The American ideological consensus is that "...the American people have shared much of the same ideals, the same basic principles, and the same patterns of faith" (McClenaghan 104). As America filled with ideologically homogeneous people, their beliefs began to define our nation and became American identities. If asked what they think of America, the people of other nations would say that the streets are made of glass, that opportunity is in the air, and that civil rights are abundant. These accounts could be accentuated; however, the underlying message is that the American people have more freedom than the people of other nations. The best-known American identity is freedom, and even though that American identity has been challenged throughout much of its history, America can still be said to be a land of the free. When the dogmatic kings of 17th century Europe began to abuse their people's rights and persecute others, people were forced to flee. But where would these people go, wherever they went in Europe they were persecuted. These people desperately needed freedom and that is exactly what they found in the New World. On American soil, the Founding Fathers built a Constitution and a democratic government so that no one else's rights would be repressed. The Constitution included the Bill of Rights, which contained ten amendments that protected all Americans' rights, from freedom of the press to the right to a fair and speedy trial. These rights were in turn protected by civil liberties or “…guarantees of the safety of persons, opinions, and property from the arbitrary acts of government” (McClenaghan 772). Under this new government, a democratic nation was... middle of paper... earned just as the Negro is. And for their full development it is necessary that women, as well as black men, be granted perfect equality of rights. (1345)The national identity of freedom eventually prevailed, and America became one of the first nations to consider women equal to men and to give women equal rights. American freedom faced many tribulations, especially during the eras of slavery, segregation, and women's suffrage. However, the ideological belief in individual freedom has always triumphed. From the time the first Pilgrim set foot on American soil to the present day, America has been governed by democracy and the freedom that system of government allows its people. “Americans share a common identity based on the freedom – always consistent with respect for the freedom of others – to live as they choose” (Friedman).