One Democracy, Twelve Nations: Finding Unity in America’s Regional Diversity

Today’s blog post is something different.   You get to choose whether to watch a video, read the article or – the best option – do both!  In each case, you should come away with an additional point of view of the composition of the United States.  This article and the embedded video ( a reaction/commentary video of an original video) are all based upon Colin Woodard’s book, “American Nations.”   

America is often described as a single nation bound by common ideals - but beneath that patriotic surface lies a deeper truth: the United States is not one culture, but many.

These regional identities, shaped by centuries of history, immigration, and power struggles, form what historian Colin Woodard has called the Twelve American Nations. Each of these “nations” has its own idea of freedom, its own vision of government, and its own cultural DNA.

Meet the Twelve Nations

Here’s a quick overview of each region and its dominant values:

1. Yankeedom

Stretches across New England and the Upper Midwest. Prioritizes education, civic responsibility, and communal problem-solving.

2. New Netherland

Centered in and around New York City. Diverse, cosmopolitan, and deeply invested in free speech and global commerce.

3. The Midlands

Runs through Pennsylvania and parts of the Midwest. Mild-mannered, pluralistic, and politically moderate.

4. Tidewater

Rooted in Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay. Aristocratic heritage, values hierarchy, and tradition.

5. Greater Appalachia

From western Pennsylvania to parts of Texas. Fiercely individualistic and resistant to outside authority.

6. Deep South

Formed around plantation traditions. Emphasizes order, tradition, and religious conservatism.

7. El Norte

Borderland communities across Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Bilingual, bicultural, hardworking, and deeply communal.

8. The Left Coast

The Pacific Northwest down through Northern California. Tech-savvy, idealistic, and environmentally conscious.

9. The Far West

Vast, rugged, and sparsely populated. Libertarian, distrustful of big government, yet dependent on federal infrastructure.

10. New France

Louisiana bayou culture. French Catholic roots, warm hospitality, and relaxed authority.

11. First Nation

Indigenous territories across the North. Strong cultural continuity and sovereignty.

12. Spanish Caribbean

Centered in South Florida. Influenced by Cuban and Puerto Rican diasporas; family-oriented and entrepreneurial.

Let’s take a deeper look at these “American Nations” by watching the video below.

Democracy: Our Shared Framework

In a nation this diverse, democracy is the glue that binds.

It’s more than elections - it’s a living, breathing system that balances local needs with national unity. Democracy ensures:

• Representation across diverse cultures and geographies

• Protection of minority rights in a majority-rule system

• Freedom of expression and the ability to dissent

• Flexibility, allowing for local governance and experimentation

  
  

Democracy respects Yankeedom’s town halls, Deep South churches, and El Norte’s community networks - all without forcing them into sameness.  There is structure and yet there is flexibility.  People have “breathing room”, freedom of thought and the ability to identify with multiple layers of self (their relationship with the United States, their state and their locality; their ethnicity and/or native (old country) language; their faith; American, ethnic and faith-based values; their chosen paths for learning).

But today, that democracy is under strain.

Polarization threatens to pull us apart along these cultural lines. When the Deep South sees threats to tradition and the Left Coast sees threats to progress, we risk losing the common ground.

Where Do We Go From Here?

To thrive as one democracy of many nations, we must invest in the democratic process itself. That means:

Reforming Institutions

• Ensure fair representation (explore ranked-choice voting, voting access, and redistricting reform).

• Rethink outdated systems like the Electoral College.

Rebuilding Civic Literacy

• Teach not just how democracy works, but why it matters.

• Celebrate regional cultures as part of the national story.

Supporting Local Journalism & Storytelling

• Regional voices build bridges.

• Understanding why your neighbor thinks differently is vital for empathy and cooperation.

Embracing Smart Federalism

• Let regions govern according to their values—within a strong constitutional framework.

Many Cultures, One Democracy

America doesn't need to be uniform to be united. In fact, our strength lies in our diversity.

When democracy works well, it allows all twelve nations to have a voice - without letting any single voice dominate. It’s how we live together, argue productively, compromise respectfully, and move forward as one nation - under many flags.

Want to learn more about the Twelve Nations? Check out Colin Woodard’s book, “American Nations,” or explore interactive maps online.

📣  Most importantly:  If this post sparked thought, please share those thoughts in the comments.   Let’s share our own region’s story.   What was your experience growing up?  What is it now?  How has it changed?  Did the article open up a new point of view for you?  Did you realize that these “nations” cut across the various states and that it is possible for some folks to travel a fraction of an hour to traverse the imaginary border from one nation to another, where thoughts, words and ways of life are actually different?

By Council Member Joe Castagliola