Why Teach the Principles of America "Young Americans on the verge of assuming all the responsibilities and rights of citizenship as adults must be more than merely familiar with the political body of which they are a part; they must hold a strong and deep understanding of its nature, its structure, its means, and, perhaps most importantly, its ends. No society, no government, no self-governing republic can long endure if even one generation should fail to possess such an understanding. Moreover, citizens cannot love their country, cannot preserve its goodness while correcting its failures, unless they know its history first. And knowledge of the United States for young Americans begins with a knowledge of its origins. In order to judge prudently in matters of public interest in the present day, students must learn about the philosophical principles upon which the American Founders created the United States of America, including the assertion of self-evident, objective truths about natural rights, morality, and self-government." Dr. Larry Arn, President Hillsdale College. The principles of the American founding can be learned by studying the abundant documents contained in the record. Read fully and carefully, they show how the American people have ever pursued freedom and justice, which are the political conditions for living well. To learn this history is to become a better person, a better citizen, and a better partner in the American experiment of self-government. As every American will benefit from the understanding of their role in this republic, this course is designed to introduce the student to the remarkable Union we call home.
We will use multiple sources including The President’s Advisory 1776 Commission's first report. This class intends to emphasize the principles and history of our nation with the hope that the discovery of constitutional government will lead to a more perfect Union.
The course will include reading, lectures, graded discussions, and quizzes, as well as class participation.