1. America’s Founding Ideals

2. Equality The situation in which all people are treated the same way.

3. Founding Ideals Journal Equality: Is equality of condition something that we should try to achieve in the United States? Why or Why not? Is equality of condition a realistic goal?

4. Rights Powers or privileges granted to people either by an agreement among themselves or by law.

5. Founding Ideals Journal Rights: Are there rights that aren’t protected that should be protected? (clean environment, health care, etc.) Who should determine if our rights should be changed? What would the process be?

6. Liberty Freedom of religion, political thought, and from government interference

7. Founding Ideals Journal Liberty: Are there circumstances when our personal liberty should be restricted? If yes, how and why? If no, why not? How should decisions about limitations on personal liberty be made?

8. Opportunity The chance for people to pursue their hopes and dreams.

9. Founding Ideals Journal Opportunity: Is it enough to “level the playing field” so that everyone has the same chance to succeed in life (equality), or should efforts be made to expand opportunities for the least fortunate among us? Why or Why not?

10. Democracy A system of government founded on the simple principle that the power to rule comes from the consent of the governed.

11. Founding Ideals Journal Democracy: Why do you think so many people do not take advantage of their right to vote? Can democracy survive if large parts of the population are not involved in public affairs?

12. Founding Ideals Journal Most Important Ideal: Which founding ideal do you believe is the most important? Why?