1. Agenda Tues 8/30 & Wed 8/31 Basic Concepts of Democracy
Journal Entry
Basic Concepts of Democracy
Preamble Assembly

2. Journal Entry # “You can only be free if I am free.”
--Clarence Darrow
What does this quote mean to you?
How has it applied historically?
How does it apply today?

3. Purpose of Government

4. Purpose of Government Preamble outlines why our government exists!
To form a more perfect union
Working out the kinks
Making sure the country runs efficiently
To Establish Justice
Create, enforce, and interpret law
Being reasonable, fair, and impartial
Social Justice

5. Purpose of Government Ensure domestic tranquility
Keeping things calm at home (order)
Preventing riots, human rights abuses, etc
Provide for the common defense
Defense against other countries
Foreign Policy

6. Purpose of Government Promote the general welfare
Do what is best for everyone
Government is a civil servant
Welfare programs = schools, etc.
Secure the blessings of liberty
Freedom is maintained
Constantly tested by the government

7. Basic Concepts of Democracy
Chp 1 Sec 3

8. Basic Concepts Graphic Organizer8

9. Democracy
Democracy exists because of the assumption of basic principles
Democracy is not a common form of government and is dependent upon certain concepts
“Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half of the time.”
--E.B. White 9

10. The 5 Foundations of Democracy
1. Fundamental worth of the individual
Democracy insists that each person’s worth and dignity be recognized and respected by all other individuals, and by society, at all times.
2. Equality of all persons
equality of opportunity & equality before the law 10

11. Fundamental Worth of the Individual
Each person no matter what their job, class, gender, race is an individual and should be respected
How is this different than in a monarchy or communist system? 11

12. Equality of all Persons
This is related to the worth of the individual
As individuals we are all equal
This is the one we have had the most trouble with!
This does not mean we are all the same but are privy to the same opportunities!
Ex: The right to pass or fail

13. The 5 Foundations of Democracy
3.Majority rule and minority rights
The majority must always recognize the right of any minority to become, by fair and lawful means the majority.
The majority must be willing to listen to a minority’s argument, to hear its objections, to bear its criticisms, and to welcome its suggestions. 13

14. Majority Rule and Minority Rights
If the power is in the hands of the people then they make the decisions
Decisions are not unanimous but based on the desire of the majority
Because the majority has the power they must take special care to not discriminate or oppress minorities
Ex: The majority cannot decide to unlawfully prison the minority 14

15. The 5 Foundations of Democracy
4.Necessity of Compromise
Not all compromises are good.
Puts the individual first but insists that that each individual is equal.
5. Individual freedom
Absolute freedom would end in anarchy.

16. Necessity of Compromise
All opinions are considered equal, just as individuals are considered equal
Because of this assumption of equality there has to be a give and take or compromise
Without compromise the country would never make any decisions
Some things are above compromise
Ex: Freedom for all US citizens

17. Individual Freedom
In a democracy there can never be complete freedom… that would be anarchy and was forfeited under social contract theory
You are free to do the things that don’t effect others
A democratic government must find the balance between freedom and authority

18. Preamble Assembly
Everyone turn to page 8 or 760 and read the Preamble to the Constitution aloud!
Each group is assigned one aspect from Preamble to illustrate
Write out phrase from Preamble on top of poster
Affix or draw pictures depicting the meaning / purpose of that aspect of the Preamble

19. CNN Student News Connections
Take notes on each video segment.
Describe the specific connections with the Foundations of Democracy. Which of the five is most related and why?
Brazil
Thailand
Ethiopia
Hong Kong
China/India

20. References
McClenaghan, W. (2006). Magruder’s American Government. Boston, MA: Prentice Hall.