Live Free or Die is the official motto of the American state of New Hampshire.
It's probably the best known of all state mottos because, perhaps, it encapsulates that spirit of aggressive freedom inherent in the American dream.
But how free are Americans in the 21st century? It's a question which has been exercising the BBC's Washington Correspondent Justin Webb, in the first part of his series.
In part two he explains why he believes the United States is well-suited to the role of global leader.