Inspired by Fortune’s list under the same name, here’s our version. All do respect to Fortune, but some items that shouldn’t be there were there and some that should be there weren’t there. So here we go, in no particular order.

1)  The Bill of Rights

Your freedom of speech, freedom of religion, right to bear arms, freedom from unreasonable searches, right to remain silent after arrest, protection from cruel and unusual punishment, and even right to not have soldiers quartered in your home during peacetime. All of those freedoms, rights, and protections — and more — come from the first ten amendments to the Constitution, best known as the Bill of Rights.

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2) The Constitution

Yes, the Bill of Rights is technically the first ten amendments to the Constitution. But the Constitution, the framework for our republican government, deserves a separate entry. Your ability to elect members of Congress and (indirectly) the president, the separation of powers, civilian control of the military, the ability of elected representatives to remove presidents for high crimes and misdemeanors…all thanks to the Constitution.

3) The United States Armed Forces

The single most powerful military force in the history of man’s relation to man. The United States military can defeat any adversary on any battlefield in the world today. (You know, if civilian leadership allows it to do so.) The military is more than the defense force of the United States. It defends freedom everywhere. Simultaneously the best friend and worst enemy one can make.

4) The Internet

Because without the invention of the internet, you wouldn’t be able to read a policy paper while updating your Facebook profile, sending a tweet, and posting on your blog. And you certainly wouldn’t be reading this blog right now. Okay, maybe that last part is an argument against the existence of the internet.

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5) Free Enterprise

We can argue politically over whether we currently have a free enterprise system. But undeniably, the United States was built upon a free enterprise system. If you can invent it, you can profit from it. If you can provide a service in a better fashion than others, you can come out on top. Work hard enough, work smarter than others, and you can do quite well for yourself. The world is yours for the taking.

There will be ups and downs, and we all know there will be hardships. But the ends are well-worth the journey. That has certainly been the case for America.

6) The National Anthem

Admit it: You get chills, and perhaps even wet eyes, when you hear the national anthem played. For me, that’s only amplified when the anthem is played at international events like the Olympics or World Cup.

7) Sporting Events

NFL, NHL, MLB, and even nonprofessional sports. There’s something about the anticipation, the fight, the comradery, the team spirit, and eventually the triumph that makes sporting events very American.

As American as apple pie. Or burgers.

8 ) Hot Dogs, Burgers, and Beer

The quintessential American foods. They’re synonymous with our culture. Gotta love ‘em.

9) Hollywood

Politics and irony-ignorant actors aside, Hollywood is the poster child for large-scale capitalism. Studios take major risks in funding motion pictures, compete for audiences (read: customers), and succeed or fail based on their work. Never mind the marketing, product tie-ins, and publicity stunts. Much of our pop culture comes from Hollywood’s products, and that’s not always a bad thing.

10) Backyard Barbecues

You gather with family and friends in the backyard, stand around shooting the breeze while the food with its tantalizing smells cooks on the grill, and perhaps engage in summer activities, and generally enjoy each others company.