1. Forms of Democracy

3. Principles of Government
Democracies
From the Greek demos (people) and kratia (to rule). Thus, rule by the people
Even though democracies are based on the same principles, they do not work in the same ways.
There are two types of democracies: direct and representative.

4. Direct Democracy
power is placed in the assembly of all citizens who participate
Ex) Ancient Athens, colonial town meetings, Swiss Cantons, labor union votes
Problems – only works in small settings

5. Athenian Democracy

6. Republic (Representative Democracy)
People elect representatives to make decisions for them
Decisions based on majority rule
- which is the doctrine that the numerical majority of an organized group can make decisions that bind the whole group
Problems include oppressing minorities, special interest influence
Ex) United States

7. Characteristics of Democracy
Civil liberties (freedom) is relative, not absolute
Give up some freedom for security and rule of law (social contract)
Freedom of speech does not give a person the right to scream, “Fire!” In a crowded theater ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes

8. Characteristics of Democracies
2) Majority rule should be balanced with minority (numerical not racial) rights
“tyranny of the majority” refers to oppression of minorities through laws or court decisions
Ex) Japanese Internment Camps, Slave laws, same-sex marriage

9. Characteristics of Democracy
3) Free Elections
People to choose leader to voice opinions
Characteristics of free elections
“One person, one vote”
Voting requirements
Secret ballots

10. Characteristics of Democracy
4) Competing Political Parties
Political party – A group of individuals with broad common interests
Purpose of Political Parties
Nominate candidates for office
Conduct government and public policy
Serve as watchdog against government waste and corruption

12. Characteristics of Democracy
5) Active Citizen Participation
Requires citizens who are willing to be involved and knowledgeable about local, state and national issues
6) A Favorable Economy
Free Enterprise – Opportunity to control one’s economic decisions
Countries with stable, growing economies seem better able to support democratic governments

13. Characteristics of Democracy
7) Strong Civil Society
A complex network of voluntary associations and groups who look for ways to protect rights and/or advocate for special interests
Ex. Red Cross, Humane Society, NRA, ACLU
8) Social Consensus
Shared ideas/beliefs
Democratic values: individual liberty and equality for all