Democracy is a broad and far-reaching idea, and carries with it a specific set of relatively vague values. This becomes especially evident when attempting to transform increasingly expansive interpretations of democracy into real, tangible practice. An idea – however widely admired in theory – remains effective and representative only to the extent that the mechanisms and persuasions in place to implement it in practice are. How people interpret an idea and manipulate its undefined principles – however selfish at times or benevolent at others – will determine subsequent outcomes. The otherwise seemingly rigid and authoritative value structure with which our culture tends to affiliate democracy - underpinned by notions of liberty and freedom - is instead, and in stark contrast, an evolving entity entwined in perpetual transformation, through a infinite reinterpretation. One likely reason for this is the fact that values ​​– such as freedom and independence – typically revolve around one's unique concept of fairness, followed closely by one's unique concept of how justice is best served. Therefore, given the fact that a large number of socioeconomic, spiritual, and cultural factors can shape a wide range of opinions about what is and is not right, it becomes less certain that a nationally accepted democratic ideal exists. Some might argue that perhaps a stronger consensus on the ideals of democracy is more likely to emerge from the process in which such myriad interpretations are reconciled. However, even our nation's early leaders exhibited fundamental divergences in their understanding of the ideal democratic process. A key example can be found in education. In American Education, historian Joel Sp...... middle of paper ....... As an educator, I will aim to cultivate in my students qualities that strengthen both their role as members of an economy and their of participating civics. Respectively, these are roles that can serve to strengthen the economic vitality and resilience of the United States, reconcile inevitable injustices, and reward those resulting from economic dynamism. Our nation's ability to endure the will will depend on the ability of our citizens to serve effectively in each of these complementary roles. Works Cited Spring, J. H. (2008). American Education (13th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill.PBS Online: Just One Teacher: School Pioneers. PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Retrieved April 11, 2011, from http://www.pbs.org/onlyateacher/horace.htmlSleeter, C. (2008). Teaching democracy in the era of corporatocracy. University register of teachers, 110(1), 139-159.