Living In A Democracy

What IS Democracy?  Comes from the Greek words demos = people and kratis = rule  Gov’t where citizens rule / have power  Majority rules  does not have to be unanimous  Power can be shared equally among people OR through their representatives

Living In A Democracy Two main types of democracy Direct democracy: Every citizen votes directly on every issue OR Through referendum  gov’t asks citizens to vote directly on a specific question (i.e. Quebec referendum of 1995) Indirect (Representative) Democracy:  Citizens elect representatives to decide the issues Representatives form/belong to political parties who share the same values and views on issues

Living In A Democracy Which type is Canada? (representative)

Living In A Democracy Democracy vs. Autocracy DemocracyAutocracy (Dictatorship)  Leaders are usually elected  Leader’s term in office is limited. Elections must be held regularly Citizens can openly criticize their government  Leaders usually self- appointed or through heredity  Leader for life or until new gov’t overthrow Citizens forbidden from criticizing through threat of force

Living In A Democracy Upside to Autocracy? Question: Does being able to speak out have drawbacks? Some people believe it can upset public order. Authoritarian gov’t claim their countries are peaceful, even though freedoms are limited. (Singapore) DO you agree? Why or why not?

Living In A Democracy Democratic Values Equality  All citizens, no matter origin/race/etc. are treated equally  Maintain basic human rights  although this is protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, enforcement is the province’s responsibility

Living In A Democracy Democratic Values Privacy  Self-determination  live and let live  Do what you have to do to be you, but don’t hurt anyone or break laws  Gov’t cannot release private info about us without our consent… in theory

Living In A Democracy Democratic Values Participation: You have the right (responsibility?) to participate in the following: o Elections o Legal proceedings involving you o Public petitions/demonstrations and protests oTown hall meetings

Living In A Democracy Democratic Values Rule of Law: Both the people and the government must obey all laws

Living In A Democracy Democratic Values Common Good: Working together for the welfare of the community or the benefit of all.

Living In A Democracy Responsibility If your country works by “the people” speaking up, and you don’t feel like getting up off the couch to vote or keep informed, are you doing something wrong? If no one in the whole country spoke up, or voted, what would happen? Plato (ancient Greek) taught that anyone who wants power is thereby proven to not deserve it. Who keeps watch on the people with power?