A belief that America has developed a high type of political and social organization. But recognition that these are not now and never have been perfect and that they are a result of growth, largely anticipated by the framers of our government, to meet changing conditions. This requires a critical treatment of history, pointing out both excellencies and defects, whether in men or in events. It should help the pupil to develop a habit of just criticism, but also, what is equally important, a habit of giving high approval where merited.
(2) A Sense of Individual Liberty.
The recognition that America has contributed to world development the theory that human happiness is best secured by guarding individual liberty and by seeking to provide in the highest degree possible an equal opportunity to win that happiness. The history text should develop the origins with us of this ideal, in religious controversies, political quarrels with the mother country in colonial times, industrial development, and in political and social changes at home.
(3) A Respect for Private Property.
Inherited from old world institutions but emphasized more than by other nations from our earliest times. This is a bed-rock American principle, but as developed in the United States emphasis always has been placed on the opportunity to acquire property as essential to individual liberty seeking happiness, not alone on the right to defend and to protect it. It is a principle essential to the American conception of, and contribution to, a progressive betterment of Society....
(4) A Belief in Democratic Self-Government by Majority Rule.
This asserts the Jeffersonian doctrine that rule by the majority, while not insuring perfection, is more likely to approach it than any other form of rule, and more likely to preserve individual happiness under law. America, more than any other nation, made the contribution of the ideal of democracy by majority rule to the theory of political government....
(5) Obedience to Law.
Since it has its sanction in majority rule, thus providing a reasonable limitation on individual liberty.
(6) A Desire for Justice.