Principles of Democracy Objective 1 Principles of Democracy Objective 1.3 What are the key principles of a democratic government?

What is your definition of a Democracy? Democracy is a form of government that allows citizens to govern over themselves

The people rule!!! Democracy means No King No dictator No small groups with authority over citizens The people rule!!!

What are the advantages of having a Democratic government? Citizens decide how they are governed no one person or group has absolute power Leaders have less chance to abuse power

Two types of Democratic Government Direct Democracy Created in Ancient Greece All citizens rule directly All citizens have power All citizens vote on laws and government issues Representative Democracy known as a Republic Citizens choose other citizens as representatives Representatives vote on laws and government issues The United States has a representative Democracy

The founding fathers of American government decided to create a REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY

Why did our founding fathers choose democracy as the form of government for America??? Democratic governments allow citizens to govern themselves rather than having laws forced on them

Democratic governments protect the basic rights of all citizens Why did our founding fathers choose democracy as the form of government for America??? Democratic governments protect the basic rights of all citizens

6 major principles of all Democratic governments: Protect fundamental freedoms Consent of the Governed Limited Government Majority Rule Rule of Law Popular sovereignty

What are your fundamental freedoms?? Life, liberty, property freedom from slavery Freedom against unfair punishment Freedoms explained in the BILL OF RIGHTS

Democratic governments have the Consent of the Governed Citizens are the source of all government power Citizens give government leaders permission to rule over them.

Democracy believes in Limited government The authority of the government is NOT all powerful Government power is limited by citizens & other government branches Checks and Balances

In a democracy EVERYONE must follow the Rule of Law All Citizens All Government leaders MUST OBEY THE LAW!!

In a democracy, decisions are made by Majority Rule Decisions are made by taking a vote among citizens Decisions are based on the judgment of the majority (more than ½) of citizens voting Rights of the minority are still protected in a democracy

In a democracy the citizens exercise popular sovereignty Sovereignty= the legal authority to rule Popular sovereignty= the people’s power to choose who has authority to rule