Confucius or Lao Tzu, was a Buddhist scholar and is more important in China and the East than in the US. I'm sure you could find more info on Wikipedia or a Buddhism website.
Confucianism is a Chinese philosophy - a branch of Buddhist thinking - that began with Lao Tzao. Generally, Confucianism incorporates many of the fundamental principals of Buddhism, such as simplistic living and karma. However, it has also been adopted by Chinese society as more than just a spiritual teaching, but also a guideline on social mores, cultural mannerisms, etc.
First off. Confucius was not Lao Tsu. He was Confucius or Kongfuzi (translated to Master Kong... his real name is not known)
Secondly. Confucianism is not Buddhism.... Buddhism isn't even Chinese. It's Indian. The Chinese adopted it.
Confucius was a political thinking living @500BC. He worked for a minor feudal lord and wrote about proper life, respect and bureaucracy. After his death, his theories spread until they became a sort of path for the government and people of China. Becoming an actual religion.
The basic tenants of the religion is that everyone has a role in society that they must follow for the good of society. One must respect their elders, work for the good of the whole, be just and be kind.
Confucius was a humanist who believed that people were responsible for their political and ethical lives (not gods) and that people must work to maintain an orderly society based on tradition.
His works became the basis of a test that bureaucrats had to take to be politicians in China.
As for how it relates to the States. It doesn't. Maybe your teacher has some weird way of looking at it. But frankly the US is based on Adam Smith style Capitalism and Lockian Freedoms and Confucius would not fit in at all... except maybe with a utilitarian ideal.
what is confucianism is it important in the united states and could you give me some
