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Questions for Free-writing

1.     What are “American values” or “American principles”?

2.     What are the sources of the above?

3.     To what extent do you follow political campaigns (e.g., the current campaign for the presidency?

4.     How is your life (day to day and long-term) different from what it would be if you lived in another country? (You choose the country, or countries.)

5.     For you, who are some of the important figures who have defined or influenced American values or principles?

6.     Do you see these values or principles changing?  If so, how are they changing and why?

7.     What do you see as the biggest challenges to American values or principles at present and in the foreseeable future?

8.     To you, what is distinctive about the United States?

MORE QUESTIONS FOR FREE-WRITING:

1. List any ideas that you hold about society—the way it is governed; its civil philosophy; how the needs and interests of various individuals and groups are honored, realized, etc.
2. Which of these ideas do you believe you share with others in the society around you?
3. What are the sources of these ideas, and how did you come to hold them?
4. What is a civic ideal?
5. What are your civic ideals?
6. What are the sources of these ideals?
7. What avenues exist today by which you can explore, express, and practice your civic ideals?
8. How and in what settings have you practiced your civic ideals?
9. If you do practice such ideals, what has motivated you to do so?
10. If you do not practice such ideas, what has kept you from doing so?

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