance, in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005, inserted a requirement that all schools receiving federal funding devote at least one day a year – September 17, Constitution Day – to teaching about this vital American document. One day of instruction may not seem like a lot, but it's one day more than many students previously were getting. This has helped transform Constitution Day from a rarely recognized commemorative date into a meaningful opportunity to learn about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

We're trying to do our part as well by providing schools, teachers and students with ideas and resources that will help them participate more fully in this important national conversation.

More than 35,000 teachers from all 50 states have registered to receive our printed instructional material and electronic eLessons, and more than 14,000 teachers have attended our Constitutional Seminars in 45 states and the District of Columbia: to increase their own knowledge of America's founding principles.

Students and teachers both need to understand what makes the United States unique among nations, why even today hundreds of thousands of men and women from the far-flung corners of the world – Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe – struggle and sacrifice to get here, hoping for the opportunity to participate in the American experiment.

Teachers need to understand so they can help their students understand. Students need to know so they can someday become successful citizens, parents, voters, and leaders.

Such understanding not only is essential for preserving our American identity, but will also help the next generation appreciate and respect the rich diversity of opinion that makes America special. 

These days, the world of ideas is often portrayed in black and white: we're right, they're wrong – a tug of war between good guys and bad guys.  Political dialogue is frequently marked by personal rancor, name calling and attempted character assassination. Politicians and political activists, especially those on the extreme Right and Left of the political spectrum, seem unable to "agree to disagree" without trying to destroy each other.

In earlier years, most disagreements about political and philosophical issues and ideas were resolved more or less amicably. During the 1980s, for example, President Reagan and House Speaker Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill were vigorous political opponents. But while they often disagreed over policy, they seldom disagreed in a disagreeable way. They conducted themselves with gracious civility; they famously fought during the day and had a drink together at night.

They understood that American citizenship is more nuanced and complex, and as such requires a tolerant approach:  trying to understand, even as you try to win over, those with whom you disagree.  This has historically been one of our finest attributes as a society.

This is the spirit that the Bill of Rights Institute hopes to cultivate through its national "Being an American" essay contest. This year, for the first time, students from all 50 states are being invited to compose their thoughts on the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship.  Cash prizes totaling nearly $200,000 will be awarded. Top winners, their teachers and parents also will be invited to the Nation's Capital for a first-hand look at participatory democracy in action.

 Participating students are asked to answer the following question: "What civic value do you believe is most essential to being an American?" They are then asked to "Trace the enduring importance of this value throughout the American story by discussing: a Founding document that reflects this value; a figure from American history who embodies this value; and ways you can personally put this value into practice."

In their answers, we ask contestants to consider U.S. history and the Founding documents that guide and govern us, the thoughts and actions of those – both well known and lesser known – who preceded us, and the challenges and responsibilities they will face in the future as free citizens in a free society.

By doing so, we hope students will come to understand that being an American involves a shared way of thinking and a shared way of life. Former Vice President Hubert Humphrey was right when he said, "Freedom is hammered out on the anvil of discussion, dissent and debate."

Future generations of Americans need to focus more on what connects us and less on what divides us.

The United States is said to be the only nation founded not on the ethnicity of its citizens, but on their shared commitment to certain ideas and values, including – but not limited to – courage, respect, consideration, perseverance, industry, responsibility, justice, initiative, moderation and integrity.  We want to help the next generation of Americans rediscover and appreciate these values and ensure that the American identity grows stronger, not weaker.

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Victoria Hughes, a former teacher and one time program director at the U.S. Information Agency (USIA), is president of the Bill of Rights Institute (www.billofrightsinstitute.org), 200 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22203. Additional information on the institute's 2008-2009 "Being an American" essay contest can be found at www.BeinganAmerican.org.

Published September 10, 2008