Week 8: The Importance of Strong Local Government

Last week we began our discussion with the difference between a republic and a democracy, then we took a brief history detour to find out why so many people wrongly refer to our country as a democracy--we found out that we can thank socialism for that little bit of confusion! 

Thomas Jefferson said, "Democracy is 51% of the people taking away the rights of the other 49%." This is why our founders gave us a representative form of government--a republic--in which every voice can be heard and considered. Where true democracy does work in our country is on the foundational level--in families, churches, social groups, even some small-town communities. As responsible citizens, we must strengthen these foundational units of our society by living lives of private and public virtue, involving ourselves in our neighborhoods and communities, and participating in civic activities. If we fail to do our part on the local level, we risk forfeiting our liberty to those who are all too willing to take away the power of the people in order to increase their own power. We can see this pattern throughout history, and even in our ever-growing, increasingly intrusive federal government. No one has more obligation or interest to preserve our freedom than we, the people.

"Personal responsibility is not a burden. It is a requirement for a country that was founded on the God-given rights of freedom and liberty." -Ronald Reagan


Everyone please read the following essay on the importance of strong local government:


For a good explanation of the difference between a republic and a democracy, please watch the following video:


ASSIGNMENTS:

WRITING: Choose a local issue currently affecting your community. Write an editorial about it, explaining the issue, and give your opinion about the problem(s) and the solution(s). You can make up your own catchy title or "headline" for this one. Talk to your parents, and use local news sources to help guide your search.

READING: Finish The Great Little Madison. We'll be discussing it this week, so have notes prepared for the discussion on Wednesday. Since no one was assigned to lead the discussion, EVERYONE will need to be prepared to participate! Treats will be served for those who have finished the book, and who bring the book and their notes to class. No notes and no book = NO TREATS!

CONSTITUTION JOURNAL: Article 4 & Article 5

DEVOTIONAL: Liam

HERO REPORTS: TWO WEEKS LEFT until papers are due and presentations begin! I'm looking forward to hearing about all the interesting people you all have learned about!


CANDY TRIVIA:
What form of government is Constitutionally guaranteed to every state, and where in the Constitution can this be found? 

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