Because of its size and because its citizens are descended from diverse immigrants, there is no single universal American culture. Visitors to the South will find a far different culture from those traveling to California or New York City.

Worldwide trends often begin in the United States, and modern inventions are generally either invented or first mass-produced in the United States. The United States has one of the highest per-capita car ownership rates in the world. Other common elements of United States culture include individualism, Hollywood films and popular music, including country music, blues, jazz, rock and roll, rap and hip-hop, sports like basketball, baseball, American football, and NASCAR racing, technology, tolerance, corn on the cob, and fast food.

While numerous political parties exist, the Democratic and Republican parties dominate. The Democratic party tends to draw support from urban voters, especially in the Northeast and West Coast. The Republican party draws more support from voters in rural areas, especially in the South and Texas.