In 1973, it became the first state in the nation to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman, expressly banning same-sex marriage.
The unique challenge of America, a teeming "nation of nations," is to define itself in terms broad enough to suit its transnational population, not to mimic other countries' exclusive, backward-looking pride.
Mr. Kennedy, the bill's chief sponsor, called it the necessary next step in civil rights legislation, representing "a continuum of this nation attempting to define what this nation ought to be, that is a nation that is going to be free from discrimination, hatred and bigotry".
Like those great films, "Pan's Labyrinth" needs a child at its heart, because it is partly about a nation striving to define itself, and confronted by a confusion of paths.
I feel that we as a nation need to define ourselves.
After all, the 14th Amendment was hardly the lofty product of a nation seeking to define itself as a shining example to the world.
But the issue evokes the covenant that many European nations would want to define their relationship with immigrants: if outsiders wish to enjoy the benefits of wealthy, Western nations, then, as in the United States, they must subscribe to their hosts' values.
Mr. Vannahme argued that Mr. Barroso's main task will be to manage the 27 nations rather than to define new political strategies, and that his powers will be circumscribed.
That allowed both sides to claim victory, with the U.S. and Europe having secured their "deadlines" and the developing nations bloc able to define for themselves what "contribution" each is prepared to make to reduce emissions.
This is clearly a seductive narrative in any sporting contest, not least for a nation that likes to define itself in terms of pluck, boldness, flinty-eyed derring do and all the rest of it.
