Basic Concepts of Democracy A “give and take” proposition “No government demands so much from the citizen as Democracy, and none gives so much back.” James Bryce

SWBAT: Understand the foundations of democracy Analyze the connections between democracy and the free enterprise system Identify the role of the Internet in a

Does a democracy just happen? If it doesn’t, then why does it exist in America? What would happen if we ever got to the place in time in which the majority of Americans believed that some other form of government was better than democracy? “No one pretends that democracy is the perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” Winston Churchill

Democracy’s “Big Five” 1.) A recognition of the fundamental worth and dignity of every person 2.) A respect for the equality of all persons 3.) A faith in majority rule and an insistence upon minority rights 4.) An acceptance of the necessity of compromise 5.) An insistence upon the widest possible degree of individual freedom

Free Enterprise System Democracy and the Free Enterprise System

Law of Supply and Demand When supplies of goods and services become plentiful, prices tend to drop. When supplies of goods and services become scarce, prices tend to rise.

Mixed Economy The basis of the American economic system is the free market, but government plays a role in the American economy and always has. Government involvement serves two purposes: 1.) to protect the public, and 2.) to preserve private enterprise.

Democracy and the Internet At least 180 million Americans with “log on” capabilities Major marketplace and communication tool Knowledge made readily accessible Quality not quantity is the issue Online voting – what do you think?

SWBAT: Understand the foundations of democracy Analyze the connections between democracy and the free enterprise system Identify the role of the Internet in a