The distinction between the upper class and middle class in America often hinges on the differences between __________, which refers to wealth built through inheritance, and wealth acquired through personal effort, known as new money.

In America, the upper class and middle class are often distinguished by how their wealth is obtained. The upper class typically has "old money," which means their wealth comes from family inheritance and has been passed down through generations. This type of wealth often comes with a certain social status and established connections. On the other hand, the middle class usually represents "new money," which is wealth earned through personal effort, such as working hard in a career or starting a business. For example, someone who builds a successful tech company and becomes wealthy from that would be considered new money, while someone whose family has owned a large estate for many years would be seen as part of the old money upper class.