Starter: Think of the word “democracy.” What are the first images or words that pop into you head upon hearing the word “democracy.” Give me a minimum of three mental images, thoughts, or feelings that you associate with democracy. PUT ALL IN SENTENCE FORM…PLEASE!

Democracy: Government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

Democracy System of governance were the people hold the power and exercise this power by participating in elections In other words, a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

Components of Democracy 1. A political system for choosing and replacing the government through free and fair elections. 2. Democracy requires the active participation of the people, as citizens, in politics and civic life. 3. Protection of the human rights of all citizens. 4. A rule of law, in which the laws and procedures apply equally to all citizens.

Democratic Principle #1: I. Democracy as a Political System of Competition for Power 1. A political system for choosing and replacing the government through free and fair elections. Every citizen has an equal voice in deciding who will rule our country.

Democratic Principle #2: II. Participation: The Role of the Citizen 2. Democracy requires the active participation of the people, as citizens, in politics and civic life. To make a democracy function properly the people must be willing and competent citizens in political affairs.

If these people can do it…so can you!

Democratic Principle #3: III.Protection of the human rights of all citizens. 3. In a democracy, every citizen has certain basic rights that the state cannot take away from them.

Red = Not Free Green = FreeTan = Partly Free

American Democratic Rights: 1. Freedom of Speech 2. Freedom of Assembly 3. Freedom of Religion 4. Freedom to Choose your sources of Information 5. Freedom to Remain “Locked and Loaded”

Chinese Civilian Law Restrictions: 1. Only 1 child per couple Capital Punishment Offenses 3. Limited Freedom of Assembly/Dissent 4. Internet is Filtered by Govt. “Democracy” is blocked from chat rooms. 5. Tight Religious Control

Democratic Principle #4: IV. The Rule of Law 4.Democracy is a system of rule by laws, not by individuals. In a democracy, the rule of law protects the rights of citizens, maintains order, and limits the power of government. All citizens are equal under the law. No one may be discriminated against on the basis of their race, religion, ethnic group, or gender.

Criticism of Democracy 1. EVERYONE has a voice…

Criticisms of Democracy… 2. Democracy requires people participate, but we often don’t.

Criticisms of Democracy… Democracy requires fair elections, but often times corruption does exist.

Levels of Democracy

Democracy is on the rise….

Assignment Time: Create your own Democracy Quote Democracy is a system ensuring that the people are governed no better than they deserve. -George Bernard ShawGeorge Bernard Shaw Democracy is the government of the people, by the people and for the people. -Abraham LincolnAbraham Lincoln The strongest argument against democracy is a five minute discussion with the average voter. -Sir Winston ChurchillWinston Churchill Democracy is the worst form of government, except all the others that have been tried. -Sir Winston ChurchillWinston Churchill