Unit 1: Basic Principles of Government Pillars of Democracy
The Pillars of Democracy The components needed for a democracy to be successful and prosperous; if one is missing, democracy would be weakened and eventually crumble.
What is… Democracy- rule by the people. Direct Democracy- the people run the day to day aspects of the government. We do not have this type of democracy!!! Representative Government- the people elect officials that will represent their interests in government.
Sovereignty of the People The people are free and independent of each other and the government and have the power to make their own decisions.
Example Upheld: I can make my own career/life choices, unlike in a totalitarian society. Falls: Boss Tweed, drafted in to war
Government based upon consent of the governed The government can only make decisions if they have the approval of the people for which it exists.
Examples Upheld: Voting, representative government, impeachment Falls- Gun Control in NYS
Majority Rule Decisions are made when over half of the population (or elected body) approves it.
Example Upheld: President Barack Obama was re-elected in 2012 Falls: Al Gore & the Electoral college
Minority Rights The rights of the minority voice can not be ignored even with majority rule; the people share the same rights.
Examples Upheld: Civil Rights Movement, Voting Rights Act of 1965 Falls: Jim Crow Laws
Guarantee of basic human rights All citizens are guaranteed the rights of life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness…these can not be taken away.
Examples Upheld: Gay marriage, not to be killed, not to have your possessions stolen…. Falls: Gay marriage in a state that does not allow it!!!
Free and fair elections The electoral process is open to all people, free of cost, and all citizens have the right to run as well as vote in the election.
Examples Upheld: Voting Rights Act of 1965 Falls: Literacy tests, Poll Taxes, Grandfather Clauses
Equality before the law Justice is blind, there is no factor/characteristic that is distinguishable in the face of the law…all citizens have the same rights and freedoms under the laws.
Example Upheld: A Muslim American will be treated the same as all other Americans. Falls: Muslim Americans being racially profiled and treated as a terrorist threat.
Due Process of Law All citizens are guaranteed the same procedures when charged with breaking the law; Miranda rights, etc.
Example Upheld: A jury of your peers will determine your guilt or innocence. Falls: Vigilante justice, not being read your Miranda Rights
Constitutional limits on Government Principles exist to prevent the government from becoming too powerful.
Examples Upheld: Checks and Balances, Separation of Powers, Veto Power Falls: F.D.R. served 4 terms in office- led to a 2 term limit.
Social, Economic & Political Pluralism Differences are allowed and promoted in the government because the citizens of America are vastly different. Pluralism; various ethnic, religious, etc. groups existing together in a nation.
Examples Upheld: The Amish in Pennsylvania, Native American Nations Falls: Hate crimes
Values of tolerance, pragmatism, cooperation, and compromise Citizens of the nation must work with one another respecting the different opinions and values; also they must be realistic in their decisions and be willing to compromise so that work may be done.
Examples Upheld: Bipartisanship in our govt. Falls: Not allowing religious decorations or songs in public schools.
Pick a Pillar 3x5 Card Put your name on the 3x5 card. On one side, pick the pillar you feel is most important and WHY. On the other side of the card, pick the pillar you feel is least important and WHY. Hand in on your way out the door.