[ 1.4 ] The Basics of Democracy

Foundations of Democracy What do you make of this assessment of democracy by British statesman James Bryce: “No government demands so much from the citizen as Democracy, and none gives so much back”? What does democratic government demand from you? What does it give you in return?

Foundations of Democracy Worth of the Individual- view as a collection of individuals rather than a faceless group Equality of All Persons Majority Rule, Minority Rights Necessity of Compromise- working across the aisle Insistence upon Individual Freedom- absolute freedom can only exist in anarchy “The right to swing my fist ends where the other man’s nose begins” Oliver Wendell Holmes

List some responsibilities of a good citizen Making a Difference Responsibilities, Duties, and Obligations of Citizenship Being a 'Good Citizen‘ List some responsibilities of a good citizen Making a Difference What can you do?

Democracy and the Free Enterprise System private ownership of capital goods investments made by private decision, not by government directive success or failure determined by competition in the marketplace.

Democracy and the Free Enterprise System This cartoon shows two trains sidetracked by a monopoly. Analyze Political Cartoons Why might there be tension in the economy between the government and private enterprise?

Quiz: Foundations of Democracy Why is compromise important in a democracy? A. Compromise is needed to blend and adjust competing views to find the position most acceptable to the majority. B. Compromise is needed to help ensure the equality of all persons. C. Compromise is needed to provide the largest possible degree of individual freedom. D. Compromise is needed to ensure that all citizens are satisfied with the current laws.

Quiz: Democracy and the Free Enterprise System How might the government react to a downturn in the economy? A. The government might raise taxes to raise funds. B. The government might take steps to stimulate the economy. C. The government might revise antitrust laws to promote competition between businesses. D. The government might work to make certain supplies scarce to create an increase in prices.