Why is America's democratic system considered so precious?

Although Americans have their own reasons why they treasure democracy, there are several underlying concepts that make a democracy a valued system of government. First, there is a respect for the fundamental worth of the individual, which allows for each person to be viewed as a separate and distinct human being. Second, a democracy stresses the equality of all individuals as it relates to equality of opportunity and equality before the law. Third, it is the will of the people and not the will of a select ruling leadership that determines public policy. This is most commonly referred to as "majority rule and minority rights." Fourth, a democracy holds the concept of individual freedom key to its society, while recognizing that there must be balance between the rights of the individual and the rights of the society at large. Finally, a democracy upholds individual decision-making, both in one's private life and in government participation; that is, people in a democracy make their own decisions because, according to the definition, people who cannot choose for themselves are not really free.

source: The Handy Politics Answer Book written by Gina Misiroglu
Chapter: American Political Culture , p.15