What does the United State practice? Democracy vs. Republic What does the United State practice?

Direct Democracy Initiative What: voters can propose a law – get signatures on petition Examples California test doctors for drugs Oregon require food companies to label genetically modified foods Colorado extend gambling to horse tracks

Direct Democracy Referendum What: voters approve or reject a law Examples: Increase minimum wage Legalize marijuana Brexit – European Union Maine: no traps, dogs to hunt bears

Direct Democracy Recall What: People dismiss an official before term expires Examples: California – Gray Davis – Arnold Schwarzenegger Scott Walker - Wisconsin

Republic Representative Democracy Elect representatives to government Limited government: Constitution limits what government can do

Who Rules America? Majoritarianism: Majority controls government Elitism: Small group of people control government for self- interest Pluralism: Interest groups compete through bargaining and compromise for control