State of Montana secondary Archives: on Foreign Policy

Mark Perea: American exceptionalism is based on our founding principles

A: That is up to the individual. As a historian, I can demonstrate the astounding `exceptionalism` of America's influence, but what created this exceptionalism is the founding principles of individual liberty, self-ownership, private property, free association, and the free market, not so much our identity as a distinct `nation.` It is what America stands for that is exceptional, and it should be promoted by means of example, education, and inspiration throughout the world.