The Values that Unite Us Chapter 1 Section 3

Beliefs Certain ideas that we trust are true

Values Standards of behavior Help us decide how we should act and how we should live our lives

What is the role of beliefs and values in American society? Discuss What is the role of beliefs and values in American society?

Basic American Values Equality: the condition of permitting everyone the same rights and opportunities Freedom: the ability to make choices Justice: fairness

Condition of permitting everyone the same rights and opportunities Basic American Values Equality Condition of permitting everyone the same rights and opportunities Opportunities may be limited by skills or abilities Freedom Ability to make choices One person’s freedom may be limited when it has a negative impact on other people Justice Fairness Justice does not require that everyone be treated the same

The American Dream: Equal Respect “Every person has the right to be treated with equal respect” Explain Does every American enjoy equal opportunity? Why or Why not? Discrimination

Citizens and the American Ideal American society is held together by our shared belief in equality, freedom, and justice. These beliefs and values form an ideal of the kind of nation we want the United States to be. We judge our society by how well we live up to this ideal. How well do you think we live up to this ideal?