5 Principles of Democracy Free Enterprise Principles of

5 Principles of Democracy & Free Enterprise Principles of Government Learning Unit Mrs. Deming

5 Basic Principles of Democracy The American concept of democracy rests on these basic notions: (1) A recognition of the fundamental worth and dignity of every person; (2) A respect for the equality of all persons; (3) A faith in majority rule and an insistence upon minority rights; (4) An acceptance of the necessity of compromise; (5) An insistence upon the widest possible degree of individual freedom.

Worth of the Individual n n Each individual, no matter what his or her station in life, is a separate and distinct being Sometimes the interests of the “many” outnumber the “individual” n n Ex. Paying taxes, stopping at a stop sign Serves the interest of the “many” who, as individuals, together make up that society

Equality of all persons n “All men are created equal”—Thomas Jefferson n Not all are born equal though…examples? n Democratic concept of equality insists that all are entitled to n n n 1. equality of opportunity 2. equality before the law Race, color, gender, religion…. are we there yet?

Majority Rule, Minority Rights n n n Democracy argues that a majority of the people will be right more often than they will be wrong Does not intend to have the “right” or “best” answers —just satisfactory solutions to public problems Must always be willing to listen to a minority’s argument, hear its objections, bear its criticism and to welcome suggestions

Necessity of Compromise n n n Give and take among competing interests Many different opinions, groups, interests in a democracy—destroy if you do not compromise Many “sides” to many issues n Ex. Who should pay for the paving of a public street? Property owners? City? Share costs? Raise taxes? Only those who will use the street? Toll?

Individual Freedom n n n Individuals must be as free to do as he or she pleases as far as the freedom of all will allow Absolute freedom can exist only in a state of anarchy—the total absence of government Human beings desire both liberty and authority—must strike a proper balance

Democracy and Free Enterprise? n Free enterprise system—the American economic system n n Characterized by the private ownership of capital goods, investments made by private decisions, success or failure determined by competition in the marketplace Based on: n n Private ownership Individual initiative Profit Competition

Democracy and Free Enterprise System? n n AKA Capitalism, Private Enterprise System, Market-Based System Decisions are made by the market—Law of Supply and Demand n Ex. Iphone pricing…

Connection? n n n Democracy and the Free Enterprise System are NOT the same!!! One is a political system and one is an economic system—both are firmly based on the concept of individual freedom The two systems reinforce one another