1. Chapter 1 Principles of Government and Politics
Section 2 Introducing American Democracy

2. Origins of American Democracy
Ancient Athens, Greece
Some people were granted citizenship.
All citizens had to participate.
The Middle Ages, Europe
 Divine right of kings was established. (Absolute authority given to kings by God.)
Privileged groups (for example, nobles) were given rights.
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3. Continuing toward American Democracy
Protestant Reformation
Supporters challenged authority of Roman Catholic Church and broke away with revolutionary religious ideas.
Traditional religion challenged.
The Enlightenment
Idea that humans could gain knowledge and understanding of the world through reason.
Creative thinking and ideas developed.
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4. John Locke and the Social Contract Theory
John Locke: A philosopher who supported a contract between people and government, not democracy
Social contract: The idea that people freely exchange some rights for governmental protection
Contract breaks = Government fails to protect people’s rights
People’s consent = Legitimate government authority
People had the right to remove government leaders who were not fulfilling their duties.
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5. John Locke’s Ideas Influence Founding Fathers
Locke wrote while the Constitutional Convention met.
“When any one, or more, shall take upon them to make laws without authority, which the people are not therefore bound to obey; by which means they come again to be out of subjection, and may institute to themselves a new legislature.” (Locke’s Second Treatise of Civil Government)
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6. Characteristics of American Democracy
Popular sovereignty: Is based on the idea that people are a source of power to government (Republic)
Republican democracy: Uses representation
Madison: Wanted representative government to cool public passions
Founders: Wanted representatives to be older, wiser than average citizen
Limited government: Limits governmental actions
Constitution dictates which kinds of laws can be passed
Rule of law: Says all people must obey law of the land
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7. Characteristics of American Democracy
Common good: The protection of individual rights and liberties while at the same time helping society
Equality as an inalienable right for all
Not actually written into the Constitution until 1868 when the Fourteenth Amendment guaranteed all citizens equal protection under the law.
Majority rule balanced by protection of minority rights
Compromise: Give and take in political bargaining
Allows people with different interests to agree on common goals.
Note to teachers: Discussion Question: “Because a majority decision determines the law, how do Americans protect minorities?”
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8. Your Turn
Which of the following characteristics of American Democracy are most important? Rank them from 1 to 8, with 1 being most important.
Popular sovereignty
Limited government
The rule of law
Individual liberty
The common good
Equality
Majority rule / protection of minority rights
Compromise
Note to teachers: Encourage students to explain their answers; they will learn about others’ needs and discuss the variety of concerns and responsibilities which arise when living in a community.
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9. Then versus Now
James Madison designed the republic in reaction to colonists’ self-interest.
People act for the public good because it often benefits them personally.
Madison believed property owners were key because they had the most to gain and lose from government.
Question: How do we behave as citizens today?
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10. U.S. Citizens Today Political Knowledge
Most know who is president but do not recognize other elected officials.
Ideology: set of ideas about politics, economy, & society.
An increasing number call themselves independents.
People with strong ideology judge on consistent beliefs.
Extremist views do NOT have wide support.
Tolerance
Acceptance of others helps things run smoothly.
Participation
Middle and upper classes are increasingly involved in government.
Note to teachers: Discussion question: “Is it always good that middle- and upper-class citizens participate in the U.S. government?” Discuss pros and cons.
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11. Your Turn
Does decreased participation mark a civic crisis in our democracy? Choose the answer that best matches your response. Be ready to explain your reasoning.
Strongly yes
Moderately yes
Undecided
Moderately no
Strongly no
Note to teachers: Consider directing students to “Vote with Your Feet” by lining up along a wall with one end designated “Strongly Yes,” and the opposite end designated “Strongly No.” You might divide the line into five groups; give the groups time to prepare a statement of its reasoning, and then hold a class debate.
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