AP Government & Politics Defining Democracy and Core Beliefs in American Democracy

What is a Democracy?

Democracy in the World % 45%, 30%, 25%

What is a Democracy? It’s a system of government where authority to govern is ran by the people for the benefit of all its people. The authority is given to a specific group or person to look out for the interest of its citizens There are 3 types of democracy and one of them was feared by the founding fathers Direct Democracy Representative Democracy Constitutional Democracy Democracy was first effectively used in ancient Greek city-states. Greece was made up of individual islands that governed themselves (city-states) The ability to participate was granted to the rich male land owners of the city-states Women, foreigners and slaves could not vote or participate in government (city-states)

Why was their a need for direct democracy in Greece? There were so many city- states that wanted to look out their citizens best interest. City-states were concerned with their issues 1st . They weren’t always concern with the greater whole (Great Council) DO NOT COPY

Types of Democracy Direct Democracy A system where citizens have an opportunity to participate in running their own government system They are directly involved Examples Direct Primary- voters select who may run for office Referendum- procedure for submitting to popular vote, measures passed or proposed to a state constitution. State level only Initiative- procedure where by petition voters can propose a law or amendment get it submitted to the voters Recall- procedure where public officials can be removed from office before their term is done. The Founding Fathers feared this type due to the problem it creates Mobocracy or Factions Groups that are only concerned with their own interest Current examples of factions:

Types of Democracy Representative Democracy Constitutional Democracy A system where citizens elect representatives to act on their behalf and make decisions for the benefit of the people This is more of what you see today It deals with much larger united countries and their concerns for all citizens 1st example: Roman Republic Constitutional Democracy A system that forces limits on the government and those that govern and allows people to be heard freely and fairly This was seen in Great Britain during the time of William and Mary of Orange Example: English Bill of Rights

What are the Core Beliefs in American Democracy? Entrenched in the constitution and the set up of the United States

Belief in…. Individual Liberty/ Individual Freedoms All individuals must have the opportunity to realize individual goals Every individual has rights; these rights are the source of all legitimate governmental authority and power John Locke & Social Contract Theory Gov’t promises to protect the natural rights of people People agree to enter into a partnership with gov’t (Social Contract) Freedom of expression The right to assemble and protest Opposite of statism (state supreme over individual)

Belief in…. Popular Consent means people should be able to participate directly in the governing of their own societies. Governmental power derives from people It’s a majority decision that everyone within the country have to live with A willingness to lose if majority removes support

Belief in…. Equality of Opportunity Jefferson's Declaration of Independence statement (“All men are created equal”) What kind of equality? Equality of opportunity? Role of FDR’s 2nd Bill of Rights: economic security

Belief in….Free and Fair Elections Election should be held at frequent intervals; and decided by majority rule All citizens should have equal voting power and the opportunity to vote. Existence of opposing political parties Example: Democrats v Republicans

Belief in…. Majority Rule Those with the most votes assume power Majority still respects minority views Sometimes these views are adopted (Green Party) Constitution reflects fear of tyranny by majority (Separation of Powers)