American Civic Values

American Civic Values

POS 110

January 7, 2012

American Civic Values

American civic values are reinforced in today’s society with high values for individual rights of life, freedom, and property. Civic values are the basic foundation for society. Most people demonstrate good civic values by respecting one another and in most instances allowing a person to have freedom of choice. Demonstrating compassion and giving assistance to those in needs help to reinforce civic values. Most Americans are involved in local affairs and are eager to lend a helping hand.

American civic values are undermined today when others are determined to dictate how a person should live; or where a person can or cannot live. For instance, those with different religions, cultures, or sexual preferences are sometimes discriminated by others. The Constitution gives each citizen freedom to make a choice suitable for oneself; however, people with different beliefs will try to infringe their beliefs upon those believing or living differently.

Civic values improve America’s political and civil culture by giving the policymakers and leaders a set of standards to govern themselves. In addition, it allows the people to hold them accountable for their actions, right or wrong. The founders have heavily influenced the American values and over the years more values were added. Today’s political beliefs and behaviors reflect those values.

The penalties for failing to adhere to civic values could range from revoked privileges to serving time in a correctional institution. If a person breaks the rules while driving such as running a stop sign or red light, the penalty is usually a paid fine. However, a more severe penalty is imposed for drunk driving, such as revoked license, probation, a fine, or jail sentence.