Principles of Democracy
Question #1: Discuss this in your groups and come up with a definition. What is a democracy? Question #2: How many countries in the world do you believe consider themselves to be a democracy?
ONLY FOUR COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD CONSIDER THEMSELVES NOT TO BE A DEMOCRACY!!
In your group, create a list of all the key ingredients you would include if you were going to bake chocolate chip cookies. Chocolate Chips Sugar Butter/Margarine Flour Vanilla Brown Sugar Baking Soda Nuts Eggs Milk
So. What are the key ingredients to a Democracy? In your group, create a list.
1. Citizen Participation u Participation is more than just a right- it is your duty u Examples u Becoming informed on issues affecting your nation u Voting u Paying taxes u Joining the military or national guard u Serving on a jury u Running for office
How is the U.S. Doing? u 54.2% of eligible voters voted during the 2016 presidential election. u In 2010, roughly 2.3 million Americans served in the military u Less than 1% of the total U.S. population u 32 million people summoned for jury duty in 2014, only 8 million served.
2. Regular Free and Fair Elections u In a democracy, elections should be held regularly u (every few years) u Most adult citizens should be able to both vote and run for office if they choose to do so u Obstacles should not exist that make it difficult for people to vote/run for office u Intimidation/threats u Poll Tax
How is the U.S. Doing? u Elections regularly u President 4 years u Senators 6 years u Representatives -2 years u All citizens of legal age may vote today Used to be only wealthy, land-owning, white, Protestant males u Jim Crow laws intimidated African Americans from voting u Women did not gain the right to vote until 1920 u 18 year-olds gained the right to vote in 1971
3. Accepting the Results of Elections u Democracies depend on peaceful transitions of power. u If an election is free and fair, then the results should be accurate. u In all elections, not everyone will get what they want. Losers of elections need to gracefully accept the will of the people.
How is the U.S. Doing? u If an election is close, we do have the option for a recount u Free and Fair u Tampering with election results
4. Political Tolerance (Majority Rule with Minority Rights) u Democracies make decisions based on what the majority wants/needs u A democracy should also be concerned with tyranny of the majority u When minority groups lack power u When the majority tries to destroy the rights of the minority
How is the U.S. Doing? u Civil Rights Issues u Black Lives Matter u Dakota Public Access Line
5. Accountability u Elected officials are responsible for their behavior. u Officials are expected to make decisions according to the wishes of the people they represent.
How is the U.S. Doing? u DACA u Healthcare u Immigration Ban
6. Transparency u The people must be made aware of the actions their government is taking. u Examples: u Press u Public Meetings
How is the U.S. Doing? u Biased news u Smaller government has public meetings
7. Bill of Rights u Limits the powers of the government u Lists the freedoms that are guaranteed to the people
How is the U.S. Doing? u Bill of Rights in the Constitution u Freedom to assemble: Example Protests over gun rights
8. Control the Abuse of Power u The government is structured to ensure that representatives and officials do not use the government to their own advantage. u Agencies can investigate leaders who abuse power.
How is the U.S. Doing? u Checks and Balances (Three branches of government) u Investigations into government officials u Impeachment
9. Economic Freedom u People can own property and businesses u People can choose what they want to do for work u Workers can form and join labor unions
How is the U.S. Doing? u Laws to protect against monopolies u Programs to assist with small businesses u Unions for many professions exist to protect workers
10. Equality u All people are equal before the law u The people maintain their freedom to have different cultures, personalities, languages, and beliefs.
How is the U.S. Doing? u Civil Rights u Freedom of Religion u No national language u Innocent until proven guilty
11. Human Rights u The rights all people have simply by being a human being (Life, Liberty, Pursuit of Happiness) u A democracy should respect and protect such rights
How is the U.S. Doing? u Bill of Rights u Amendments to the Constitution
12. Independent Judiciary u Courts should be fair and impartial u Judges should not be corrupt or influenced by outside factors or people
How is the U.S. Doing? u Supreme Court u State courts u Appeals system u Trial by jury
13. Multi-Party Systems u More than one political party should exist in a democracy to represent the diverse interests and needs within a country u They give voters a choice of candidates and policies
How is the U.S. Doing? u Mostly a two party system (Dems and GOP) u Other parties exist, but do not have a lot of power within the government.
14. The Rule of Law u In a democracy, nobody is above the law. Everyone must obey the law and will be held accountable if they break the law. u In a democracy laws are equally, fairly, and consistently enforced.