1. Warm Ups 8/25
1. Who determines the chief executive in a parliamentary system of government?
2. What is the limitation of our individual freedom in a democratic society?

2. Basic Concepts of Democracy

3. Geographic Distribution of Power
Single central agency creates local units of gov’t (unitary)
In U.S. (federal) powers of gov’t divided between central and local governments
Both act for the people
In confederation central gov’t is weak
Only has powers assigned to it by member states

4. Relationship Between Legislative and Executive Branches
Presidential gov’t has sep of powers between legis & exec
Chief executive is chosen independently of legislature
Most democracies are parliamentary
Prime minister leader of majority party
Chosen by legislature, subject to its control

5. Foundations Each indiv is a separate, important being
Equality = equality of opportunity & equality before the law
Person must be free to develop to their capacity
Majority right more often then not & more often then minority
Majority must listen to/respect minority viewpoints & rights

6. More Foundations Compromise used to find the position most acceptable
Respects the indiv & considers equality of all
Only complete freedom in anarchy, which has quick end
In democracy you must be free to do as you please if the freedom of others will not be affected

7. Democracy & The Free Enterprise System & The Internet
Economic freedom, market makes choices not gov’t
Obeys law of supply and demand
Gov’t regulation + private enterprise = mixed economy
Gov’t helps economy through programs, infrastructure
Democracy demands an informed electorate & factual information