The second alternative is correct.
After the independence of the thirteen colonies, the formation of the Constitution and the American legislations increased their radius of protection to groups previously marginalized over time.
Initially only rich white men could vote, then all white men regardless of income, then women and finally black people. As the state has been modernizing, the scope of social protection has extended, today there are the rights of political minorities, such as the lgbt community and people living with disabilities, who have more freedom to exercise their citizenship.
Other achievements were the right to private property, education, health and freedom of expression, among others.
All this was possible because the US lives in a democratic system where citizens are protected by the constitution, laws and international treaties, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
