1. CHARACTERISTICS OF DEMOCRACY

2. SOME COUNTRIES CALL THEMSELVES DEMOCRATIC BUT THEY REALLY ARE NOT EX. DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA (OLIGARCHY-COMMUNIST)

3. SO WHAT MAKES A COUNTRY “DEMOCRATIC”

4. Individual Liberty  All people are as “free as possible” to develop to the fullest possible & express their opinions

5. Majority Rule with Minority Rights  Decisions are made by the majority of voters  Laws represent the will of the majority What about the MINORITY?? Their rights are protected by The Constitution!! They can voice their opinion as well!!

6. Free Elections  Give people the chance to choose their leaders and to voice their opinions. (ALL opinions can be heard)  Elected officials pay attention to the wishes of the people  Requirements to participate in government are minimal “One person, One Vote” (everyone’s vote carries the same weight)

7. Competing Political Parties  Give voters a choice among candidates with different ideas & beliefs  Help voters simplify and focus attention on key issues GIVES THE VOTERS CHOICE!!

8. Where does “democracy” work best?  Where citizens are ACTIVE and PARTICIPATE  Countries with a FREE ENTERPRISE economic system where there is a large middle class  Educated Public  Civil Society- citizens care about protecting their rights  Social consensus on liberty and equality for all