I believe most europeans would never ask themselves what they could do for their country or europe. They'd probably say 'ok, I'll do that 1 year military service, but then we're even from now until eternity!' Maybe some people would spend money to the city they live in. Or they would act as patron for arts or spend food for the poor. But those are rather acts for common welfare in a society. Nothing explicitely for the state. If people care goddamned much, they might become politicians. But even then rather for the sake of the community, not for the state.
At least for me the "state" itself is meaningless. Though culture, people, fauna and flora and even traditions may matter for me. But the state is an exchangeable construction above to form or strenghten a common identity among people.
I guess we have to define "America" first. What did they mean in that promt? What is America for you? Its people? The government? The pure soil? Wildlife included or excluded? All these things together? Where does 'America' end? At the Mexican border? Does it exclude some people (Aliens)? Maybe its totally clear for you, but for me as a european that is a bit vague to answer. Edit:// If I serve illegal mexicans with free food, am I doing something good for 'America'?
Maybe that will give you some questions to clarify. And maybe the clarification of the question "What does the term 'America' mean for you (and your people in your school)?" is already an interesting process with many different opinions drawing a mixed picture. Depending on the dimensions of the project this question might keep you busy for a while. Accordingly this could already be the task or a big part of the task itself suitable as a schoolproject. Especially if you want to present results of an survey that you have to finish off within a certain timeframe.
I hope this might help.
