Founding Principles
The Founding principles listed below are foundational to understanding the structure and role of government in American society. These Founding principles are built upon a philosophical foundation that makes an argument for a constitutional republic. The principles listed here define the protections built into the Constitution for the purpose of maintaining our fundamental natural rights to life, liberty, and equality. This is not a comprehensive list but provides a starting place for the investigation of the American experiment in self-government.
Jourdon Anderson and Justice
Jourdon Anderson was an enslaved person who lived in Tennessee. Anderson moved to Ohio, where he raised his family. In August of 1865, just a few months before the final passage of the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery throughout the United States, he received a letter from his former master. His old master asked him to come back as a paid servant. Anderson dictated this letter in response.
Jourdon Anderson's Letter
Why is it important in a healthy civil society for individuals to act with integrity? Explore the story of the Schechter Brothers in this video to determine how they exhibited the virtue of integrity.
What main the Constitutional principles that limit government? In this video, explore James Madison's ideas in Federalist No. 51 where he explained the constitutional checks and balances put in place that would help create a limited government.
Why is acting dishonorably destructive to a healthy political system and civil society? Explore the story of Benedict Arnold in this video to help determine how he exhibited the vice of dishonor.
Civic Virtues
Good habits, or civic virtues, promote self-government and help guarantee that communities orient themselves towards advancing the spirit of a common purpose. The practice of these habits helps us live together and maintain our government despite our differences and disagreements.
Why is individual courage necessary for the success of the larger community or civil society? Explore the story of Elizabeth Eckford in this video to help determine how she exhibited the virtue of courage.
How does an individual’s responsibility to their fellow citizens affect the health of a civil society? Explore the story of Clara Barton in this video to help determine how she exhibited the virtue of responsibility.
My Moderation Log
Use this log to identify and practice applying moderation to your behaviors and habits, such as social media use.
My Moderation Log
Watch this video to learn how Founding principles shape and guide the U.S. system of government. Discover how ideas like natural rights, consent of the governed, and limited government are the foundation of American democracy, and see how they are embedded in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. You’ll also explore how these principles work together to protect individual rights and liberties while ensuring the government serves the common good.
Watch this video to discover how natural rights like life, liberty, and property shape the foundation of self-government.
Irma Grese and Self Deception
Irma Grese was a young woman who grew up in Nazi Germany. She joined the SS and became a concentration camp guard. In 1945, she was captured by British forces and put on trial for war crimes. Grese was found guilty and executed for her brutal treatment of prisoners during the Holocaust.
Learn more about Irma Grese
Why did the Founders see the need to create a Bill of Rights in addition to the US Constitution? The Founders included both concepts of democracy and republic in the blueprint for American government. Democracy protected majority rule whereas the idea of a republic protected individual citizens. The Bill of Rights was an important addition to the Constitution because it helped to guarantee individual rights. Learn even more after watching this video.
Why is moderation important in a civil society, leadership, and in the general public? Explore the story of Huey Long in this video to help determine how he exhibited the vice of immoderation.
How do you know when ambition is self-sacrificing and when it is self-serving? Explore the story of Aaron Burr in this video to help determine how he exhibited the vice of hubris.
How can prudence help leaders make decisions in difficult circumstances? Explore the story of Thomas Jefferson in this video to help determine how he exhibited the virtue of prudence.
In this video, explore the principle of consent of the people which upholds the sovereignty of the people within a government. Learn how Majority Rule respects Minority Rights, the importance of Consent of the Governed in ensuring Popular Sovereignty, and the role of Democracy and a Republic in reflecting and refining the will of the people. Understanding these principles is key to appreciating how our political system maintains balance and representation.
Civic virtues have a vital role in building a strong, self-governing society. Watch and explore how practicing virtues such as integrity, humility, and respect strengthens both individuals and communities. By embracing these habits, citizens contribute to the common good, promote justice, and uphold the dignity of all members of society.
