What is Civic Virtue?

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

Passport Vocabulary

define ◦ good character, manners, and civic virtue.

Group Work

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

Civic virtues can be divided into four categories:

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.

Civic Knowledge

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.

2. Self-restraint

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

3. Self-assertion

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.

4. Self-reliance

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.

Hero Project Due Friday Oct 7

What is enlightened self-interest?

What is the common good?

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.

Define

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

Passport Vocabulary

What do we consider these characters? Answer:

What do they have in common?◦ (Answer:

What makes them heroes?◦ (Answer:

Answer these questions

"super heroes"

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?

Answer the following Questions

vocabulary 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

What makes someone a hero? 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.

What are the Traits or attributes of a HERO?

George Washington

Policeman/Firemen

Martin Luther King Jr.

Paul Revere

John f. Kennedy

Superheroes

Hero A hero is someone who understands the

responsibility that comes with his freedom. Bob Dylan

Calculation never made a hero. John Henry Newman

It is better to be the widow of a hero than the wife of a coward. Dolores Ibarruri

To be a hero or a heroine, one must give an order to oneself. Simone Weil

I think we're all heroes, if you catch us at the right time.

Andy Garcia

What is a Hero? 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 sacrifice

– That is, heroism – for some it is the greater good, courage, or excellence. However, it can be extended to general moral excellence.

“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.

John F. Kennedy's quote: