Values, on the other hand, can change with the times. While values can change with circumstances, it is always good to be just, to persevere, to be courageous, to respect others, and so on. A person of character is virtuous. Why these virtues? The United States Founders believed that certain civic virtues were required of citizens in order for the Constitution to work. Civic Virtue in Documents of Freedom.
The same character trait, when expressed to the extreme, ceases to be virtue and becomes vice. For example, too little courage is cowardice, while too much makes one fool- hardy. A healthy respect for authority becomes blind obedience to power when expressed too strongly or descends into unprincipled recalcitrance when completely lacking.
Virtue is action. Thoughts may be about virtuous things, but do not themselves merit the name of virtue. Similarly, words can describe virtuous things but can never themselves be virtuous. Virtue is a habit. Aristotle also believed that virtue is a habit. Virtuous behavior is not the result of numerous, individual calculations about which course of action would be most advantageous. While all virtues must be habits, not all habits are virtuous.
Virtue requires a just end. Behavior can be virtuous only when done in the pursuit of justice. The Founders thought a republican government would work in our country.
They believed most of the people had civic virtue. They thought the people would select leaders who would work for the common welfare. This site is brought to you by the Center for Civic Education.
The Center's mission is to promote an enlightened and responsible citizenry committed to democratic principles and actively engaged in the practice of democracy. The Center has reached more than 30 million students and their teachers since Learn more. Email: web civiced. Media Inquiries: cce civiced. Website: www. Lesson 3: What Is a Republican Government? Student Book Purpose of Lesson This lesson will help you understand why the Founders thought a republican form of government was best.
What is a Republican Government? The Founders read that republican government was one in which: The power of government is held by the people.
The people give power to leaders they elect to represent them and serve their interests. The representatives are responsible for helping all the people in the country, not just a few people. Vocabulary Terms Representatives : people elected to act for others interests : those things which are to a person's benefit What are the Advantages of Republican Government? They believed that the advantages of republican government were: Fairness. They believed that laws made by the representatives they elected would be fair.
If their representatives did not make fair laws, they could elect others who would. Common welfare. The laws would help everyone instead of one person or a few favored people. Freedom and prosperity. People would have greater freedom and be able to live well. What is the Common Welfare? Describe a situation in which you think you should try to help others instead of just doing what you want for yourself.
Explain a situation in which you think you should do something for yourself instead of trying to help others. Toggle navigation. Sign up for our email newsletter.
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