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Always Tell the Truth

Grades: 
6, 7, 8
Subjects: 
Language Arts
Philanthropy
Social Studies
Keywords & Concepts: 
Character Education: Honesty
Civic Responsibility/Virtue
Integrity

This lesson provides an example of a politician known for his honesty. The learners identify why they depend on politicians to be honest, and discuss why it is difficult for politicians to be honest.

Duration 
PrintOne 20-minute class period
Objectives 

The learner will:

  • state why people depend on honesty in government and politics.
Related Resources 

Instructions

Print

  1. Anticipatory Set

    Share this quote in writing with the learners: "Always tell the truth. Then you'll never have to remember what you said the last time." Ask them to think of examples of when someone might need to remember what they said last time.

  2. The politician Sam Rayburn said the above quote. Give a little background about Sam Rayburn. (He was a Texas politician and Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1940 to 1960. He was known for his fairness and integrity, and he was a champion for the poor. He could not be bribed by lobbyists trying to buy his vote.)

  3. Discuss whether it is ironic or fitting that Sam Rayburn made the above comment (fitting). Why? (Because he was an honest man who recognized that dishonest people made mistakes because they couldn't remember what lie they said before. He didn't have trouble remembering what he said because he depended on his true beliefs for recalling information, not his memory.)

  4. Discuss what honesty means in a political context -- Why do we want our polititions to be honest?

  5. Discuss how voting gives people decision-making power. "We the people" rule this country. The Founding Fathers' intent was to not allow a "ruler" to have too much power. If politicians say they will do something and we vote for them because of that, it is important for them to follow through so they are doing what the voters want.

  6. Explain that we trust our representatives to keep their promises and mean what they say because it supports civic virtue [positive behavior that supports group well-being] and the success of the community.

  7. Ask the learners why they think it is difficult for politicians to follow through on campaign promises. Is it always a matter of dishonesty if they don't? Discuss.

Philanthropy Framework

  1. Strand PHIL.I Definitions of Philanthropy
    1. Standard DP 01. Define Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark MS.3 Identify the philanthropic ideas embedded in a nation's founding documents.
      2. Benchmark MS.4 Give examples of how individuals have helped others.
    2. Standard DP 02. Roles of Government, Business, and Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark MS.1 Describe how different needs are met in different ways by government, business, civil society, and family.
  2. Strand PHIL.II Philanthropy and Civil Society
    1. Standard PCS 01. Self, citizenship, and society
      1. Benchmark MS.4 Describe the characteristics of someone who helps others.
    2. Standard PCS 05. Philanthropy and Government
      1. Benchmark MS.2 Define civic virtue.
      2. Benchmark MS.4 Identify individual sovereignty as a basic concept in government.
      3. Benchmark MS.6 Describe how the founding documents and fundamental democratic principles encourage citizens to act philanthropically.