Introduction

 From the Greek word: “demos” or “people”

 Government in which the supreme power is vested in the people.

 Democracy is government “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” -Abraham Lincoln

 In the end, people living in a democratic society must serve as the ultimate guardians of their own freedom and must forge their own path toward the ideals set forth in the preamble to the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

 “Recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world.”

 Rests on principles not in uniform practices

 Two forms of Democracy Direct Representative

 Majority Rule and Minority Rights

 Pluralism and Democratic Society Public and private institutions Legal forums Political parties Organizations Associations

 Government → Serve the people  Government subjects

 Fundamental Rights “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” -Thomas Jefferson

 Fundamental Rights Speech, Assembly, and Protest Religious Freedom and Tolerance Citizen Responsibilities (not passive but active)

 Competitive

 Periodic

 Competitive  Periodic  Inclusive

 Competitive  Periodic  Inclusive  Definitive

 Competitive  Periodic  Inclusive  Definitive  Openness and accountability Except for the vote itself

 Loyal opposition Commitment to the basic values of democracy (see fundamental rights)

 Administering Elections Various systems, but open and fair

 Equal adherence to Law

 Due Process Government must respect people legal rights Public and explicit No secret, arbitrary, or subject to political manipulation

 Due Process No one’s house can be searched by the police without a court order showing that there is a good cause for such research.

 Due Process No person shall be held under arrest without explicit, written charges that specify the alleged violation.

 Due Process Persons charged with crimes should not be held in prison for protracted periods before being tried. They are entitled to have a speedy and public trial, and to confront and question their accusers.

 Due Process Authorities are required to grant bail, or conditional release, to the accused pending trial if there is little likelihood that the suspect will flee or commit other crimes.

 Due Process Persons cannot be compelled to be witnesses against themselves. This prohibition against involuntary self- incrimination must be absolute. As a corollary, the police may not use torture or physical or psychological abuse against suspects under any circumstances

 Due Process Ex post facto is forbidden

 Due Process Cruel or unusual punishments are prohibited.

Chapter 1, pages 4-17