Democracy is Characteristics of Democracy Govt by and

Democracy is…. .

Characteristics of Democracy Govt. by and for the people Majority rule Everyone equal under the law DEMOCRACY Rights of the individual protected Freedom Elected representatives carry out the people’s will

Democracy is …. a system of government in which the people rule either directly or through elected representatives

Direct (Pure) Democracy A form of democracy in which the people as a whole make direct decisions, rather than having those decisions made for them by elected representatives

Examples of Direct Democracy referendum - the practice of submitting a law to a popular vote at election time. The law may be proposed by a voter's initiative or by the legislature

Examples of Direct Democracy recall - A procedure whereby the voters can vote to remove an elected official from office

American Democracy: Basic Ideals & Principles I: Popular Consent (popular sovereignty) II: Respect for the Individual III: Equality of Opportunity IV: Personal Liberty V: Rule of Law

American Democracy: Basic Ideals & Principles I: Popular Consent (popular sovereignty) government derives its power from the consent of the people

American Democracy: Basic Ideals & Principles II: Respect for the Individual each person has the right to reach their own potential all entitled to “certain unalienable rights”

American Democracy: Basic Ideals & Principles III: Equality of Opportunity “all men are created equal” What kinds of equality should the government guarantee? Political? Economic? Social?

American Democracy: Basic Ideals & Principles IV: Personal Liberty “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” self-determination

American Democracy: Basic Ideals & Principles V: Rule of Law “a government of laws and not of men” safeguard of liberty