1. The Values that Unite Us
Chapter 1
Section 3

2. Beliefs
Certain ideas that we trust are true

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

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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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?