Founding Principles and Civic Virtues
Bill of Rights Institute
Created on September 11, 2024
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Transcript
Founding Principles
The Founding principles listed below are foundational to understanding the structure and role of government in American society. These Founding principles are built upon a philosophical foundation that makes an argument for a constitutional republic. The principles listed here define the protections built into the Constitution for the purpose of maintaining our fundamental natural rights to life, liberty, and equality. This is not a comprehensive list but provides a starting place for the investigation of the American experiment in self-government.
Jourdon Anderson and Justice
Jourdon Anderson was an enslaved person who lived in Tennessee. Anderson moved to Ohio, where he raised his family. In August of 1865, just a few months before the final passage of the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery throughout the United States, he received a letter from his former master. His old master asked him to come back as a paid servant. Anderson dictated this letter in response.
Jourdon Anderson's Letter
Why is it important in a healthy civil society for individuals to act with integrity? Explore the story of the Schechter Brothers in this video to determine how they exhibited the virtue of integrity.
What main the Constitutional principles that limit government? In this video, explore James Madison's ideas in Federalist No. 51 where he explained the constitutional checks and balances put in place that would help create a limited government.
Why is acting dishonorably destructive to a healthy political system and civil society? Explore the story of Benedict Arnold in this video to help determine how he exhibited the vice of dishonor.
Civic Virtues
Good habits, or civic virtues, promote self-government and help guarantee that communities orient themselves towards advancing the spirit of a common purpose. The practice of these habits helps us live together and maintain our government despite our differences and disagreements.
Why is individual courage necessary for the success of the larger community or civil society? Explore the story of Elizabeth Eckford in this video to help determine how she exhibited the virtue of courage.
How does an individual’s responsibility to their fellow citizens affect the health of a civil society? Explore the story of Clara Barton in this video to help determine how she exhibited the virtue of responsibility.
My Moderation Log
Use this log to identify and practice applying moderation to your behaviors and habits, such as social media use.
My Moderation Log
Watch this video to learn how Founding principles shape and guide the U.S. system of government. Discover how ideas like natural rights, consent of the governed, and limited government are the foundation of American democracy, and see how they are embedded in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. You’ll also explore how these principles work together to protect individual rights and liberties while ensuring the government serves the common good.
Watch this video to discover how natural rights like life, liberty, and property shape the foundation of self-government.
Irma Grese and Self Deception
Irma Grese was a young woman who grew up in Nazi Germany. She joined the SS and became a concentration camp guard. In 1945, she was captured by British forces and put on trial for war crimes. Grese was found guilty and executed for her brutal treatment of prisoners during the Holocaust.
Learn more about Irma Grese
Why did the Founders see the need to create a Bill of Rights in addition to the US Constitution? The Founders included both concepts of democracy and republic in the blueprint for American government. Democracy protected majority rule whereas the idea of a republic protected individual citizens. The Bill of Rights was an important addition to the Constitution because it helped to guarantee individual rights. Learn even more after watching this video.
Why is moderation important in a civil society, leadership, and in the general public? Explore the story of Huey Long in this video to help determine how he exhibited the vice of immoderation.
How do you know when ambition is self-sacrificing and when it is self-serving? Explore the story of Aaron Burr in this video to help determine how he exhibited the vice of hubris.
How can prudence help leaders make decisions in difficult circumstances? Explore the story of Thomas Jefferson in this video to help determine how he exhibited the virtue of prudence.
In this video, explore the principle of consent of the people which upholds the sovereignty of the people within a government. Learn how Majority Rule respects Minority Rights, the importance of Consent of the Governed in ensuring Popular Sovereignty, and the role of Democracy and a Republic in reflecting and refining the will of the people. Understanding these principles is key to appreciating how our political system maintains balance and representation.
Civic virtues have a vital role in building a strong, self-governing society. Watch and explore how practicing virtues such as integrity, humility, and respect strengthens both individuals and communities. By embracing these habits, citizens contribute to the common good, promote justice, and uphold the dignity of all members of society.