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With the aim of analysing the complex relationship between a morally 'robust' civic education and pluralism, this article confronts and compares the stances of William Galston and Stephen Macedo. Based on their rejection of 'neutralist' liberalism, both authors argue for the inculcation of values and virtues constitutive of the liberal 'good citizen'. However, the 'unity amid diversity' challenge still divides them. The main oppositional node between their 'liberal-pluralist' and 'civic-liberal' standpoints is on the appropriate limits of the liberal state's educational intervention vis-à-vis 'dissenting' families and groups. This therefore opens up a potential clash of paternalisms. The article concludes with an emphasis on the theoretical and practical tensions and problems resulting from the use of a 'values' lexicon to promote liberal democratic citizenship.