1. FOUNDATIONS OF THE DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM
Why Democracy?
FOUNDATIONS OF THE DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM

2. Do Now: Analyze the following quotation:
The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter...No one pretends that democracy is 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
What is Churchill implying in these quotations? What seems to be some of the pitfalls of a democratic system?

3. Why do we have a democracy?
Regarded as the very best system of government
Belief in the basic democratic principles
Faith that the system will continue to work/serve the needs of the people

4. Democratic Principles
Recognitions of the fundamental worth and dignity of every person
A respect for the equality of all persons
A faith in the majority rule and minority rights
Acceptance of the necessity of compromise
Emphasis on the widest possible degree of individual freedom

5. DISCUSS
Come to a consensus! Which reading seemed to be most valid/relevant to characterize our democratic system? Why is that the case?

6. Document A: America is an imperial power

7. Document B: Voters don’t always know best

8. Document C: Democracies change traditions

9. Document D: Democracies need to be regulated by the elite

10. “No government demands so much from the citizens as Democracy, and none gives so much back.”
James Bryce
What are citizens supposed to contribute? What are citizens supposed to receive for their contributions?

11. Public Goods and Services
education
social services
roads and transport
waste disposal
economic development
countywide planning and the environment
protecting the public.
libraries

12. But, are we really getting that much back at this point?

13. The United States has become one of the richest countries with the highest levels of wealth inequality.

14. The United States fails to offer quality healthcare to citizens compared to other wealthy countries.

15. The United States lags behind in education compared to other countries worldwide.

16. Main Government Functions
Equality in Voting: a basic commitment to “1 person, 1 vote”
Effective Participation: citizens have many opportunities to express their opinions
Enlightened Understanding: citizens can understand policymaking via free speech and a free press
Citizen Control of the Agenda: no single group controls the policymaking process
Inclusion: everyone in a government’s jurisdiction has basically the same rights

17. Although Americans remain politically tolerant, they seem to have less support for our political system as a whole.

18. But year olds are now less politically tolerant and have less support for the political system.

19. Americans even believe that it would be acceptable to abandon our democratic institutions.

20. DISCUSS
To what extent are millennials becoming disengaged and disillusioned with democracy? Why is that the case?

21. Is our democracy simply an illusion? Or failing altogether?