Foundations of Democracy: Guiding Principles and Values
This collection empowers students to explore the core principles that make democracy work, with resources that bring democratic ideas to life in ways that feel relevant and engaging. Through topics like the roots of democracy, rule of law, and federalism, students will discover how these foundations impact their daily lives—and how they can actively participate in their communities.
Here’s a quick look at what they’ll explore:
- Roots of Democracy: From ancient Greece to the Enlightenment, students trace the ideas that laid the groundwork for modern democracy.
- The Rule of Law: Highlights the importance of laws that protect everyone’s rights, promoting fairness and justice.
- Federalism: Explores the balance between national and state powers in the U.S., showing how federalism affects policy and everyday life.
- Limited Government: Examines checks and balances, and how they safeguard individual freedoms.
- Ideals of Democracy: Connects students with democratic values like liberty and equality, discussing how these ideals drive progress.
- Being an Informed Citizen: Teaches students the importance of being well-informed and thinking critically about information.
- Types of Government: Compares democracies with other systems to show what makes democratic governance unique.
- State and Local Government: Brings democracy to the community level, helping students see how government affects their daily lives.
As students explore each of these areas, they’ll connect history with current events and gain tools for civic engagement. By the end, they’ll not only understand democratic principles but also feel ready to take on active roles as informed, thoughtful citizens.
