Types of Democracies Unit 1: Const. Underpinnings (Foundations)

Unit 1: Essential Question

How does the Constitution demonstrate the concept of limited government?

  Words in red have appeared on previous

released AP exams

A little philosophy before we start…

Take 2 mins to answer for YOURSELF (this is your view of the world) the following question…

Do you believe babies are born “bad”, therefore need to be taught “good”? OR

Do you believe babies are born “good”, therefore are taught to be “bad”?

Democracy in Action: The Dead Gazelle

A View From a Distance…How we “See” Democracy

Majoritarian vs. Elite Views of Democracy

Majoritarian view: leaders are heavily influenced by will (choices) of people

Thinking: How is the will of the people carried out?

Elite Politics view: minorities dominate policy (laws) making

Thinking: Name examples of how this is played out in real world.

The Pluralist View of Democracy

Pol. Resources are scattered- no single elite has monopoly

Thinking: What do you think is meant by pol. resources?

Hyperpluralist view: Too many groups competing for resources

Thinking: Is competition necessarily a bad thing?

Democratic Values

Democratic Processes

Democratic Structures

Lecture DQs: Types of Democracies

1. Identify and discuss 2 of the major views of democracies

2. Identify 1 value, 1 process, 1 structure of democracy