1. Democracy is…..

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

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

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

5. Characteristics of Democracy

6. 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

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

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. 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?

12. 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

13. 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.

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

15. “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

16. 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

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

18. 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”

19. 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?

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

21. 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

22. 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)