1. Chapter 1 Section 3 Basic Concepts of Democracy

2. Democracy Basic notions of American Democracy
A recognition of the fundamental worth & dignity of every person
A respect for the equality of all persons
A faith in the majority rule and an insistence upon minority rights
An acceptance of the necessity of compromise
An insistence upon the widest possible degree of individual freedom
Is it possible to meet all of these notions under a social contract?

3. Worth of the Individual
Each individual is important
At certain times, the welfare of the majority in society more important than the few or an individual
People may be forced to do things that they do not want to- Social Contract Theory
Pay taxes
Register for draft
Obey traffic laws

4. Equality of All Persons
All people are equal
Does not insist on equality of conditions of all people
Not have right to equal distribution of health
Not born under equal conditions
Insists on equality of opportunity & equal before the law
Can equality exists if people are not granted the same wealth distributions? Why or why not?
Are people all equal in the United States?

5. Majority Rule, Minority Rights
The will of the majority of the people dictates public policy
Majority may not arrive at best decision, but most satisfactory decision
Majority must always recognize the right of any minority & welcome suggestions
What happens when the majority makes a mistake?

6. Necessity of Compromise
Compromise- process of blending & adjusting competing views & interests
Important because democracy:
Places individual 1st
All individuals are =
Many public questions have various sides & perspectives

7. Individual Freedom Is there absolute freedom in a democracy?
NO!- Each person is free as far as the freedom of EVERYONE will allow
Cannot impose on another person’s freedom
“The right to swing my fist ends where another man’s nose begins.” –Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes
“The rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.”- President JFK

8. Democracy & the Free Enterprise System
Free Enterprise System is the American economic system
Based on 4 factors
Private ownership
Individual initiative
Profit
Competition
How does this economic system reflect the principles of democracy?

9. Government & the Free Enterprise System
Mixed economy- an economy in which private enterprise exists in combination with a considerable amount of government regulation and promotion.
Government twofold activities
Protects public- regulating economic activities-antitrust laws, food & drug laws, anti-pollution standards, building codes
Promotes private enterprise- granting $ transport systems, scientific research, building roads, public schools, postal service, national currency
How much should government participate?