The American Revolution
The Meaning of Democracy in the Founding Era

The Founders on Civic Virtue

The Founders recognized the importance of civic virtue among a democracy’s citizens. To them, civic virtue was more than a commitment to a certain moral code. It meant sacrificing one’s own self-interest and working for the common good of a nation. A nation could create the right structure of the government, but it also needed a virtuous group of citizens and leaders to sustain it. The pursuit of happiness was understood as the pursuit of lifelong virtue, with education as essential to that pursuit.

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Primary Source #1: James Madison on an Educated Citizenry

“A popular Government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; or, perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance: And a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.” (James Madison to W. T. Barry, August 4, 1822) *prologue: introduction, preface, or opening.

Primary Source #2: George Washington on an Informed Citizenry

“Promote then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened.” (Washington’s Farewell Address, 1796)