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Principles and Virtues in the American Republic

Essential Question

  • How does the practice of civic virtues shape the functioning of the Founding principles and contribute to a healthy American republic?

Learning Objectives

  • Students will understand and identify civic virtues needed for a healthy American republic.
  • Students will analyze the impact of practicing civic virtues on political parties, voting, the media, and civil society.
  • Students will practice civic virtues, reflect on the lessons learned, and assess their impact on fostering a healthier civil society and government.

Teacher Resources

Student Resources

  • Research materials such as laptops and tablets
  • Other materials from this unit about political parties, voting, media, and civil society

Anticipate

  • Review Founding principles and civic virtues.
  • Watch the Founding Principles and Civic Virtues videos in Unit 1.
  • Transition: Founding principles shape the American constitutional system but require the support of civic virtues to function well.

Examples:

  • Voter apathy weakening consent of the governed
  • Respect and moderation in Congress enabling compromise
  • Opposing parties showing courage and respect
  • Media lacking integrity can lead to distrust
  • Presidents showing humility by admitting mistakes

Engage

  • Explain the lesson objective: examine how civic virtues strengthen American political systems.
  • Divide class into four groups with materials and topic envelopes.
  • Groups answer their envelope question and pass it around for peer feedback and enrichment.

Discussion Questions:

  • Political Parties: How can parties use moderation and humility to combat immoderation?
    Suggested: promote balanced discourse, avoid extremism, encourage bipartisanship.
  • Voting: What civic virtue should voters practice and why?
    Suggested: prudence – informed, thoughtful decision-making.
  • Media: What virtues should journalists practice?
    Suggested: integrity and responsibility – fact-checking, balanced reporting.
  • Civil Society: Which three virtues are most important and why?
    Suggested: respect, humility, responsibility – promote engagement and mutual understanding.

Explore

  • Debrief by reviewing each topic and student responses.

Suggested Discussion Questions by Topic:

  • Political Parties: How does moderation improve party effectiveness and public trust?
  • Voting: Why is virtue important in voting decisions?
  • Media: How can journalists embody civic virtues?
  • Civil Society: What civic virtues are essential for daily life and why?

Encourage students to relate their learning back to the essential question and consider how their personal behavior can support civic health.

Reflect and Assess

Exit Ticket Questions:

  • Identify a Civic Virtue: Which is most important for maintaining a healthy American republic? Why?
  • Application: How can this virtue impact political parties, voting, media, or civil society?
  • Personal Reflection: How will you practice this virtue personally?

Extend

  • Ask students to select a civic virtue to practice for one week.
  • Write about their chosen virtue, why it was chosen, and their practice plan.
  • After a week, hold a discussion or peer group reflections.
  • Conclude by revisiting the essential question and asking:
    • How did practicing virtue impact your behavior?
    • Did your perspective change?
    • How could continued practice contribute to society?
  • Personal Commitment: Students write a commitment statement to sustain their chosen virtue.