The "American Dream" Review

What is the "American Dream"?

• The idea that everyone can do what they want.

• A country with no government.

• The idea that the government should protect people's rights to pursue their own happiness.

• A country with a government made up of three branches.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

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CCSS.RI.11-12.9

What document was written to protect the "American Dream"?

• The Constitution

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Treaty of Paris

• The Treaty of Tordesillas

Who was the first person to publicly define the "American Dream"?

• Historian Susan James

• Thomas Jefferson

• George Washington

• Historian James Truslow Adams

Which are components of the "American Dream"?

• Acceptance of government protection of private enterprise.

• Promotion of free flow of information and culture.

• Support for free trade agreements and foreign direct investment.

• Faith in a free market economy.

• Belief that other nations should replicate America's development.

Is the "American Dream" still relevant today?

• Yes! The "American Dream" greatly influenced America's government.

• No! The "American Dream" was just a funny idea created a long time ago.

How did the "American Dream" change in the 1920s?

• It changed from the hope of opportunity to the gain of material items.

• It changed from the hope of opportunity to owning your own business.

• It stayed the same.

Did the Great Recession end the "American Dream"?

• Yes. It damaged many people's chances to gain materialistic wealth.

• No. The Great Recession just damaged the materialistic "American Dream," which allowed it to return to the Founding Fathers' original vision of opportunity for all.

Does the "American Dream" still exist today?

• Yes. Federal law protects our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. However, it has become much more difficult to move to America and be successful with immigration laws.

• No. It ended a long time ago. Some believe that it ended during the Great Recession.

• There is disagreement on the definition of the American Dream and if it still exists. This idea from our Founding Fathers in continuing to evolve.

At first, the Declaration of Independence only extended the "American Dream" to which group of people?

• Slaves

• Immigrants

• Women

• Men

• White property owners

How is the "American Dream" being carried out by politicians today?

• In 2008, Hillary Clinton presented the American Dream Plan during the presidential election. The plan included the opportunity to go to college, save for retirement, own a home, etc.

• Both the Bush and Clinton Administrations supported the dream of home ownership.

• President Obama gave everyone affordable health care, extended unemployment benefits, and increased government assistance in student loans.

• President Trump is working to make college free for everyone.