5 Ideals 

Equality: The ideal situation in which all people are treated the same way and valued equally

\ Equality 1776: Women viewed as inferior to men

\ Equality Today: Many laws ensure equal treatment regardless of age gender physical ability background or race "equality of rights” all Americans are equal in the eyes of the law (14th amendment)

\ Rights: powers of privileges granted to people either by an agreement among themselves or by law

\ Rights 1776: John Locke’s “natural rights → Life liberty property

\ Today: U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights + New additions based on the modernization of times ex. 19th amendment(women’s rights)

\ Liberty: Freedom, the freedom to make choices about who we are, what we believe, and how we live

\ Liberty 1776: Opposite of liberty is slavery

\ Liberty Today: Liberty is not absolute, there are restrictions (ex. Can't ignore laws, or endanger others)

\ Opportunity: The chance for people to pursue their hopes and dreams

\ Opportunity 1776: A lure for immigrants -> "Land of Opportunity"

\ Opportunity Today: Economic opportunity is key (ex. Decent wages)

\ Democracy: government system states that the power to rule comes from the consent of the governed not a monarchy or dictatorship

\ Democracy 1776:White, male property owners were the only voices heard

\ Democracy Today: African American Men - right to vote in 1870 (15th), women - right to vote in 1920 (19th)