A comparative analysis of the American and Russian types of national identity, their most important components, determining directions, main milestones, features and historical paths of their formation and evolution is presented. The main attention is focused on the key aspects most characteristic of the two countries: national-historical, socio-cultural, political-cultural, socio-psychological, ideological-political components, attitudes, orientations. The most significant socio-economic, geographical and other factors that influenced the originality of the models of national identity of Russia and the USA are considered. The topic of the possibilities of using the American experience in our country and Russia's choice of the path of political development between East and West has been raised. For scientists and specialists in the field of political science, sociology, history, cultural studies and other social sciences and humanities. It can be used in the preparation of undergraduates and graduate students. Of interest to representatives of intellectual reading circles.