Basic Concepts of Democracy Chapter 1 Section 3

Foundations Individual Worth Equality American Democracy rests on 5 basic concepts: Individual Worth ALL people have value and deserve to be treated with dignity. Equality Every individual is entitled to an equal chance to take advantage of life’s opportunities and to the same treatment before the law as everyone. Majority Rule and Minority Rights Decisions of the majority hold, but the majority must be willing to listen to the views of the minority. Compromise A process of give and take among conflicting views to come to a decision that is acceptable to most people. Individual Freedom All individuals may do as they like as long as their actions do not violate the rights of others.

1. Individual Worth Democracy is firmly based upon the importance of the individual. At times, the welfare of one or a few individuals is subordinated to the interests of many. Paying taxes, Registering for the draft, Stopping at a stop sign, etc.

2. Equality Democracy stresses the equality of all individuals. “All men are created equal.” This means that all people are entitled to: 1. Equality of opportunity 2. Equality before the law

3. Majority Rule, Minority Rights Majority Rule = In a democracy, the majority of the people will be right more often than they will be wrong, and will be right more often than will any one person or small group. Democracy requires majority rule restrained by minority rights. Majority must recognize the right of any minority to become, if fair and lawful, the majority. Majority must always be willing to listen to minority’s arguments.

4. Compromise Compromise  the process of blending and adjusting competing views and interests. Essential to Democracy b/c: Democracy insists that each individual is equal to all others. Few public questions have only two sides; Most can be answered in several ways.

5. Individual Freedom Democracy can thrive only with individual freedom. Only as far as the freedom of ALL will allow. “The right to swing my fist ends where the other man’s nose begins.” Democratic gov’t must work constantly to strike the proper balance between freedom and the law. The authority of gov’t must be adequate to the needs of society; Authority can’t be so great that it restricts the individual.

What are the basic concepts of democracy? Majority Rule, Minority Rights Individual worth DEMOCRACY Compromise equality Individual freedom

Duties and Responsibilities of Citizenship The DUTIES of “a good citizen” all revolve around his or his commitment to obey the law. You have to do your duty! Ex? The RESPONSIBILITIES of “a good citizen” come down to a: respect for each of the core beliefs on which democracy is based in this country. Responsibilities are requested of you... Not required. Citizen  One who holds both rights and responsibilities in a state.

Duties and Responsibilities of Citizenship What is the difference between a duty and responsibility? Why is obeying the law a duty rather than a responsibility?

Democracy and the Free Enterprise System Free Enterprise System  American economic system. Based on four fundamental factors: Private Ownership Individual Initiative Profit Competition

How Free Enterprise Works AKA Capitalism Does not rely on the gov’t to decide what items is produced, how much to produce, or how much to sell it for. These decision are made in the marketplace; Supply and Demand. Consumers and Sellers make the decisions based on market. Competition = Prices The free enterprise system and Democracy are based on the concept of individual freedom.

Gov’t and Free Enterprise Government participates through enforcing laws and regulations. Examples: Economic activities are regulated by gov’t through antirust laws (laws that regulate business practices) Pure food and drug laws Antipollution standards City and Country zoning ordinance and building codes. Nation’s economic life is promoted by gov’t.

“Make Mine Freedom” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVh75ylAUXY