From what ideals does the United States derive much of its character

The different set of ideals of the American Dream is set to: Democracy, Rights, Liberty, Opportunity, and Equality. This states that freedom includes the equal opportunities for prosperity and success, social mobility for the family and children that will be achieved in a society with very few barriers regardless of social class or circumstances of birth.

It is deeply rooted in the Declaration of Independence where its states that "all men are created equal" with the right to "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."