1. Basic Concepts of Democracy
Essential Questions:
What is Democracy?
What does a citizen in a democracy “look like”?

2. What is Democracy
Form of government in which the ultimate authority rests with the people.

3. American Notions of Democracy
Worth of Individual-
Each individual, no matter their station in life, is a separate and distinct being.
Equality for all –
Everyone is entitled equality of opportunity and equality before the law.
Majority Rule, Minority Rights –
The will of the people and not a ruling few determines public policy.
Compromise –
Public decision making must be largely a matter of give-and-take among the various competing interests
Individual Freedom – each individual must be as free to do as he or she pleases as far as the freedom of all will allow.

4. Free Enterprise and Democracy

5. Types of Democracy
Parliamentary – leader is usually a Prime Minister or Premier. He/she is elected by the legislature, who are elected by the people.
Presidential – The leader is directly elected by the people.

6. What does a Citizen in a Democracy “look like”?
“All persons born or naturalized in the US is a citizen” – 14th Amendment US Constitution
Naturalization – legal process by which a person becomes a citizen of another country at some time after birth. Only Congress can grant this. (see text pages )