The First American Experiment began in the mid-1700s, and by its own criteria, at least, has been a smashing "success"

The welfare state. We proved that a society could be held together by giving people more and more rights, more and more "entitlements" | Policing the world. We proved that a nation could become so powerful and awe-inspiring that it could successfully police the whole world. | "Preface," p. vii.