THE AMERICAN VALUES IN THE CONSTITUTION by Naia Lillian Foryoh Osés

INDEPENDENCE

naiaforyoh — 2022-12-19 11:59:20 UTC

_{DEFINITION:
freedom from the control, influence, support, aid, or the like, of others.}

Americans value their freedom to live their lives with limited intervention and control by the government. This comes from the Declaration of Independence. Various freedoms are also guaranteed in the Bill of Rights, such as the first amendments rights to free speech and the practice of religion. 

This sense of independence motivates the importance of self-determination. Americans are very proud of being self-reliant and able to take care of themselves. They tend to think others should be self-reliant as well.

EQUALITY

naiaforyoh — 2022-12-19 12:00:43 UTC

^{DEFINITION:
the state or quality of being equal;
correspondence in quantity, degree, value, rank, or ability.}

The U.S. Declaration of Independence states, “all men are created equal.” American equality is based upon this quote. It has influenced the way men and women are treated in the United States. In the USA, all people should receive equal treatment and equal opportunities

^{Nowadays no one should discriminate against you based on:}

^Gender
^Race
^Ethnicity
^Religion
^Age
^Disability
^{Sexual orientation}

INDIVIDUALISM

naiaforyoh — 2022-12-19 12:01:59 UTC

^{DEFINITION:
Sociology}
^{a social theory calling for the liberty of the individual}

Individualism allows you to do what you want as long as you don’t affect other people’s rights. Americans should be free to make their own decisions and control their own lives. Americans like to express themselves and don’t feel obligated to agree with others. They want to be seen as unique

DEMOCRACY

naiaforyoh — 2022-12-19 12:02:33 UTC

^{DEFINITION:
Government by the people;
a form of government in which the supreme power rests with the people and is used directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system.}

Americans value the power of democracy. Democracy is a way of government in which the people vote to decide their leaders and laws. Americans can express their opinions during elections. You must be 18 and, in most states, a U.S. citizen to vote.

INNOVATION

naiaforyoh — 2022-12-21 12:03:12 UTC

^{DEFINITION:
to introduce something new;
make changes}

Coming up with new ideas and new ways of doing things is valued in America. Americans like to look ahead, improve things, and be ready for the future. There is a preference for things to be quick and easy. Making things efficient is important.

^Examples:

^{Innovators are admired and can receive promotions, government support, and other benefits.}
^{Products are improved upon all the time. ‘New’ and ‘more efficient’ tags are common.}
^{The latest version of an item is often sought after.}