what does it mean to be an american? that is the topic of a paper i have to write for civics class and i don't know what to write.

There are so many directions you could go with this. If I were presented with this task, I think I would say that being American gives you the ability to make choices. The choices that Americans are able to make are unlimited; from religious beliefs and practices to education are far superior to other countries. Americans (both men and women) are able to do the things that they believe in without government intervention or dictation.

The following site gives you a little insight into this:
"Being an American is a Privilege"

Another interesting site I found asked this very question to students aged 6 - 13...thought some of those answers were pretty thought provoking for a group of children:
"What do you think it means to be an American?"