Unit 1: Basic Principles of Government

Pillars of Democracy

The Pillars of Democracy

• The components needed for a democracy to be successful and prosperous; if one is missing, democracy would be weakened and eventually crumble.

What is…

• Democracy- rule by the people.

• Direct Democracy- the people run the day to day aspects of the government. We do not have this type of democracy!!!

• Representative Government- the people elect officials that will represent their interests in government.

Sovereignty of the People

• The people are free and independent of each other and the government and have the power to make their own decisions.

Example

• Upheld: I can make my own career/life choices, unlike in a totalitarian society.

• Falls: Boss Tweed, drafted in to war

Government based upon consent of the governed

• The government can only make decisions if they have the approval of the people for which it exists.

Examples

• Upheld: Voting, representative government, impeachment

• Falls- Gun Control in NYS

Majority Rule

• Decisions are made when over half of the population (or elected body) approves it.

Example

• Upheld: President Barack Obama was re-elected in 2012

• Falls: Al Gore & the Electoral college

Minority Rights

• The rights of the minority voice can not be ignored even with majority rule; the people share the same rights.

Examples

• Upheld: Civil Rights Movement, Voting Rights Act of 1965

• Falls: Jim Crow Laws

Guarantee of basic human rights

• All citizens are guaranteed the rights of life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness…these can not be taken away.

Examples

• Upheld: Gay marriage, not to be killed, not to have your possessions stolen….

• Falls: Gay marriage in a state that does not allow it!!!

Free and fair elections

• The electoral process is open to all people, free of cost, and all citizens have the right to run as well as vote in the election.

Examples

• Upheld: Voting Rights Act of 1965

• Falls: Literacy tests, Poll Taxes, Grandfather Clauses

Equality before the law

• Justice is blind, there is no factor/characteristic that is distinguishable in the face of the law…all citizens have the same rights and freedoms under the laws.

Example

• Upheld: A Muslim American will be treated the same as all other Americans.

• Falls: Muslim Americans being racially profiled and treated as a terrorist threat.

Due Process of Law

• All citizens are guaranteed the same procedures when charged with breaking the law; Miranda rights, etc.

Example

• Upheld: A jury of your peers will determine your guilt or innocence.

• Falls: Vigilante justice, not being read your Miranda Rights

Constitutional limits on Government

• Principles exist to prevent the government from becoming too powerful.

Examples

• Upheld: Checks and Balances, Separation of Powers, Veto Power

• Falls: F.D.R. served 4 terms in office- led to a 2 term limit.

Social, Economic & Political Pluralism

• Differences are allowed and promoted in the government because the citizens of America are vastly different.

• Pluralism; various ethnic, religious, etc. groups existing together in a nation.

Examples

• Upheld: The Amish in Pennsylvania, Native American Nations

• Falls: Hate crimes

Values of tolerance, pragmatism, cooperation, and

compromise• Citizens of the nation must work

with one another respecting the different opinions and values; also they must be realistic in their decisions and be willing to compromise so that work may be done.

Examples

• Upheld: Bipartisanship in our govt.

• Falls: Not allowing religious decorations or songs in public schools.

Pick a Pillar3x5 Card

• Put your name on the 3x5 card.

• On one side, pick the pillar you feel is most important and WHY.

• On the other side of the card, pick the pillar you feel is least important and WHY.

• Hand in on your way out the door.