Section 3 – Basic Concepts of Democracy

Guiding Question – What are the basic concepts of democracy?

Student Objectives:Understand the foundations of

democracy.Analyze the connections between

democracy and the free enterprise system.

Democracy

Majority rule,

minority rights

Compromise

Individual freedomEquality

Individual worth

Democracy Reflecting Ideal Falling Short

Majority Rule,Minority Rights

Public space used for the

common good

Segregation

Individual Freedom

1st Amendment Rights

Patriot Act

Compromise When Congress works

When Congress doesn’t work

Individual Worth Jobs training programs for unemployed

Homeless living on the street

Equality Access for disabled

Wage disparity between men and women

Duties and Responsibilities of Citizenship

Duties Serving on a jury

Serving as a witness when called

Attending school

Paying taxes

Registering for the draft

Obeying the laws

Respecting the rights of others

Responsibilities Voting

Volunteering

Participating in civic life

Understanding the workings of our government

Voting is crucial in any democratic government.

Break into small groups and discuss:

Should citizens be required by law to vote?

Should voting eligibility be restricted?

List some benefits and drawbacks to this idea.

Chose someone to share your groups thoughts on the idea.

Democracy and the Free Enterprise System (aka Capitalism)

Private ownership of capital goods

investments made by private decision, not government directive

Success or failure determined by competition in the marketplace

Four fundamental factors Private ownership Individual initiative Profit Competition

Chapter 1 Review Democracy / Dictatorship * Free Enterprise

Legislative Power * Autocracy

Executive Power * Oligarchy

Judicial Power * Divine Right Theory

Federal Government * Evolutionary Theory

Confederate Government * Force Theory

Unitary Government * Social Contract Theory

Presidential Government * Citizen

Parliamentary Government * Politics

Chapter 1 Review Continued

Concepts of Democracy: Majority Rule/Minority Rights, Individual Worth, Equality, Individual Freedom, Compromise

Purposes of Government: Form a more perfect union Establish justice Ensure domestic tranquility Provide for the common defense Promote the general welfare Secure the blessings of liberty

Be able to discuss the importance of compromise in government.

Be able to discuss the connection between democracy and the free enterprise system.

Answer the Essential Question: Is government necessary? Why?