Chapter 1 Section 3 Basic Concepts of Democracy

Democracy Basic notions of American Democracy A recognition of the fundamental worth & dignity of every person A respect for the equality of all persons A faith in the majority rule and an insistence upon minority rights An acceptance of the necessity of compromise An insistence upon the widest possible degree of individual freedom Is it possible to meet all of these notions under a social contract?

Worth of the Individual Each individual is important At certain times, the welfare of the majority in society more important than the few or an individual People may be forced to do things that they do not want to- Social Contract Theory Pay taxes Register for draft Obey traffic laws

Equality of All Persons All people are equal Does not insist on equality of conditions of all people Not have right to equal distribution of health Not born under equal conditions Insists on equality of opportunity & equal before the law Can equality exists if people are not granted the same wealth distributions? Why or why not? Are people all equal in the United States?

Majority Rule, Minority Rights The will of the majority of the people dictates public policy Majority may not arrive at best decision, but most satisfactory decision Majority must always recognize the right of any minority & welcome suggestions What happens when the majority makes a mistake?

Necessity of Compromise Compromise- process of blending & adjusting competing views & interests Important because democracy: Places individual 1st All individuals are = Many public questions have various sides & perspectives

Individual Freedom Is there absolute freedom in a democracy? NO!- Each person is free as far as the freedom of EVERYONE will allow Cannot impose on another person’s freedom “The right to swing my fist ends where another man’s nose begins.” –Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes “The rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.”- President JFK

Democracy & the Free Enterprise System Free Enterprise System is the American economic system Based on 4 factors Private ownership Individual initiative Profit Competition How does this economic system reflect the principles of democracy?

Government & the Free Enterprise System Mixed economy- an economy in which private enterprise exists in combination with a considerable amount of government regulation and promotion. Government twofold activities Protects public- regulating economic activities-antitrust laws, food & drug laws, anti-pollution standards, building codes Promotes private enterprise- granting $ transport systems, scientific research, building roads, public schools, postal service, national currency How much should government participate?