Chapter 1.3 Foundations of Democracy

Today, there are more democratic forms of government in the world than any other style of government?

Why?

Types of democracies Types of democracies

Direct democracies Laws may be made directly by all citizens

Example: town halls where public citizens vote on public issues

Representative democracies People elect representatives to conduct the

business of government for them. Example: City Councils, state and federal governments.

5 Basic Principles of Democracy

Give people the opportunity to make choices

Recognize the dignity and worth of each person

Promote respect for the law

Protect the rights of the minority

Produce policies that promote the public good

Give people the opportunity to make choices

In democracies, citizens make choices in free elections by voting for who they like. Is this a good thing or a

bad thing? Why?

Good or Bad choice for Leader?

Good or Bad choice for Leader?

Good or Bad choice for Leader?

Good or Bad choice for Leader?

Good or Bad choice for Leader?

Good or Bad Choice for Leader?

Good or Bad choice for Leader?

Recognize the dignity and worth of each person

By allowing all citizens to participate in governing, Democracy promotes equality. How?

Any adult, regardless of education, beliefs, or ethnicity, can vote!

Therefore, politicians are forced to recognize each person they may represent as an individual

Promoting Respect for the Law

If citizens participate in government

They are more likely to follow the law.

Citizens have right to challenge the law

How? Speak opinions at

town hall meetings!

By teaching that the law is good… You preserve democracy to live on.

Why is that important? Democracies keep anarchies from being

established Anarchies = a state of political disorder resulting from the

absence of government

Protect the Minorities Rights

Most decisions in a democracy are made by a majority rule occurs when decisions are based on the desire

of more than half of the membership of the group.

How do you protect the rights of the minority??

Develop a Liberal Democracy

Liberal Democracy Form of democracy where elected representatives are

moderated by a Constitution that emphasizes protecting individual liberties and minorities rights in society

Minority rights Political rights that cannot be abolished in a democracy even

though they are held by less than half the population.

Is it possible to guarantee rights to minorities?

Promoting the Public Good Theory

If all citizens participate in government, decisions will better promote the public good than if decisions are left to just a few people in government?

Agree or disagree?