What are values? They have been defined as "the standards or criteria against which individual behavior and group behavior are judged." (National Council for the Social Studies Task Force, 1989, p. 378) What do people in a democratic nation have in common? What standards have been established? The writers of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights have established standards.

It is possible to label and highlight those values that support the good of humanity. Language, linked with opportunities for application, will help clarify ideas. Labels which could be included and used in the public school are as follows:

Justice - (Awareness, appreciation, integrity, virtue, uprightness, fairness, rights, and equity)

Equality - (Awareness, appreciation, opportunities, and treatment)

Responsibility - (Awareness, appreciation, trustworthiness, stability, reliability, accountability, caring, compassion, empathy, concern, love, sympathy, forgiveness, commitment, cherishing, gentleness, helpfulness, honesty, humility, patience, kindliness, peacefulness, sharing, giving, generosity, sensitivity, respect, thankfulness, gratefulness)

Freedom - (Awareness, appreciation independence, privilege, liberty, liberation, autonomy, joy, cheerfulness, happiness, enthusiasm, curiosity, interest, curiosity, interest, respect)

Diversity - (Awareness, appreciation, differences, likenesses, variety, change, and tolerance)

Privacy - (Awareness, appreciation, trust, and respect)