The Struggle between Individual Liberty and the Common Good
Author Colin Woodard talked about the struggle between individual liberties and the common good. He discussed what freedom means and the balance between the government protections and individual freedom.
Description
Author Colin Woodard talked about the struggle between individual liberties and the common good. He discussed what freedom means and the balance between the government protections and individual freedom. Examples from American history such as slavery and the Puritans are provided to describe the different interpretations of freedom.
Bell Ringer Assignment
- What is meant by "individual sovereignty and personal freedom" compared to a "free community and common good?"
- Explain the debate over the meaning of freedom in American colonies. What forms did this take in history of America?
- What problems does Mr. Woodard say occur when there is too much freedom?
Additional Resources
- Lesson Plan: The Constitutional Convention
In this lesson, students will examine some of the founding principles that emerged from this meeting as well as hear about some of the people who participated.
- Lesson Plan: Introduction to the Principles of Democracy
This lesson has students view video clips about democracy to come up with these characteristics of democracies.
Participants
Vocabulary
- Colonies
- Common Good
- Dissent
- Freedom
- Liberal Democracy
- Puritans
- Slavery
- Sovereignty
- Thought Crimes
- Tyranny