1. Basic Concepts of Democracy

2. WoRTH OF THE individual
Belief of the importance of the individual
The concept of the dignity and worth of individual is of overriding importance

3. Equality of all persons
Stresses the equality of all individuals
Does not mean the equality of condition, just the equality of opportunity and equality before the law

4. Majority rule, minority rights
Majority Rule restrained by minority rights
Majority Rule = 50% + 1
Possibility of the majority destroying the opposition and, thus, democracy
Minority Rights = majority must always recognize the rights of any minority and listen to the minorities arguments, objections, criticisms, etc.

5. Necessity of compromise
Compromise = the blending and adjusting of competing views and interests
Compromise is an essential part of democracy because
1) We have a diverse nation with diverse interests
2) Few public questions have only two sides

6. Individual FREEDOM
Democracy can only thrive in an atmosphere of individual freedom (but not absolute freedom)
Requires that individuals be as free to do as he or she pleases as far as the freedom of all will allow
“The right to swing my fist ends where the other mans nose begins.”