Introducing
America’s Ideals
Introduction:

Declaration of Independence:
 Thomas
Jefferson: “all men
are created equal with
certain unalienable rights”
 Life
 Liberty
 The
Pursuit of Happiness

Thomas Jefferson envisioned a
nation based on ideals

These ideals have evolved
since Jefferson introduced
them
Founding Ideals: Equality

Throughout all history people
have been divided unequally

Set into social classes

Some people have more wealth
or power than others

In 1776 equality meant that all
men were equal under God
 Slaves????
Equality

America has made great
progress to ensure equality

Civil Rights, LBGT Rights
recently

Slavery abolished in 1865

1920: women's right to vote

America is equal in opportunity
not equal in condition

What does this mean?

Can we achieve equality of
condition? How?
The Founding Ideals: Rights

Rights are powers or privileges
granted to the people by law

People have natural rights
when they are born


Life, liberty and property

Government must protect
these rights
U.S. Constitutions Bill of Rights


First 10 Amendments to the
Constitution
Are these rights enough?
Should we have more
economic and social rights like
the right to free health care?
The Founding Ideals: Liberty

LibertyFreedom

“Give me liberty or give me
death”

Political, religious and civil
freedoms

There is no absolute liberty

We must follow laws and
respect others liberties as
well.

To what extent do we have
freedom of speech? Should
we be able to say anything we
please even if it hurts others?

Should liberty be limited to
protect the greater good?
The Founding Ideals: Opportunity

Jefferson said we have the
right to the pursuit of happiness

What does that mean?

Chance for people to pursue
their hopes and dreams
without prohibition by the
government

Economic opportunity:
minimum wage, job
opportunities

Do some have more
opportunities than others? Is
there a level playing field?
The Founding Ideals: Democracy

Democracy: power to rule
comes from the consent of the
governed

The definition of the
“governed” has changed over
time

Originally only white
property owning men

It took women more than 100
years to be heard

Today any citizen 18 or older
can vote

Why do so many Americans
choose to not vote?
American Ideals

American Ideals have helped shape our country from 1776 until
today

Keep these ideals in mind when we analyze American history
throughout this course.

How do these American ideals impact you on a day to day
basis?

What does it mean to be an American?