Rollins/Snow 2013 What is a principle ?

These are ideas and goals that the United States has said we should use to make choices and to use to help guide our State and National Governments & Schools etc. Each citizen should also use these Principles in our daily activities.

The Common Good : (popular sovereignty) Seeking and promoting what’s best for everyone, not just one individual. Consider our Pledge of Allegiance: We pledge to be “ONE NATION” The People rule by seeking the common good ! ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL

Example: Spider-Man “With great power comes great responsibility…” Seek and promote what's best for everyone not just the individual ! What are some examples of common good ?

Truth : Being completely and actively honest. Our nation is founded upon the idea of Law & Ethics (idea of right & wrong) “Truth, Justice, and the American way !” How would our lives be different if everyone told the Truth?

Example: Wonder Woman Her lasso forces people to tell the truth.

Justice : All people should be treated fairly. Americans believe in “Justice for ALL” and pledge to honor this. Our legal system helps to safe guard a nation centered on a system of checks and balances, No one has total control & power. We want everyone to have a fair and Just Chance! Due process of law.

Example: Batman He became Batman after his parents were killed; a great injustice occurred - he doesn’t want that to happen to anyone else.

Patriotism: A feeling of love, pride, and devotion to the country. “Pledge Allegiances” to The Flag/USA/Republicanism etc.

Example: Captain America Became a hero by service to his country; his costume represents the United States. “And to The Republic For Which it Stands” We have elected representatives some are national heroes !

Equal Opportunity: Legal, political, social, and economic. Equality of opportunity. “Fair shot NOT free shot” “ We Pledge to support Individual Liberty & Freedoms” Equal chance to live the American dream

Example: Justice League…everyone has the chance to work together on the team. but each share in a division of powers! Each have a special contribution. FEDERALISM is the Division of Powers between the States & Federal Gov.

Individual Rights : Each person is born with the rights of life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness. Our National Constitution includes a Bill of Rights ! What are some of our Specific Rights ? How would our lives be different without these rights ?

Example: Fantastic Four Each person on the team wants something different, but also work together and sacrifice for each other’s happiness

Diversity: Americans believe Variety in cultural and ethnic background is permissible, desirable, and good for the country!. “One Nation Under God, Indivisible”

Example: X-Men Although they’re rejected by most of society for being mutants, they accept and celebrate each other’s differences. In what ways is the USA diverse ? How can we promote tolerance in our school ?

Each of these heroes can be seen as an example of one (or more) of the Core Democratic Values. What other values do they have?

Villains are frequently characters who undermine the Core Democratic Principles. Give an example

Are there any we could get rid of w/o hurting our country ?

Besides the 7 Core Democratic Principles, there are other values that we promote as a school and as a nation. They include:  Family  Caring  Responsibility  Trust  Respect  Education When it comes to Citizenship, are YOU going to be a HERO or a Villain ?

Create a superhero that represents one of the seven Core Democratic Principles. Include: Superhero Name Which Core Democratic Principle your hero represents What superpowers your hero has Full-color picture of your superhero Due Friday at End of Class. We will also come up with our own set of class values & rules !