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.
Majority rule,
minority
rights
Individual
worth
Compromise
Democracy
Equality
Individual
freedom
Democracy
Reflecting Ideal
Falling Short
Majority Rule,
Minority Rights
Public space used
for the common
good
1st Amendment
Rights
Segregation
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
Individual Freedom
Patriot Act
Duties and Responsibilities of
Citizenship
Duties
Responsibilities
 Serving on a jury
 Voting
 Serving as a witness when
called
 Volunteering
 Attending school
 Participating in civic life
 Paying taxes
 Understanding the
workings of our
government
 Registering for the draft
 Obeying the laws
 Respecting the rights of
others
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.
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
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
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?