The Great Debate Handbook Name Freedom Equality Unity Diversity Law Ethics Common Wealth Private Wealth Period # (Beaulieu- Social Studies)
The Great Debate Key Vocabulary Key Terms citizens people who act on the principle that they can govern themselves and are invested in the well-being of their nation and government. democratic mind the idea that an individual has the ability to hold two apparently contradictory values in high esteem at the same time. great debate the weighing of key value tensions in judging historical events, namely law versus ethics, private wealth vs. common wealth, freedom vs. equality, and unity vs. diversity. republic a system of representative government in which political leaders are elected by and responsible to the people. subjects people who do not truly govern themselves and are not autonomous because they fall under the authority of a leader, idea, or persuasions. value tension conflict between two equally desirable goals. Values unity the pursuit of common principles and goals, often expressed through cultural norms or as nationalism and patriotism. diversity differences among individuals as well as groups of people based on race, ethnicity, religion, economic class, location, and political beliefs. law rules established by custom and history and enforced by government. Law includes both written laws and stated policies. ethics moral standards and individual conscience that guides behavior and thought. private wealth resources such as income, personal character, and capital earned and kept by an individual, family, or corporation. common wealth the material infrastructure and shared resources of a community, as well as the ethical relationships that exist between and among people. freedom power, rights, and privileges enjoyed by an individual or group. equality identical treatment in society. The availability of opportunities and shared common wealth that arise from a shared sense of reciprocal duty.
American Democratic Values: I Believe Survey Directions: Respond to each of the statements below. Answer as honestly as you can. Use the following rating scale. 1= strongly disagree 2= mildly disagree 3=undecided 4=mildly agree 5=strongly agree Unity I believe that everyone should attend the same place of worship. Americans should understand their self-interest within the common interest of the nation. American should be fluent in the English language Diversity I believe that I should celebrate my family s ethnic and cultural heritage. every American should express what makes them unique. Americans should be grateful for our different opinions and experiences. Law I believe that people should obey only laws they believe to be ethical. citizens should always obey the law. Americans should always respect the law. Ethics I believe that Americans should always try to do the right thing. the American legal system should be based on moral principles. an individual s sense of right and wrong should be more important than what is legal or illegal.
Freedom I believe that I should be free to pursue any career I want. I should be free to express any opinions I want. individuals should be able to earn as much money as possible and not be penalized by high taxes. Equality I believe that all individuals are created equal. there should be quotas to guarantee that women and people of color are hired for high paying jobs. children deserve the same rights as adults. Common Wealth I believe that it is my responsibility to give back to my local community, state and nation. the federal government should have a responsibility to preserve and protect the nation s natural beauty and resources. the federal and state governments should provide health care to those who can t afford private insurance. Private Wealth I believe that I should be able to earn as much money as possible. The government should tax individuals to support things the community needs. The government should not be allowed to tell people what they can or cannot do on their private property.
American Values: Value Note Taker Directions: Use this note-taker to record examples of each value, and examples of how one value can oppose another. (freedom and equality, common wealth and private wealth, unity and diversity, law and ethics). Freedom Value Examples When Do These Values Come into Conflict? The right to live as one chooses, the power to determine one s actions without restraint. The ability to do, say and think whatever you want. Equality The right to be treated the same as anyone else To treat everyone The same.
Value Examples When Do These Values Come into Conflict? Unity The state of being one or combined into one; a oneness of mind and feeling among a number of people who find themselves in harmony or agreement; the absence of diversity All for one Or To be one Diversity Variety or difference in physical and cultural heritage, beliefs, and lifestyle. To embrace differences
Law Value Examples When Do These Values Come into Conflict? The principles and regulations established in a community by some authority. These laws apply to its people, whether in the form of legislation or of custom and policies recognized and enforced by judicial decision. Rules and regulations established for the community by some authority. Ethics Moral (not necessarily religious) principles. Moral (not necessarily religious) principles.
Value Examples When Do These Values Come into Conflict? Private Wealth Those things that one personally values, from concrete things like money or possessions to abstractions such as your education or chosen way of life. Personal belongings in the form of money and resources. Common Wealth The material infrastructure and shared resources of a community, as well as the ethical relationships that exist between and among people. The shared belongings of the community
The Great Debate Summary Freedom vs. Equality Common Wealth vs. Private Wealth Unity vs. Diversity Law vs. Ethics
Reflection on the American Democratic Values Reflect back on what you learned about our American Democratic Values and explain how they have an impact on you, your country and the future.