Classical Republicanism

Classical Republicanism The Common Good

Mason City Council has decided… Henceforth, there will be no sales or usage of VIDEO GAMES for the Mason community. This ordinance (law) includes private usage in private homes. Those who violate this new city ordinance will be fined accordingly.

What are some reasons the city council would pass this ordinance? • Tell your partner ONE reason.

The Mason City Council Rationale • Community members have become noticeably more tired over time, and have been sleeping at work and school. • It is an expensive hobby, and money could be put to better use. • Some believe that game playing causes arthritis in hands, eye damage, and mental damage. • Violent video games are connected to aggressive behaviors. • This action is taken for the common good of the community.

The “Common Good” Share with your partner: What is the “common good”? What do you have to give up for the “common good” in this fictional situation?

The “Common Good” • Definition: • Doing what is “best” for society as a whole • Placing the needs of people as a community above individual liberty

Our Founders were influenced… • by a civilization that believed in the common good and the importance of the “office” of citizenship and the “duties” of citizenship. • The ROMANS

Classical Republicanism • What does classical mean? • What things do you know that are “classic”? • Share one idea with your partner. • Definitions: • Excellent, first-class • Culture of the ancient Greeks and Romans • Order and restraint (not gaudy; simple; symmetrical)

Classical Republicanism • What does republic mean? • Latin: “property of the people”- the law • A form of government that gets its power directly from the people. • All classes of people are represented in the government-a ”mixed constitution” • Citizens vote for their representatives • Government officials hold power for a limited time and are subject to the law and constitution.

Three Aspects (Values) of the Roman Republic influenced the Founders:

Aspect 1. Small, Uniform Communities • Describe the social relationships of people in Mason. (in any small town) • How do you think this would be different in New York City?

Aspect 1. Small, Uniform Communities • What does “uniform” mean? • A synonym for “uniform” is “homogeneous” and another form of the word is “homogeneity” • Repeat the words after me… • Definition: • Composed of similar elements or parts, all alike

Aspect 1. Small, Uniform Communities • In what ways are small communities homogeneous? • List two key characteristics of small, uniform communities that the Founders might have thought important for our new nation.

Aspect 2: Citizenship & Civic Virtue • Describe the characteristics of a “good citizen.”

Aspect 2: Citizenship & Civic Virtue • What does civic virtue mean? • Definition: • The dedication of citizens to the common welfare/good of their community or country, even at the cost of their individual interests (time, money, etc). • Describe an example of civic virtue.

Aspect 2: Citizenship & Civic Virtue • George Washington was considered to be a good citizen and a person that displayed civic virtue. Three reasons: • Sacrificed to lead our nation during Revolutionary War, and won the War • Earned a reputation for being honest and trustworthy • Voluntarily left the Presidency after two terms • Name a person you think displays civic virtue. • What are the attributes that make him/her a virtuous person? • List two reasons why you think the Founders thought that citizenship and civic virtue were important for the citizens of our new nation.

Aspect 3: Moral Education • What is a moral? • Definition: • action considered right and good • a civilized standard of right and wrong • Describe two moral actions that a “good citizen” might demonstrate. • Who should be teaching these morals to citizens?

Aspect 3: Moral Education • Moral education includes learning about the history, values, symbols, and rituals of your country. These values, symbols and rituals are part of what makes a nation unique. • What are some of the “core democratic values” of our nation’s citizens? • What are some symbols and rituals of our nation?

Aspect 3: Moral Education • List two reasons why you think the Founders thought that moral education was important for the citizens of our new nation.

So, let’s return to the Mason City Council video game ban… • Again, these are the reasons for the ban: • Community members have become noticeably more tired over time, and have been sleeping at work and school. • It is an expensive hobby, and money could be put to better use. • Some believe that game playing causes arthritis in hands, eye damage, and mental damage. • Violent video games are connected to aggressive behaviors. • This action is taken for the common good of the community. • Which aspect or aspects of Classical Republicanism might be used to argue that the video game ban is for the common good of the Mason Community? • Value small, uniform communities • Value citizenship and civic virtue • Value moral education

So, let’s return to the Mason City Council video game ban… • What do citizens have to give up for the common good? • Which do YOU value more, the common good or individual rights? Explain.

Directions • Read the following modern scenarios. • Each scenario is an example of the common good. • Identify at least ONE key aspect of classical republicanism in each scenario. • Value small, uniform communities • Value citizenship and civic virtue • Value moral education • In six minutes, each group will present ONE scenario to the class with an explanation of the aspect represented. You will also answer the question at the bottom of the page. The teacher will assign your presentation scenario randomly after you complete each example.

Who Decides the Common Good?

Ticket out the door • Describe an example of the civic virtue in our community. • Identify the most confusing part of the lesson.

Assignment • Read pages 11-14. • Guided Reading Notes #5 due tomorrow.

Classical Republicanism