Golden Rule vs Non-Aggression: Rules for Kids Governments

How can you tell if a situation is fair, even when people disagree? This mission helps you explore the ideas of the Golden Rule and the Non-Aggression Principle in your own world.

The Big Question

How can we decide if an action is fair and kind to everyone involved?

What You'll Need

• Paper
• Drawing supplies (crayons, markers, pencils)

Mission Steps

1. Draw a Situation. On your paper, draw a picture of a time you saw or were part of a situation where someone wasn't being treated fairly, or where someone started a disagreement.
2. Identify the Rule. Look at your drawing. Which rule do you think was broken? The Golden Rule (treating others how you want to be treated) or the Non-Aggression Principle (not starting force or fraud)?
3. Draw the Fix. Now, draw another picture next to your first one. This new picture should show how the situation could be fixed using the Golden Rule or the Non-Aggression Principle.
4. Add Your Words. Below each drawing, write a sentence or two explaining what is happening and why it fits the rule you chose.

Talk About It

• What does it mean to "initiate force or fraud"?
• How is the Golden Rule similar to or different from the Non-Aggression Principle?
• When might one rule be more helpful than the other?

Take It Further

For older Rangers, try creating a short comic strip showing a conflict between two characters. First, show them acting unfairly based on the Non-Aggression Principle. Then, show them resolving the conflict by applying the Golden Rule.

FAQ

Q: My child is having trouble drawing a situation. A: Encourage them to describe a situation verbally first, and then help them translate that into simple pictures. They can draw stick figures and basic shapes. Q: What if they can't decide which rule was broken? A: That's okay! It shows that these ideas can sometimes overlap. You can discuss how both rules might apply or why it's tricky to choose just one.