Questions Q: Is it acceptable for the government to restrict one person’s liberty to protect the liberties of others? Q: Are citizens ever justified in breaking the law?

What is Democracy? Demos= the people Kratia= rule Republicanism= belief power (sovereignty) based on consent of the people belief power (sovereignty) based on consent of the people Social Contract= agree 1) creation to protect human rights 2) obey its decisions (government) 2) obey its decisions (government) Civic Virtue (Good Citizen)= Civic Virtue (Good Citizen)= set aside their own interest for the common good set aside their own interest for the common good

a.) Representative Democracy: elected & controlled by the people of the country elected & controlled by the people of the country “gov. of the people, by the people, & for the people.” by Abraham Lincoln by Abraham Lincoln b.) Successful Democracy= willingness of the people to participate willingness of the people to participate ( informed / vote / express concerns to representatives) c.) Principles of a Democratic Society: Liberty & Equality d.) Right to Dissent as necessary to the life of a Democracy Dissent= Disapprove of certain policies & let others know **TAKE ACTION** **TAKE ACTION**

BASIC CONCEPTS OF DEMOCRACY NOTIONS OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY * each individual has worth * all individuals are equal * the majority should rule but must respect minority rights * compromise is necessary * each individual must have the widest possible degree of freedom * the nation’s free enterprise economy reinforces the belief in individual freedom individual freedom

WHAT IS A CITIZEN? 1.) A citizen is a legal member of a nation and pledges loyalty to that nation. and pledges loyalty to that nation. 2.) A citizen has certain guaranteed rights, protections, and responsibilities.

WHAT ARE YOUR RIGHTS? THREE KINDS: 1. BASIC FREEDOMS 2. PROTECTION FROM UNFAIR GOV. ACTIONS 3. EQUAL TREATMENT UNDER THE LAW

Civil Rights: citizen’s basic rights and freedoms 1. BASIC FREEDOMS 1. BASIC FREEDOMS * Freedom of religion * Freedom of speech * Freedom of the press * Freedom of peaceful assembly * Freedom to petition the gov. for change * Freedom of religion * Freedom of speech * Freedom of the press * Freedom of peaceful assembly * Freedom to petition the gov. for change

2. PROTECTION FROM UNFAIR GOV. ACTIONS Personal Protections: Personal Protections: * Right to bear arms * Freedom from being forced to house soldiers * Protection from unreasonable search & seizure * Right to a speedy public trial by an impartial jury * No excessive bail or fines * Protection from cruel & unusual punishment * Right to bear arms * Freedom from being forced to house soldiers * Protection from unreasonable search & seizure * Right to a speedy public trial by an impartial jury * No excessive bail or fines * Protection from cruel & unusual punishment

3. EQUAL TREATMENT UNDER THE LAW * No Slavery * Right to vote to all male citizens (21 yrs.) * Right to vote to woman * Right to vote (18 yrs.) * Civil Rights Acts of 1964 protects voting rights and prevents discrimination * Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 protects the rights of disabled citizens

2. Organization of Government 1.) Three Branches a.) Legislative b.) Executive c.) Judicial 2.) Separation of Powers 3.) Checks & Balances

3. Federalism Definition= The division of power between the National government & the States.

Forms of Government  WHO MAY PARTICIPATE IN GOV.? Democracy Dictatorship WHERE IS THE POWER HELD? Unitary Federal Confederation Unitary Federal Confederation WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE LEGISLATIVE & EXECUTIVE BRANCHES? Presidential Parliamentary