Chapter 1 3 Foundations of Democracy n Today

Types of democracies n Direct democracies n Laws may be made directly by all

5 Basic Principles of Democracy n Give people the opportunity to make choices n

Give people the opportunity to make choices n In democracies, citizens make choices in

Recognize the dignity and worth of each person n By allowing all citizens to

Promoting Respect for the Law n If citizens participate in government n They are

By teaching that the law is good… n You preserve democracy to live on.

Protect the Minorities Rights n Most decisions in a democracy are made by a

Develop a Liberal Democracy n Form of democracy where elected representatives are moderated by

Promoting the Public Good n Theory n If all citizens participate in government, decisions

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Chapter 1. 3 Foundations of Democracy n Today, there are more democratic forms of government in the world than any other style of government? n Why?

Types of democracies n Direct democracies n Laws may be made directly by all citizens § Example: town halls where public citizens vote on public issues n Representative democracies n People elect representatives to conduct the business of government for them. § Example: City Councils, state and federal governments.

5 Basic Principles of Democracy n Give people the opportunity to make choices n Recognize the dignity and worth of each person n Promote respect for the law n Protect the rights of the minority n Produce policies that promote the public good

Give people the opportunity to make choices n In democracies, citizens make choices in free elections by voting for who they like. n Is this a good thing or a bad thing? n Why?

Good or Bad choice for Leader?

Good or Bad Choice for Leader?

Good or Bad choice for Leader?

Recognize the dignity and worth of each person n By allowing all citizens to participate in governing, n n Democracy promotes equality. How? n n Any adult, regardless of education, beliefs, or ethnicity, can vote! Therefore, politicians are forced to recognize each person they may represent as an individual

Promoting Respect for the Law n If citizens participate in government n They are more likely to follow the law. n Citizens have right to challenge the law n How? § Speak opinions at town hall meetings!

By teaching that the law is good… n You preserve democracy to live on. n Why is that important? n Democracies keep anarchies from being established n Anarchies = a state of political disorder resulting from the absence of government

Protect the Minorities Rights n Most decisions in a democracy are made by a majority rule n n occurs when decisions are based on the desire of more than half of the membership of the group. How do you protect the rights of the minority? ?

Develop a Liberal Democracy n Form of democracy where elected representatives are moderated by a Constitution that emphasizes protecting individual liberties and minorities rights in society n Minority rights § Political rights that cannot be abolished in a democracy even though they are held by less than half the population. § Is it possible to guarantee rights to minorities?

Promoting the Public Good n Theory n If all citizens participate in government, decisions will better promote the public good than if decisions are left to just a few people in government? n Agree or disagree?