1. AP Government & Politics
Defining Democracy and Core Beliefs in American Democracy

2. What is Government?
A system composed of formal and informal institutions and people, used to create and conduct public policy
Public policies are laws that impact the people or citizens
Public policy is necessary to maintain legitimate authority and control over society.

3. What is the meaning of Politics?
The activities, actions and policies associated with gaining and holding power to influence and hold powers of government.

4. What is a Democracy?

5. What is a Democracy?
It’s a system of government where authority to govern is ran by the people for the benefit of all its people.
The authority is given to a specific group or person to look out for the interest of its citizens
There are 3 types of democracy and one of them was feared by the founding fathers
Direct Democracy
Representative Democracy
Constitutional Democracy
Democracy was first effectively used in ancient Greek city-states.
Greece was made up of individual islands that governed themselves (city-states)
The ability to participate was granted to the rich male land owners of the city-states
Women, foreigners and slaves could not vote or participate in government (city-states)

6. Why was their a need for direct democracy in Greece?
There were so many city- states that wanted to look out their citizens best interest.
City-states were concerned with their issues 1st .
They weren’t always concern with the greater whole (Great Council)
DO NOT COPY

7. Types of Democracy Direct Democracy
A system where citizens have an opportunity to participate in running their own government system
They are directly involved
Examples
Direct Primary- voters select who may run for office
Referendum- procedure for submitting to popular vote, measures passed or proposed to a state constitution.
State level only
Initiative- procedure where by petition voters can propose a law or amendment get it submitted to the voters
Recall- procedure where public officials can be removed from office before their term is done.
The Founding Fathers feared this type due to the problem it creates
Mobocracy or Factions
Groups that are only concerned with their own interest
Current examples of factions:

8. Types of Democracy Representative Democracy Constitutional Democracy
A system where citizens elect representatives to act on their behalf and make decisions for the benefit of the people
This is more of what you see today
It deals with much larger united countries and their concerns for all citizens
1st example:
Roman Republic
Constitutional Democracy
A system that forces limits on the government and those that govern and allows people to be heard freely and fairly
This was seen in Great Britain during the time of William and Mary of Orange
Example: English Bill of Rights

9. What form of democracy is the best form to support the interest of the people?

10. Democracy in the World %
45%, 30%, 25%

11. What are the Core Beliefs in American Democracy?
Entrenched in the constitution and the set up of the United States

12. Belief in…. Individual Liberty/ Individual Freedoms
All individuals must have the opportunity to realize individual goals
Every individual has rights;
these rights are the source of all legitimate governmental authority and power
John Locke & Social Contract Theory
Gov’t promises to protect the natural rights of people
People agree to enter into a partnership with gov’t (Social Contract)
Freedom of expression
The right to assemble and protest
Opposite of Statism (state supreme over individual)

13. Belief in…. Popular Consent
Popular Consent means people should be able to participate directly in the governing of their own societies.
Governmental power derives from the people
It’s a majority decision that everyone within the country have to live with (Social Contract Theory)
A willingness to lose if majority removes support.

14. Belief in…. Equality of Opportunity
Jefferson's Declaration of Independence statement (“All men are created equal”)
What kind of equality? Equality of opportunity? Role of FDR’s 2nd Bill of Rights: economic security

15. Belief in….Free and Fair Elections
Election should be held at frequent intervals; and decided by majority rule
All citizens should have equal voting power and the opportunity to vote.
Existence of opposing political parties
Example: Democrats v Republicans

16. Belief in…. Majority Rule
Those with the most votes assume power
Majority still respects minority views
Sometimes these views are adopted (Green Party)
Constitution reflects fear of tyranny by majority
(Separation of Powers)

17. TRADITIONAL (MAJORITARIAN) THEORY
Government depends on the consent of the governed, which may be given directly or through representatives
This theory promotes majority rule without violating minority rights, maintaining the willingness to compromise, and recognizing the worth and dignity of all people.
This participation can occur either by direct or representative vote.
For voting to be effective at any level, people need access to information, so they can make informed decisions.
Leaders are heavily influenced by the will of the people
Basic Idea: people, either as individuals or groups, can make a difference in government.