Unit 1 Foundations of American Government: Conditions for Democracy & States in the 21st Century

Conditions for Democracy & States in the 21st Century: Main Ideas: Conditions for Democracy Introduction Notes: One reason all nations do not practice democracy is that, as there are specific characteristics of democracy, there must also be specific conditions present in a nation in order to have a successful democracy. Those conditions are: Strong Economy Widespread Education Social Consensus

Conditions for Democracy & States in the 21st Century: Main Ideas: Strong Economic System Notes: Countries that do not have a big gap between wealth and poverty and have a strong middle class tends to have better conditions for democracy. This is because people have more command of their personal finances and are usually able to make better decisions regarding the nation’s economy and other political decisions. Plus there is less to distract people from being involved politically.

Conditions for Democracy & States in the 21st Century: Main Ideas: Widespread Education Notes: Democracy thrives in populations who are educated. Better & more informed decisions can be made, debate is more productive, and the stakeholders (voters) tend to be more engaged in the process.

Conditions for Democracy & States in the 21st Century: Main Ideas: Social Consensus Notes: When there is agreement in the population on the purpose and limits of government, there is said to be a social consensus and democracy tends to thrive.

Conditions for Democracy & States in the 21st Century: Main Ideas: States in the 21st Century Introduction Notes: As the world is becoming more and more interconnected, it is increasingly important for nations to pay attention to the political and economic make-up of the countries around them.

Conditions for Democracy & States in the 21st Century: Main Ideas: Developing Nations Notes: States that are largely agriculturally based and have little-to-no industry, are classified as developing nations. Aside from a few oil producing nations (EX: Saudi Arabia & Kuwait) these countries tend to have larger gaps in the wealthy and poor and have weaker national economies.

Conditions for Democracy & States in the 21st Century: Main Ideas: Developed Nations Notes: States that have strong industry, high national employment and a variety of economic goods and services to offer, are considered developed nations. These countries tend to have stronger economies and have more stable governments.

Conditions for Democracy & States in the 21st Century: Main Ideas: Globalization and Interdependence Notes: Our world is becoming more and more connected through trade, technology, and job opportunities. Because of this the health and stability of one country’s economy can largely affect the economies of many other nations—making economies rely on one another (interdependent).