ABSTRACT
The American ideal of civic republicanism is, after all, the citizen not the subject. Citizenship in a democracy, especially one that is itself facing complex, divisive problems arising from its increasing diversity, and which is located in a world in which the same is true, requires much of those who enjoy its benefits. America reached its present state of political, economic, and social development by providing enormous personal freedom and abundant economic opportunity. The genius of American national culture and identity is that over time the elements have become decoupled from ethnicity, separated from religion, and detached even from "race". The cultural stability of the receiving country makes a critical difference. Immigrants, whether from countries that allow or discourage multiple citizenships, enter into different cultural circumstances in countries in which the primary culture is stable and secure and in those in which it is not.
