It Is Essential For Students To Know:

• It is essential for students to know a basic definition of democracy and understand that our nation was founded based on a respect for a set of key, basic democratic values. This includes, but is not limited to, equal rights for all, respect of the rights and opinions of others, respect for the rule of law, freedom generally and specifically, etc.
• Students should know basic symbols of freedom such as the American flag, the Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Bell, special holidays, and the right to vote.

It Is Not Essential For Students To Know:

• It is not essential for students to know the major ideas or philosophies that led to the creation of democracies around the world.
• It is not essential for students to understand the historical evolution of the creation of the United States as a democratic nation.
• It is not essential for students to know specific details of the United States Constitution or Declaration of Independence.
• Students do not need to know examples of other democracies.