 Civic virtue ◦ A citizen’s commitment to democratic ideals and practices and to good character in everyday life

 define ◦ good character, manners, and civic virtue.

 1. Civic Knowledge  2. Self-restraint  3. Self-assertion  4. Self-reliance

 The American Founders built into the Constitution of 1787 a number of mechanisms that would curb the power of the national government, making it difficult for government to violate the liberties and rights of citizens.  These were things such as separation of powers, checks and balances between the three branches, staggered elections and varying terms of office, and federalism.

 Washington and the other founders knew that for citizens to live in a free society with limited government, each citizen must be able to control or restrain himself;  otherwise, we would need a police state—that is, a large, unlimited government—to maintain safety and order.

 Self-assertion ◦ means that citizens must be protective of their rights, and have the courage to stand up in public and defend their rights.

 In order to be truly free, citizens must be able to provide the basic necessities of life for themselves and their families. Citizens who cannot provide for themselves will need a large government to take care of them.  Self-reliant citizens are free citizens in the sense that they are not dependent on others for their basic needs. They do not need a large provider- government, which has the potential to become an intrusive or oppressive government, to meet those needs.

 You will become an expert on this person and be able to explain why their person is an American hero.  You will have to fill this worksheet out for your assigned hero.  You will research your hero and identify how they demonstrated the responsibilities of a good citizen.  After researching your hero, you will represent your hero in a role-playing activity. Or a poster board display.

 Enlightened self-interest : suggests that when people act in a way that furthers others’ interests, that advances the interests of groups to which they belong, they consequently serve their own interest.  Self-interest :is often considered selfish or self- centered; by contrast, enlightened self-interest focuses on group-based action, where one sees a positive connection between group involvement and self-interest that is tied to the virtue of doing what is right.

 Common good ◦ The good of the community as a whole  Enlightened self-interest ◦ The idea that actions for the common good also meet individual needs.  Egoism ◦ That individual self-interest is the valid end of all actions.  Altruism ◦ The selfless concern for the welfare of others.  Civil Society ◦ A set of intermediate associations which are neither the state nor the extended family; civil society therefore includes voluntary associations and firms and other corporate bodies

 What do we consider these characters? Answer:  What do they have in common? ◦ (Answer:  What makes them heroes? ◦ (Answer:

 Who are some of your real life heroes?  What have these people done to be considered heroes?  What qualities do these people have that would make them heroes?  Why are some people willing to make personal sacrifices to benefit others?

Values – values are those things that really matter to each of us, or the ideas and beliefs we hold as special Supporting behaviors – actions that support our values

 They’ve developed the skills throughout life that enable them to appear or act exceptionally.  Most heroes don’t see themselves as heroes.  The “act” that is viewed by the public as extraordinary is not why they are a hero but an example of their heroic ability.

 A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom. Bob Dylan Bob Dylan  Calculation never made a hero. John Henry Newman John Henry Newman  It is better to be the widow of a hero than the wife of a coward. Dolores Ibarrurihero Dolores Ibarruri

 To be a hero or a heroine, one must give an order to oneself. Simone Weil Simone Weil  I think we're all heroes, if you catch us at the right time. Andy Garcia

 Hero (male) and heroine (female) came to refer to characters who, in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, display courage and the will for self sacrificecourageself sacrifice – That is, heroism – for some it is the greater good, courage, or excellence. However, it can be extended to general moral excellence.greater good

 “ Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” ◦ do a brief Passport journal writing of what his intended message was.