Are you registered to vote?

AGENDA September 25/26, 2012 Today’s topics  National Voter Registration Day  Video: What are the Roots of Representative Democracy?  Great Political Philosophers Administrative  Practice test: Chapter 1  Return quizzes, papers Homework  Due Sept. 27/28: Glossary terms, Chap. 3  ALWAYS a possible quiz on Glossary terms when they’re due  Prepare for test review

National Voter Registration Day 1.Watch video 2.Complete Voter Registration card 3.Put your completed Voter Registration form into one of the two envelopes: a)TURN IN my Voter Registration form b)Do NOT turn in my Voter Registration form 4.A completed form in either envelope = full credit (5 points)

Practice Test

The Roots of Representative Democracy As you watch, answer the following: 1.In a country as vast as the United States, how can our voices be heard? 2.What are the strengths and weaknesses of representative democracy? 3.What is the difference between who can vote today and who could vote in Athens, Rome, and the U.S. when it first became a nation? 4.What might be the advantages and disadvantages of who can vote today compared with who could vote in the past?

Name that Political Philosopher!

The Greeks / Aristotle Big idea: Citizens have the right to control their government = DEMOCRACY Also: Identified the three basic functions of government 1.Legislative 2.Executive 3.Judicial

Roman Republic Big ideas: 1.Representative Democracy 2.Public Good / Common Good 3.Classical Republicanism  The ideals and practices that emphasized civic participation and the responsibility of citizens for the well- being of their country. Acts by citizens that placed the public good above private interest were especially prized. Also: Roman Senate… U.S. Senate…

Thomas Hobbes Big idea: Social Contract Theory  State of nature = “war of every man against every man” which means life would be “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short”  People establish governments for personal/mutual protection

John Locke Big ideas: 1.Natural Rights (Life, Liberty & Property) 2.Popular Sovereignty  Government’s power is ultimately in the hands of the people 3.Social Contract Theory  People consent to government to protect their natural rights (inalienable rights)  If government fails to protect people’s rights, they have a right to change the government

Baron de Montesquieu Big idea: Separation of powers  Prevents one branch from acquiring too much power 1.Legislative 2.Executive 3.Judicial  Protects individuals’ freedom

Homework Before you leave  Pick up your belongings & any trash  Straighten desks Homework due next class  Glossary terms, Chap. 3  ALWAYS a possible quiz on Glossary terms when they’re due  Prepare for test review