1. Session: Roots of Representative Democracy

2. Democracy is . . A system of government in which citizens:
Vote for their leaders
Have specific rights and responsibilities

3. Democracy came from many sources:

4. The ancient Greeks :
In Athens, citizens voting for their leaders became common
“Civic virtue” became important to many philosophers.

5. The ancient Romans :
Developed the “rule of law” common to all citizens throughout the empire
Developed advanced forms of representative government, before evolving in to a dictatorship.

6. The Bible:
Hebrew prophets developed the idea of all people being equal, created in the image of God.
The idea caring for the weaker members of society.

7. Two types of democracy Direct democracy Representative democracy
Power vested directly in the people
All citizens take part in each decision made
Majority rule, no protection for minority
Representative democracy
Citizens elect representatives to make decisions for them
This is also referred to as a Republic
Definition of a republic: power rests in the body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by representatives chosen directly or indirectly by them. Protection by rule of law.

8. Key elements of Democracy:
Citizen Involvement
System of Representation
Rule of Law
Electoral System
Equality
Freedom, Liberty, and Rights
Education

9. 1) Citizen Involvement
Direct Democracy: Citizens take part personally in deliberations and vote on issues. Citizens debate and vote on all laws.
Representative Democracy: Citizens choose (elect) other citizens to debate and pass on laws.

10. Participation Voting. Political parties and/or interest groups.
Political meetings or public hearings, discussing politics, calling your representative.

11. Participatory Democracy
Low voter turnout should not be “rationalized.”/”Excused”
Advocate “Citizen Law Makers” People are more likely to follow laws they help make.
If we must have representative democracy then we must create incentives for more participation.
For example:
Initiatives (Prop 215)
Referendum (Plastic Bags)

12. 2) A system of Representation
Citizens delegate power to representatives to act for them.
Based upon the 2010 census there is one representative for every 710,767 citizens in HOR

13. 3) Rule of Law Law is supreme,
nobody is above the law, even those who make law
against divine right
doctrine
popular sovereignty—all power emanates from the people.

14. 4) The Electoral system
Conflict over procedure of choosing representatives
Electoral process begins with the selection of candidates—But how does one become a candidate?
Importance of access to information.
Result of not voting is the transference of political power to others.

15. 5) Equality Definition: sameness in relevant aspects
Disagreement over definition:
political equality
equality before the law
equality of opportunity
economic equality
equality of respect or social equality;

16. Natural Rights and Civil Rights:
Natural Rights: Rights a person has a human being
Civil Rights: Rights derived from government.

17. How do we limit Government?
Frequent elections
Watch dogs
Civil disobedience
Protest
Revolution

18. SO WHAT? NOW WHAT?
Let’s make sure you know who are the people responsible for making sure YOUR democracy is SAFE…

19. Remember Federalism???... We live “under” lots of government
Shouldn’t we know who are the people that are representing us in the various levels of government?

20. Our “REPS” Here for School
Federal Level: President Barack Obama Congresswoman Maxine Waters Senator Diane Feinstein Senator Barbara Boxer

21. Our “REPS” Here for School
The State Level: Governor Jerry Brown State Assemblywoman Autumn Burke State Senator Isadore Hall

22. Our “REPS” Here for School
Local/Municipal Level: *Note- Lennox is not part of LA City, but part of Los Angeles CO. It’s called “Unincorporated” Los Angeles So decisions for Lennox are made by the County of Los Angeles

23. Our “REPS” Here for School
Local/Municipal Level: Sheriff Jim McDonnell District Attorney Jackie Lacy County Board Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas

24. Where we go from here…
Tuesday November 8th is the general election, but also our own Mock Election on the same day
You will be “voting” for:
President of the U.S. (POTUS)
U.S. Senate
Several CA Propositions (not all of them)
Next session, you will be learning about what you’re voting on to be informed as possible