Rewrite

The importance of teaching Democracy in US schools should be apparent, considering that we as a nation are a Democracy. Yet there is an underlying tone which we also need to understand about this form of government which we, as teachers, need to teach our students. As Alexis de Tocqueville said, “…the more they look after what they call their own business, they neglect their chief business, which is to remain their own masters (Parker 2).” It is easily understood that it is essential to have a role in our society as a citizen, and also important to take care of ourselves. A student can easily get caught up in promises of our leaders and their general improvement of our country, but they need to understand that if the candidate says that they will cut property taxes for those who make millions of dollars a year, and if the student does not make that much, then why would they want to vote for that mayor.

While making sure that our individual needs are met, there must also be some want to improve the community, which ultimately will improve us. As Parker says, “the paradigm case is the Mafia- a family that looks inward intensely and solely. A thick moral code glues the insiders together, but in dealing with outsiders whose are beyond the galaxy of one’s obligations and duties, anything goes (Parker 2).” In being selfish a person may not realize that by helping the community they are also helping themselves. By example of Jane Addams, you can clear your table of the trash, and bring it outside to make sure your family does not get sick, yet if the trash does not get taken away from your front yard, as per responsibility of the government, then it will pile up and sickness will soon enter your house (Parker 2).

Democracy is one voice, one vote. You must look after yourself to make sure that your needs are met, but also know the balance that your community is doing well at the same time, so that individuals can live a healthy and long life.