Chapter 1 American Government

Political Power Questions about Power Def: the ability of one person to cause another person to set in accordance w/ the 1st person’s intentions. Who governs? To which Ends? How does the gov’t make decisions?

Democracy Power which is granted through elections Examples Representative Direct Which one is the United States?

Representative Constitution never mentions the word democracy, but does mention “republican form of government.” Representative democracy requires leadership competition if the system is to work. 1. individuals and parties must be able to run for office 2. communication must be free 3. voters perceive elections as meaningful

B) Direct Democracy Community controlled 100% citizen participation “common interest & public good synonymous w/ the will of the people”

Framers What does this mean? “will of the people NOT synonymous with common interest or public good” What does this mean? Which type of government did the Framers favor?

Who Governs? Government or the people? Explain

Questions Examine the six basic principles of the Constitution. Ranked the order of importance (least-most). Explain your reasoning. The equality of all persons is a basic democratic concept. A) can a democracy possibly exist w/out both equality of opportunity and equality before the law? B) Is an equality of conditions (income, housing, etc.) a necessary ingredient of democracy? Write your own “Social Contract” in which you express your feelings about what should be required of you as a student @ BRHS, and what should be required of the teachers, administrators, and staff. You may do this in column form.