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Topic 4 American Ideals - 1 week
What are “American Ideals”?
It may be necessary to define what is meant and expected by the term American “ideals”. Students may confuse these with practices and policies.
Ideals can be defined as those values and principles that are the ultimate goal or aim of our founding documents and institutions and which define the best of America. For example, limited government is an ideal, checks and balances is the practice to help achieve limited government. Democracy is an ideal, voting is a practice. The rule of law is an ideal, establishing a system of courts is a practice.
Once ideals are listed, and before narrowed down to the best or most important five or six, expect to dedicate class time to the precise definition of the terms (ex. What is really meant by “liberty”?)
Identifying ideals should precede any discussions of government, the electoral process, or the candidates.
Identifying American Ideals:
The Process First Inquiry: Guide the class to the inquiry and supporting questions regarding ideals. Brainstorm the concept of ideals. Interpret documents (in this case, the Constitution) and locate ideals. Make sure the students actually examine the document. Present, critique and defend conclusions on ideals, developing a class consensus.
Second Inquiry: Guide class to inquiry question regarding which historical figure best articulates and supports the identified American ideals from the Constitution. If doing this for an election, identify which candidate best articulates the ideals he/she will swear to uphold. Show class the oath of office they will take swearing to uphold the Constitution and its ideals. Interpret documents and/or candidate statements, comparing historical actions or candidates to ideals. State and defend conclusions
Possible List of American Ideals *
Democracy
Liberty (negative conception)
Limited Government
Justice
Equality (Of opportunity, both political and economic )(Of Equal protection under the laws)
Property Rights
* This is just one possible list developed at a workshop. Other possible ideals might include majority rule, popular sovereignty, rule of law, etc.
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=um6rykJlzX4
Vocabulary
● Consent of the Governed
● Domestic Tranquility
● Equality
● Freedom/Liberty
● Ideals
● Justice
● Limited Government
● Property
● Property Rights
● Religious Tolerance
● Rights
● Rule of Law
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