The
Core Democratic Values Later Elementary Middle School
Life
Each person has the right to the protection of his or her life.
Liberty
Liberty includes the freedom to believe what you want, freedom to choose your
own friends, and to have your own ideas and opinions, to express your ideas
in public, the right for people to meet in groups, the right to have any lawful
job or business.
The Pursuit of Happiness
Each person can find happiness in their own way, so long as they do not step
on the rights of others.
Justice
All people should be treated fairly in getting the advantages and disadvantages
of our country. No group or person should be favored.
Common Good
People should work together for the good of all. The government should make
laws that are good for everyone.
Equality
Everyone should get the same treatment regardless of where your parents or
grandparents were born, race, religion or how much money you have. All people
have political, social and economic equality.
Diversity
Differences in language, dress, food, where parents or grandparents were born,
race, and religion are not only allowed but accepted as important.
Popular Sovereignty
The power of the government comes from the people.
Patriotism
A devotion to our country and the core democratic values in words and deeds.
Rule of Law
Both the government and the people must obey the law.
Michigan Department
of Education "Helping Teachers Teach and Children Learn."
This resource is provided to assist you with improving student achievement
in social studies---an important step towards responsible citizenship.
Core Democratic Values Terms
Assembly – A group of people gathered together, usually for a reason
Character – Qualities that make up a person
Citizen – A person who lives in a country
Civil Liberty – A citizen’s right to say what they think
Common Good – A good thing shared equally by all. Something that will benefit all.
Constitution – The document listing the laws of the United States
Core – The center, or most important part of anything
Democracy – A government that is run by the people who live in it
Demonstrate – To take part in a public meeting to show feelings about a matter.
Diversity – Differences or varieties in people
Equality – Having the same rights and duties as everyone else
Fair – According to the rules
Flag – A piece of cloth with different colors and designs, used as a symbol of a country
Freedom – Being able to move or act without being held back
Government – The group of people in charge of managing a country, city, or state
Honesty - Truthfulness. Telling someone the real reason for an event, viewpoint or feeling.
Justice – Fair or right treatment or action
Law – A rule made by a government for all of the people who live there
Majority – The larger number or part of something
Minority – The smaller number or part of something
Negotiate – To talk over and arrange the terms of an agreement
People – All of the persons making up a nation
Petition – A formal request made to a person in authority
Pledge - A serious promise
Press – Newspapers and the people who write them
Private – Not meant to be shared with others
Process – A series of actions needed to complete something
Property – Anything owned by a person or organization
Protest – An complaint against something
Public – With or for all of the people
Pursuit of Happiness – Looking for contentment or gladness
Religion – Belief in or worship of God, or gods
Republic – A government in which the authority belongs to the people
Responsibility – Making sure a job or duty is done
Rights – A just, moral, or lawful claim
Rule – Control or government
Tolerance – Respect of customs, ideas, or beliefs of others
Truths – Something that is true
Vote – An expression of ones wishes or choices