Unit 1
Foundations of American
Government:
Characteristics of Democracy
Characteristics of Democracy:
Main Ideas:
Introduction
Notes:
• Although many countries may
claim to be democratic, this may
not always be the case. There are
certain characteristics/traits that
true democracies display—among
them are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Free elections/equality in voting
Individual liberty
Equality of all citizens
Majority rule with minority rights
Voluntary consent
Competing political parties
These traits help distinguish
democracies from other forms of
government.
Characteristics of Democracy:
Main Ideas:
Free Elections &
Equality in Voting
Notes:
• As previously stated,
democratic forms of
government get their power
from the citizens.
Therefore, it is crucial that
citizens have free & fair
elections in order for their
voices to be heard and their
opinions to count.
Characteristics of Democracy:
Main Ideas:
Free Elections &
Equality in Voting
(cont’d.)
Notes:
• Because political leaders
get their positions by the
votes of the people, they
will be more inclined to
listen and carry out the
will of the voters.
Characteristics of Democracy:
Main Ideas:
Free Elections &
Equality in Voting
(cont’d.)
Notes:
• A clear sign that a nation
claiming to be a
democracy, does indeed
have free elections with
equality among voters is
(1.) if all voters are
weighted the same— “one
person, one vote”.
(2.)Freedom of candidates
to express differing views
in an open forum with no
government interference.
Characteristics of Democracy:
Main Ideas:
Free Elections &
Equality in Voting
(cont’d.)
Notes:
• (3.) Voters/citizens are
free to aide candidates
and support them. (4.)
Limitations on voter
qualifications as not to
discriminate (race,
gender, religion, etc.).
(5.) Voters may vote via
secret ballot.
Characteristics of Democracy:
Main Ideas:
Individual Liberty
Notes:
• While no society can operate
on the basis that people can
do whatever they want with
no consequences,
democracies strive to allow
maximum freedom & minimal
restrictions within reason. In
a democracy, the government
serves to encourage the
individual to develop their
skills & pursue their
passions—as long as they
don’t infringe on the rights
and freedoms of others.
Characteristics of Democracy:
Main Ideas:
Equality of All
Citizens
Notes:
• Freedom & liberty is a
protection that should
apply to all citizens of a
democratic nation—
regardless of race, age, sex,
religious affiliation, etc. To
violate one’s person
liberties based on one of
these things, is not
democratic.
Characteristics of Democracy:
Main Ideas:
Majority Rule with
Minority Rights
Notes:
• In a democracy, decisions are
made and people are elected
based on a majority of votes
(“majority rule”). But there
is a fear that the majority
could trample the rights of the
minority voters—which could
then lead to tyranny. The
Constitution includes
assurances that promote
respect for the rights of
individuals in the minority.
Characteristics of Democracy:
Main Ideas:
Voluntary Consent
Notes:
• In representative
democracies (like the U.S.),
once voters elect political
leaders, they are giving
consent for those leaders to
carry out the functions of
government on behalf of the
governed (all citizens).
Characteristics of Democracy:
Main Ideas:
Competing Parties
Notes:
• An important aspect of a
democratic government is
allowing for competing
opinions & views/ Because of
this, the role of political
parties is very important.
• A political party is a group of
individuals with broad
common interests who
organize to nominate
candidates for office, win
elections, conduct
government, & determine
public policy.
Characteristics of Democracy:
Main Ideas:
Competing Parties
(cont’d.)
Notes:
• The U.S. has been dominated
by two major political parties:
the Democrat Party and the
Republican Party. Because of
the differences in competing
parties, voters may benefit
from meaningful discussion
and debate between party
members as elections are held
and decisions are made.