Poll: What Americans Think Is Best About the U.S.

As the Fourth of July approaches and America gets ready to celebrate 250 years, CBS News asked 2,150 adults a straightforward question: what stands out most about this country?

America's Greatest Strength? According to Americans, It's Us

The answer wasn’t amber waves of grain, the free market, or even the Constitution. It was us—the people. Nearly half of those surveyed (44 percent) said the best thing about American life is the people themselves. Land, resources, and climate came next at 20 percent, followed by the economic system at 17 percent and the system of government at just 10 percent.

When people were asked about America’s greatest invention, freedom and democracy came out on top at 16 percent, which feels fitting as Independence Day approaches. The lightbulb was second at 14 percent, and the internet followed at 10 percent. The automobile, telephone, and airplane were also popular answers, showing how American innovation has changed the way the world moves, communicates, and connects.

America Tops the World in Entertainment — and One Unexpected Food

What does America do best? Movies and television led the list with 58 percent, just ahead of technology and innovation at 56 percent. Music was third at 41 percent, followed by sports at 38 percent and food at 31 percent.

And when it comes to food, things get interesting. When people were asked which food best represents America, the hamburger came out on top with a third of the votes. Barbecue was next at 25 percent, followed by apple pie at 19 percent, hot dogs at 14 percent, and pizza at just 6 percent.

Sorry, apple pie. The burger takes the crown.

Half the Country Is Excited About America 250 — Half Is Not

When it comes to the big anniversary, just over half of those surveyed said they’re at least somewhat excited about the America 250 celebrations, and 23 percent said they’re "very excited." Still, 47 percent said they’re not really feeling it, and 48 percent plan to fly the flag at home on the Fourth.

So What's Your Opinion?

The old saying is "as American as apple pie," so how did the burger come out on top? And what do you think America does better than anyone else in the world?

20 Photos That Perfectly Capture Small-Town Life in the 1970s

Take a trip down memory lane — and down Main Street — with these photos from the 1970s that capture small-town life when things were simpler, slower, and full of real-world experiences.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

LOOK: 29 Things That Will Make '80s Country Kids Say, "Yep, That Was Me!"

From back-of-the-truck rides into town to learning that cute things can become dinner, '80s country kids were a unique generation that the internet will never fully understand.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

Filed Under: america