It's like if the Government was a group, which it sort of is, it's the only one that all Americans belong to, or are associated with directly, because as you said, it belongs to us.
As opposed to any other group that exists, which doesn't include all Americans.
Does that make any sense to you?
I think I usually do a decent job on seeing other perspectives, even when I disagree...I just don't get this one. The government is supposed to represent us, but very few have confidence that they are able to do even an adequate job. It is not the same as calling yourself an American, which are people who hold certain ideals...but they don't require a connection to government.