2nd Principle: A Virtuous and Moral People

In his farewell address, George Washington celebrated American successes and praised the cause of liberty. "General George Washington Resigning His Commission," 1783, by John Trumbull. Public Domain

Commentary

Many Americans have likely forgotten the heated debate in 1775 and 1776 among our ancestors in the 13 colonies. On the brink of the American Revolution, they pondered, “Do we have enough virtue to govern ourselves?”