1. Section 3 – Basic Concepts of Democracy
Guiding Question – What are the basic concepts of democracy?
Student Objectives:
Understand the foundations of democracy.
Analyze the connections between democracy and the free enterprise system.

2. Majority rule, minority rights
Democracy
Majority rule, minority rights
Compromise
Individual freedom
Equality
Individual worth

3. Democracy Reflecting Ideal Falling Short
Majority Rule,
Minority Rights
Public space used for the common good
Segregation
Individual Freedom
1st Amendment Rights
Patriot Act
Compromise
When Congress works
When Congress doesn’t work
Individual Worth
Jobs training programs for unemployed
Homeless living on the street
Equality
Access for disabled
Wage disparity between men and women

4. Duties and Responsibilities of Citizenship
Serving on a jury
Serving as a witness when called
Attending school
Paying taxes
Registering for the draft
Obeying the laws
Respecting the rights of others
Voting
Volunteering
Participating in civic life
Understanding the workings of our government

5. Voting is crucial in any democratic government.
Break into small groups and discuss:
Should citizens be required by law to vote?
Should voting eligibility be restricted?
List some benefits and drawbacks to this idea.
Chose someone to share your groups thoughts on the idea.

6. Democracy and the Free Enterprise System (aka Capitalism)
Private ownership of capital goods
investments made by private decision, not government directive
Success or failure determined by competition in the marketplace
Four fundamental factors
Private ownership
Individual initiative
Profit
Competition

7. Chapter 1 Review Democracy / Dictatorship * Free Enterprise
Legislative Power * Autocracy
Executive Power * Oligarchy
Judicial Power * Divine Right Theory
Federal Government * Evolutionary Theory
Confederate Government * Force Theory
Unitary Government * Social Contract Theory
Presidential Government * Citizen
Parliamentary Government * Politics

8. Chapter 1 Review Continued
Concepts of Democracy: Majority Rule/Minority Rights, Individual Worth, Equality, Individual Freedom, Compromise
Purposes of Government:
Form a more perfect union
Establish justice
Ensure domestic tranquility
Provide for the common defense
Promote the general welfare
Secure the blessings of liberty
Be able to discuss the importance of compromise in government.
Be able to discuss the connection between democracy and the free enterprise system.
Answer the Essential Question: Is government necessary? Why?