wondered whether the American people had the qualities demanded by republican governance: âHave we that Industry, Frugality, Economy, that Virtue which is necessary to constitute it?â 6
Virtuous, responsible citizens are indeed indispensible for sustaining a free republic. They not only take responsibility for their own lives, but also are concerned for the welfare of their families, friends, and community, especially for those in need and those who have difficulty taking care of themselves.
In terms of politics, virtuous citizens become knowledgeable about the issues of the day so they can make informed decisions at election time, and so they will know how and when to hold their government officials accountable. When holding office, virtuous citizens exercise authority responsibly, recognizing and abiding by the proscribed limits of their power.
Crucially, since virtue is instrumental to our republicâs survival, the Founders believed the people must develop and maintain institutions that cultivate virtue and responsibility in its citizenry. George Washington spoke of the need for sources outside of government that nurture these qualities. In his farewell address, he cited religion and morality as vital buttresses of liberty:
Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.
In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.
The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all
their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation deserts the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice?
And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.
It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force to every species of free government. Who that is a sincere friend to it can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric?
Washington clearly understood the importance of religion and morality, but what are the âdispositions and habitsâ to which he referred? Looking through four hundred years of American history, back to the first colonistsâ arrival at Jamestown, we find five habits of liberty that have been crucial to sustaining American Exceptionalism. They are:
⢠faith and family
⢠work
⢠civil society
⢠rule of law
⢠safety and peace
Tempering manâs worst impulses, these distinctly American habits are vital to cultivating an engaged, informed citizenry, which is needed to sustain a free republic and secure the unalienable rights asserted in the Declaration of Independence. The emphasis on these habits set America apart from its European counterparts, where monarchs were intent on cultivating passive, obedient subjects unlikely to challenge their rulersâ claim to power.
EXEMPLARS OF LIBERTY
The Founders encouraged these habits of liberty both through policy and by personal example. Recognizing that a virtuous republic must be based on a virtuous citizenry, they assumed the American nation would not prosper, regardless of its governing structures, unless the people vigorously practiced these habits and inculcated them in future generations. We can see these habits in action through the lives of five members of Americaâs founding generation.
JOHN ADAMS AND THE HABIT OF FAITH AND
Virtuous, responsible citizens are indeed indispensible for sustaining a free republic. They not only take responsibility for their own lives, but also are concerned for the welfare of their families, friends, and community, especially for those in need and those who have difficulty taking care of themselves.
In terms of politics, virtuous citizens become knowledgeable about the issues of the day so they can make informed decisions at election time, and so they will know how and when to hold their government officials accountable. When holding office, virtuous citizens exercise authority responsibly, recognizing and abiding by the proscribed limits of their power.
Crucially, since virtue is instrumental to our republicâs survival, the Founders believed the people must develop and maintain institutions that cultivate virtue and responsibility in its citizenry. George Washington spoke of the need for sources outside of government that nurture these qualities. In his farewell address, he cited religion and morality as vital buttresses of liberty:
Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.
In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.
The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all
their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation deserts the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice?
And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.
It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force to every species of free government. Who that is a sincere friend to it can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric?
Washington clearly understood the importance of religion and morality, but what are the âdispositions and habitsâ to which he referred? Looking through four hundred years of American history, back to the first colonistsâ arrival at Jamestown, we find five habits of liberty that have been crucial to sustaining American Exceptionalism. They are:
⢠faith and family
⢠work
⢠civil society
⢠rule of law
⢠safety and peace
Tempering manâs worst impulses, these distinctly American habits are vital to cultivating an engaged, informed citizenry, which is needed to sustain a free republic and secure the unalienable rights asserted in the Declaration of Independence. The emphasis on these habits set America apart from its European counterparts, where monarchs were intent on cultivating passive, obedient subjects unlikely to challenge their rulersâ claim to power.
EXEMPLARS OF LIBERTY
The Founders encouraged these habits of liberty both through policy and by personal example. Recognizing that a virtuous republic must be based on a virtuous citizenry, they assumed the American nation would not prosper, regardless of its governing structures, unless the people vigorously practiced these habits and inculcated them in future generations. We can see these habits in action through the lives of five members of Americaâs founding generation.
JOHN ADAMS AND THE HABIT OF FAITH AND
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