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Topic 3 The Common Good and Civic Virtue- 1 week
The Common Good
The purpose of government is to make decisions for the common good—to improve our society--and protect individual rights
How do we decide what is for the common good? In a democratic society, often we vote
Our elected representatives are supposed to make and enforce laws for the benefit of all—the common good
Democracy depends on ALL people—not just elected leaders—recognizing and supporting the common good
Making Decisions for the Common Good (suggested read aloud books)
Letting Swift River Run (Janet Yolen, 1992)--residents of a town make a decision for the common good to let Swift River be dammed and turned into a reservoir to supply drinking water for the larger community
A River Ran Wild (Lynne Cherry, 1992)--a true story about the pollution and ultimate cleaning of the Nashua River in MA when citizens took action
The Lorax (Dr. Seuss, 1971)—we are all responsible for the environment
What is civic virtue?
The character of a good participant in a system of government--the personal qualities associated with the effective functioning of the civil and political order or the preservation of its values and principles.
These personal qualities include justice, wisdom, courage, and moderation or self-discipline.
The Founders designed the American republic with those qualities in mind and believed they were essential to upholding it. These civic virtues undergirded the Founders’ conception of the constitutional structure.
Video: Civic Virtue Definition
Video: Public Value
Brainpop - Citizenship
Use : Video, review quiz, challenge, supplemental reading, etc
Brainpop- Census
Use : Video, review quiz, challenge, supplemental reading, etc
Who has demonstrated civic virtue?
Courage
Wisdom
Moderation or self-restraint
Makes decisions putting country above personal or political interests
Optional discussion:
Who has demonstrated civic virtue? Explain why. Cincinnatus George Washington John Adams Abraham Lincoln Harriet Tubman Gandhi Nelson Mandela Martin Luther King, Jr. Republicans during Watergate Al Gore John McCain Mike Pence Liz Cheney Others?
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6eg9I_dcF4
Video- Being a Good Citizen
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