CORE DEMOCRATIC VALUES HOW DO THEY RELATE TO YOU?

CORE DEMOCRATIC VALUES The fundamental beliefs and constitutional principles of American society Unite all Americans Expressed in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Gettysburg Address, the Star Spangled Banner, & the Pledge of Allegiance 2

INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS All people have certain basic rights that are not created by the govt. Life, liberty, freedom, & the pursuit of happiness It is the duty of the govt. to protect these rights It may not place unfair or unreasonable restrictions on these rights Many of these rights are outlined in the Bill of Rights 3

LIFE A person’s right to life cannot be violated except in certain extreme circumstances, such as in the protection of your own or others’ lives 4

LIBERTY An unchangeable human right; other ideas & practices cannot be forced upon anyone Personal Freedom: the right to think, to act, & to be an individual without govt. control or protest Political Freedom: The right to participate in the political process Economic Freedom: The right to buy, sell, & trade private property w/minimal govt. interference, & the ability to change employment 5

PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS Everyone has the right to attempt to obtain happiness so long as they do not violate the rights of others 6

COMMON GOOD Individual citizens have the commitment & motivation to work together w/other members for the greater benefit of all 7

JUSTICE People should be treated fairly… In the distribution of the benefits & responsibilities of society The correction of wrongs & injuries In the gathering of information & in decision making 8

DIVERSITY Variety in culture, ethnic background, race, lifestyle, & belief is not only allowed but is desired & beneficial in a multi-cultured society 9

EQUALITY All people have the right to: Political Equality: Equal political power. No person can be denied this right unless by due process of the law. Legal Equality: Equal legal rights before the law Social Equality: No legal limitations can be placed on a person due to their social class Economic Equality: All people have the same economic status 10

TRUTH People can demand that the govt. refrain from lying The govt. must disclose all information to the people This is an important element in the bond b/w govt. & the people 11

POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY The people are collectively the leaders of the nation & hold ultimate authority over public officials & policies 12

PATRIOTISM True citizens show a love & devotion for their country & the values on which it depends 13

RULE OF LAW Both the govt. & the people of the nation must obey all laws 14

SEPARATION OF POWERS The legislative, judicial, & executive powers of the govt. should be given to separate institutions to maintain the limitations placed upon them 15

CHECKS & BALANCES The powers given to the different branches of govt. should be balanced, so that no branch can dominate the others Each branch also has the ability to limit the power of other branches 16

REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT The people have the right to elect others to represent their opinions & interests in the govt. 17

FREEDOM OF RELIGION All people have the right to practice their faith or beliefs, if any, without persecution 18

FEDERALISM Power is shared b/w the state & national govts, as written in the Constitution 19

CIVILIAN CONTROL OF THE MILITARY People who are not in the armed services should control the military in order to preserve democracy 20