Because respect for individual rights and protection for them are integral to the definition of a democratic society, students should recognize that a democratic system of government offers the best protection against the abuse of human rights.

At numerous points in the curriculum for grades six through twelve, students should analyze the political, religious, and philosophical ideas that have stimulated the development of democratic practices and democratic ethics. The protection of human rights depends ultimately on the strength and viability of democratic institutions. Democratic institutions depend ultimately
on the informed support of their citizens for democratic ideas, ideals, practices,
and values.

History demonstrates that the strongest protection for the rights of minorities and individuals is to be found in a democratic system of government where due process and equal rights are guaranteed to all and where citizens have an informed commitment to the improvement and preservation of a just and democratic society. The goal of the history-social science curriculum is to educate today’s young people so that they know the history of human rights and of the efforts to protect these rights and so that they understand the democratic process, respect the rights of others, and willingly accept their obligations as citizens.

A democratic system of government offers the best protection against the abuse of human rights.

The goal of the history-social science curriculum is to educate today’s young people so that they understand the democratic process, respect the rights of others, and willingly accept their obligations as citizens.