1. Citizenship & Government
Vocabulary

2. You will be TESTED on these!
Limited Government
Rule of law
Majority Rule
Minority Rights
Democracy
Constitutional Democracy

3. The Many Meanings of “Democracy”
DEMOCRACY: A democracy is a system of government in which rule is by the people, either as a direct democracy where the people make their own laws or as a representative democracy (republic), in which laws are made by the people’s representatives.
Example: The U.S.

4. Continued…
Constitutional Democracy: A system of government in which rule is by the people but there is a written constitution that is the supreme law of the land.

5. Vocabulary Continued
Limited Government: A government whose powers are limited through constitutionally-imposed restrictions. The President, Congress, or the Supreme Court are restricted to what the Constitution tells them that they can or can’t do.

6. Rule of Law
Definition: The principle that everyone, even political leaders, must follow the law. No one is above the law.
Examples: A high-ranking government official (President) can’t go out and intentionally break several laws. This official will be tried just as a regular citizen.

7. Majority Rule
Definition: A pattern of decision making where decisions are made by vote and a decision requires the support of more than half of those voting.

8. Minority Rights
Define: No one is treated differently because of their race, religion, income, age, or disability.