PILLARS of DEMOCRACY
What do you think are some of the
things that hold up this
democracy?
Discuss with your group.
PILLARS OF DEMOCRACY
1.SOVERIEGNTY OF THE PEOPLE
The right to decide-education, home, children, marriage, job?
2. GOVERNMENT based upon CONSENT of the
GOVERNED.
The people give PERMISSION for the GOV’T to RULE Us.
We agree to follow the rules in exchange for order
3. MAJORITY RULE
Rules are decided by MOST or greater then 51% of
Any vote.
PILLARS OF DEMOCRACY
4. MINORITY RIGHTS
All minorities, Blacks, Latina, Women, Jews, GLBT, become
the “WATCH DOG” over the MAJORITY to protect rights.
5. GUARANTEE OF BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness
6. FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS
No poll taxes, literacy tests or grandfather clause
7. EQUALITY BEFORE THE LAW
Same treatment regardless of ECONOMIC STATUS,
GENDER, RACE, etc.
PILLARS OF DEMOCRACY
Of the first Six pillars we discussed so far,
decide, as a group, on a real life example
of one of the pillars in action and a way
this or another pillar has been weakened.
Try to come up with one not discussed
before.
PILLARS OF DEMOCRACY
8. DUE PROCESS of LAW
Speedy Trial, jury of your peers,
no double jeopardy, Miranda rights, etc.
9. CONSTITUTIONAL LIMITS ON GOVEMENT
3 BRANCHES, Checks and Balances, Federalism
10. SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, POLITICAL PLURALISM
MADD, LABOR UNION, COMMUNIST PARTY
Right to belong to any group without
GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE
11. VALUES of TOLERANCE, PRAGMATISM,
COOPERATION, and COMPROMISE
PILLARS OF DEMOCRACY
Read the examples and then write ALL the Pillars of Democracy that are
being presented. Be ready to defend your point.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
There are African Amer., Latin Amer., Asian Amer., and women in
Congress.
Kenmore citizens do not want any form of gambling within the village
limits. Mayor Mang has complied and it is now law.
The city of Buffalo is comprised of Irish, Italian, Polish, and African
American communities.
The President can veto legislation.
I’ve wanted to be a teacher my entire life. Now, I am very happy!
300 out of 400 seniors voted in favor of early release. Administration
approved.
Sam believe in the right to bear arms. Tony wants all guns to have a
safety lock and stronger background checks. They are still best friends.
A jury of her peers found Sarah guilty of sexual harassment.
Grandma Edna was fined $75 for speeding. The next day Tommy
received a $75 fine for speeding.
The 15th Amendment guarantees the right to vote regardless of the color
of your skin or former servitude.
PILLARS OF DEMOCRACY
Choose one Pillar from each page and for each:
– Illustrate the Pillar in action on the front of the poster.
Do not use words and do not identify the Pillar. Make sure your
illustrations are large and colorful.
– Define/Explain each Pillar in your own words on on a index card.
– Write on another index card how the Pillar has been damaged or
strengthen over the years.
Must be a real life example.
Ramps for Wheelchairs accessibility- Fair Elections