Core Values of American Constitutional Democracy
Core democratic values are the fundamental beliefs and constitutional principles of American Society which unite all Americans. These values are expressed in the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution and other significant documents, speeches, and writings of the nation. Below are some examples of core democratic values.
| Fundamental Beliefs | Constitutional Principles |
|
Life |
The Rule of Law |
| Liberty | Separation of Powers |
| Pursuit of Happiness | Representative Government |
| The Common Good | Checks and Balances |
| Justice | Individual Rights |
| Equality | Freedom of Religion |
| Diversity | Federalism |
| Truth | Civilian Control of the Military |
| Popular Sovereignty | |
| Patriotism |
Source: CIVITAS: A Framework for Civic Education, a collaborative project of the Center for Civic Education and the Council for the Advancement of Citizenship, National Council for the Social Studies Bulletin No. 86,1991.