American Portraits
The Schechter Brothers’ Purpose
In this lesson, students will read about the struggles of the Schechter Brothers and how they refused to give up their values or compromise their purpose. Students will use this example to think about ways they can be purposeful in their own lives.
Founding Principles
Civic Virtue
A set of actions and habits necessary for the safe, effective, and mutually beneficial participation in a society.
Civil Discourse
Reasoned and respectful sharing of ideas between individuals is the primary way people influence change in society/government, and is essential to maintain self-government.
Individual Responsibility
Individuals must take care of themselves and their families and be vigilant to preserve their liberty.
Liberty
Except where authorized by citizens through the Constitution, the government does not have the authority to limit freedom.
Limited Government
Citizens are best able to pursue happiness when government is confined to those powers which protect their life, liberty, and property.
Rule of Law
Government and citizens all abide by the same laws regardless of political power. Those laws respect individual rights, are transparently enacted, are justly applied, and are stable.
