Democracy is…..

Political Cartoon #1 Title: democracy Artist: Petar Pismestrovic, Kleine Zeitung, Austria Date: February 2, 2005

Political Cartoon #2 Title: Meaning of Democracy Artist: Larry Wright, The Detroit News Date: February 1, 2005

Political Cartoon #3 Title: Democracy Shuttle Artist: Stephane Peray, Thailand Date: August 10, 2005

Characteristics of Democracy

Characteristics of Democracy Majority rule Govt. by and for the people Everyone equal under the law DEMOCRACY Elected representatives carry out the people’s will Rights of the individual protected Freedom

Democracy is …. a system of government in which the people rule either directly or through elected representatives

Direct (Pure) Democracy A form of democracy in which the people as a whole make direct decisions, rather than having those decisions made for them by elected representatives

Examples of Direct Democracy recall - A procedure whereby the voters can vote to remove an elected official from office

Examples of Direct Democracy referendum - the practice of submitting a law to a popular vote at election time. The law may be proposed by a voter's initiative or by the legislature

Representative democracy A political system in which leaders and representatives acquire political power by means of a competitive struggle for the people's vote. Grab a Partner! Discuss: What kind of democracy is the United States?

See handout: Categories According to the number of Rulers What kind of democracy does America have? See handout: Categories According to the number of Rulers

So, How Democratic Are We? Groups of 3 Read each scenario and decide if it represents an example of the democratic process or not, and then write a brief rationale for your position Discussion Questions: Based on these scenarios, what generalizations can you make about American democracy? Is it okay that democracy in the US is sometimes inconsistent or messy? Defend you answer.

Basic Ideal/Principle Explanation Example Popular Consent or Popular Sovereignty Respect for the Individual Equality of Opportunity Personal Liberty Democratic values in conflict

“Democracy” in Quotes Individually, interpret the quotation. What is the point the author is making about “democracy?” Do you agree or disagree with the writer? Defend your answer

American Democracy: Basic Ideals & Principles IV: Popular Consent (popular sovereignty) II: Respect for the Individual III: Equality of Opportunity I: Personal Liberty V: Democratic Values in Conflict

American Democracy: Basic Ideals & Principles I: Popular Consent (popular sovereignty) government derives its power from the consent of the people

American Democracy: Basic Ideals & Principles II: Respect for the Individual each person has the right to reach their own potential all entitled to “certain unalienable rights”

American Democracy: Basic Ideals & Principles III: Equality of Opportunity “all men are created equal” What kinds of equality should the government guarantee? Political? Economic? Social?

American Democracy: Basic Ideals & Principles IV: Personal Liberty “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” self-determination

American Democracy: Basic Ideals & Principles V: Democratic Values in Conflict Basic values of democracy do not always co-exist happily Individualism may conflict with collective welfare Must strike balance

Wrap Up: Pros and Cons of Democracy Brainstorm a pro & con list. Is democracy for everyone (or does democracy work in every country? – support answer with specifics)