1. American Government Chapter 1: Principles of Government
Section 3: Basic Concepts of Democracy

2. Bellringer
What are the Basic Concepts of Democracy?
Democracy

3. Objectives Understand the foundations of democracy
Analyze the connections between democracy and the free enterprise system.

4. Foundations of Democracy
We believe in its concepts
Only survive if we the people continue to subscribe and practice these concepts.
Not perfect – “democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time” Churchill
5 concepts of democracy

5. 1) Worth of the Individual
Individuality v. greater good?
We are forced to pay taxes, register for the draft and stop at a stop sign.
Are we forced or do we choose to do these things to live in this democratic society?
When is our individuality subordinate to society?

6. 2) Equality of All Persons
Democracy stress equality
“All men are created equal.”
What does this mean? We are all equal?
Heck NO!
We are not born with the same mental or physical abilities – do not have a right to an equal share of worldly good
1) We have equal opportunity to succeed or fail on our own
2) We are all equal under the law (gender, race, color, religion)
We still haven’t accomplished these two.

7. 3) Faith in Majority Rule and an insistence upon Minority Rights
Majority right should be right more often then it will be wrong.
What if they are wrong?
Then we have to protect minority right.
What if a highway wants to go through your farm – the majority needs the highway, can your farm be protected? You are the minority.
Unchecked – Majority rule can destroy democracy. What?

8. 4) Necessity of Compromise
Democracy should be able to compromise to establish the public good (majority view).
We are so different in our opinions, we need compromise.
Not all compromises are good and not all are necessary – sometimes right is right and wrong is wrong.

9. 5) Individual Freedom
Balance between individual freedom (absolute) and government (limited)
Where and how do we draw the line?
Absolute freedom = anarchy.
Authority must never be allowed to become so great that is restricts the individual beyond what is absolutely necessary – (again, where do we draw the line)
Government is limited for safety – (quotes on page 22 and 23)

10. Duties and Responsibilities of Citizenship
Serving on a jury
Serving as a witness when called
Attending school
Paying taxes
Registering for the draft (men only)
Obeying local, State, and national laws
Respecting the rights of others
Responsibilities
Voting
Volunteering
Participating in civic life
Understanding the workings of our government

11. Democracy and the Free Enterprise System
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