The United States is now considered a meritocracy because it's a society where citizens who display superior achievements are rewarded with positions of leadership.
Meritocracy ( from Latin mereo = earn ) means rule by merit or talent. In a meritocracy, wealth, income and social status are assigned through competition and not based on factors such as gender, sexuality, wealth or family connection.
In a meritocracy everybody is responsible for their own achievements and advances in life. The more one makes an effort and works hard, the more one earns and achieves. Individual merits are taken into consideration while electing political leaders in the USA.
The biggest criticism of meritocracy is the ambiguous definition of the word 'merit'. What is considered meritorious by some can be seen as not meritorious at all by others.