West Virginia Civics Legislation: Declaration Featured!

Introduction of HB 4369 "The American Heritage Bill"
Christian Heritage Council Press Release

The Christian Heritage Council is pleased to announce the introduction of "The American Heritage Bill" in the West Virginia State Legislature. Known as House Bill 4369, "The American Heritage Bill" would require all public, private, parochial, and denominational schools in West Virginia to teach the primary founding documents of the United States on the secondary level as a requirement for graduation. "This legislation, as proposed by The Christian Heritage Council, is designed to perpetuate the principles and spirit of the political process in America, as well as preserve our heritage through the establishment of a national standard in civic education," says Randy Skaggs, Founder and President of the Christian Heritage Council. "The required teaching would include the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, with an emphasis on the Bill of Rights.

The required teaching would also encompass the historical, political, and social environments surrounding each document at the time of its initial passage or ratification. Included in the framework of this new requirement for graduation will also be historical documents such as the Federalist Papers and the Anti-Federalist Papers to firmly establish the historical background leading to the establishment of the provisions of the Constitution of the United States and Bill of Rights by the Founding Fathers for the purposes of safeguarding our constitutional republic."

HB 4369 was introduced by Delegate Ray Canterbury in the House of Delegates on February 1, 2002 and immediately assigned to the House Education Committee. The Bill was debated in committee the same day and voted on. With minimal deliberation and testimony and no consolidated opposition, HB 4369 passed the House Education Committee and was later the same day assigned to the House Finance Committee. Supported by a unanimous vote, HB 4369 was recommended for passage by the House Education Committee. It remains in the House Finance Committee until brought to the floor of the House sometime this week for its required readings and vote.

"I started the process of proposing this legislation back in June of last year, when I first became aware of what was happening in other parts of the country," Skaggs says. "I contacted some of the other states that have proposed similar pieces of legislation. I especially want to thank Gerry Poulos of the Ohio Conservative Coalition for his contribution to our efforts, and Greg Tolen of Representative Rick Green's office in Texas for his suggestions in the area of research. I would also like to thank the Declaration Foundation for calling the states to action. They are well on their way to accomplishing their goal of renewing civic literacy in America."

Fyi, they have a "We The People" educational curriculum and competition in every state. Click here for all the details and please help prompte this in your own state. The following is a sample lesson:


Sample Lesson 3: What is a Republican Government?
We the People...
Upper Elementary Grades
 

Student Book
 

Purpose of Lesson
This lesson will help you understand why the Founders thought a republican
form of government was best. You will also learn about civic virtue and the
common welfare.
 

The Founders studied history
The Founders studied the history of governments. They were very interested in
what they read about the government of the Roman Republic. It was located in
what is now the country of Italy. The Roman Republic existed more than 2,000
years before our nation began.
The Founders liked what they read about the Roman Republic. They learned some
important ideas from their study of the government of
ancient Rome. 
They used some of these ideas when they created our government.


What is a republican government?
The government of Rome was called a republican government. The Founders read
that republican government was one in which:
The power of government is held by the people.

The people give power to leaders they elect to represent them and serve
their interests.

The representatives are responsible for helping all the people in the
country, not just a few people.

 
Vocabulary terms
Representatives: people elected to act for others

interests: those things which are to a person's benefit



What are the advantages of republican government?
The Founders thought a republican government was the best kind of government
they could choose for themselves. They believed that the advantages of
republican government were:



Fairness. They believed that laws made by the representatives
they elected would be fair. If their representatives did not make fair laws,
they could elect others who would.

Common welfare. The laws would help everyone instead of one person or a
few favored people.

Freedom and prosperity. People would have greater freedom and be able to
live well.

 
What is the common welfare?
When a government tries to help everyone in a country, we say it is serving
the common welfare. The common welfare is what is good for everyone in the
country, not just a few people.




Problem solving
Your interests and the common welfare
How do you decide what the common welfare is? When should you give up your
own interests to do something that is good for everyone? Each person has
to answer this question for himself or herself. The following exercise
will help you do this.
Work in groups of about three to five students. Each group should discuss the
following questions. Be prepared to explain your group's answers to the class.


Describe a situation in which you think you should try to help others instead
of just doing what you want for yourself.

Explain a situation in which you think you should do something for
yourself instead of trying to help others.

Sometimes people disagree about what is the best thing for everyone. Describe
a situation where this might happen. How do you think such disagreements
should be settled?

Describe some things your government does to help everyone in the country.
What other things could your government do? Why?

 
 

What is civic virtue?
When you work to help others and promote the common welfare, you are
showing civic virtue. The Founders thought civic virtue was important for
a republican government. People with civic virtue are interested in
having the government help all the people.

The Founders thought it was necessary to teach children the importance of
helping others. Young people learned about civic virtue in their homes,
schools, and churches. Adults also heard about civic virtue from their
religious and political leaders.

The Founders thought a republican government would work in our country.
They believed most of the people had civic virtue. They thought the
people would select leaders who would work for the common welfare.





Reviewing and using the lesson
What is republican government?

Define "common welfare." Give examples of how your school helps the common welfare.

Define "civic virtue." Give examples of people with civic) virtue in your
school and community.

Where was civic virtue taught in early America?

Describe a situation in which your interests might conflict with the common welfare.

Explain these terms: republican government, representative, interests, common
welfare, civic virtue.

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