Core Democratic Values are the fundamental beliefs and constitutional principles of American society which unite all Americans. 

Life - A person's right to life cannot be violated except in extreme circumstances, such as in the protection of your own or other's lives.

Liberty - The right to liberty is an unchangeable human right.  Other ideas and practices cannot be forced upon anyone.  They include:

Personal Freedom:  The right to think, to act, and to be and individual without government control or protest.

Political Freedom:  The right to participate in the political process.

Economic Freedom:  The right to buy, sell, and trade private property with minimal government interference, and the ability to change employment at will.

The Pursuit of Happiness - Everyone has the right to attempt to obtain happiness so long as they do not violate the rights of others.

Common Good - Public or common good requires that individuals have the commitment and motivation to work together with other members for the greater benefit of all.

Justice - People should be treated fairly in the distribution of the benefits and responsibilities of society, the correction of wrongs and injuries, in the gathering of information and in decision-making.

Diversity - Variety in culture, ethnicity, race, lifestyle, and belief is not only allowed but is desired and beneficial in a multi-cultured society.

Equality - All people have the right to:

Political Equality:  Equal political power.  No person can be denied this right unless by due process of the law.

Legal Equality:  Equal legal rights before the law.

Social Equality:  No legal limitations can be placed on a person due to their social class.

Economic Equality:  All people have the same economic status.

Truth - People can demand that the government refrain from lying, and that the government must disclose all information to the people.

Popular Sovereignty - The people are collectively the leaders of the nation and hold ultimate authority over public officials and policies.

Patriotism - True citizens show a love and devotion for their country and the values on which it depends.

Rule of Law - Both the government and the people of the nation must obey all laws.

Separation of Powers - The legislative, judicial, and executive powers of the government should be given to separate institutions to maintain the limitations placed upon them.

Federalism - Power is shared between the state and national governments, as written in the Constitution.

Freedom of Religion - All people have the right to practice their faith or beliefs, if any, without persecution.

Representative Government - The people have the right to elect others to represent their opinions and interests in the government.

Checks and Balances - The powers given to the different branches of government should be balanced, so that not branch can dominate the others.  Each branch also has the ability to limit the power of other branches.

Individual Rights - All people have certain basic rights that are not created by the government.  These include the right to life, liberty, freedom, and the "pursuit of happiness".  It is the duty of the government to protect these rights, and it may not place unfair or unreasonable restrictions on these rights.  Many of these rights are outlined in the Bill of Rights.

Civilian Control of the Military - People who are not in the armed services should control the military in order to preserve democracy.

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Rewritten by Midland Dow High School (Midland, Michigan) Honors US History Students in December 1998.