Chapter 1.3 Foundations of
Democracy

Today, there are more democratic forms of
government in the world than any other
style of government?

Why?
Types of democracies

Types of democracies

Direct democracies

Laws may be made directly by all citizens
 Example: town halls where public citizens vote on public
issues

Representative democracies

People elect representatives to conduct the
business of government for them.
 Example: City Councils, state and federal governments.
5 Basic Principles of Democracy

Give people the opportunity to make choices

Recognize the dignity and worth of each person

Promote respect for the law

Protect the rights of the minority

Produce policies that promote the public good
Give people the opportunity to make
choices

In democracies,
citizens make choices
in free elections by
voting for who they
like.

Is this a good thing or a
bad thing?

Why?
Good or Bad choice for Leader?
Good or Bad choice for Leader?
Good or Bad choice for Leader?
Good or Bad choice for Leader?
Good or Bad choice for Leader?
Good or Bad Choice for Leader?
Good or Bad choice for Leader?
Recognize the dignity and worth of
each person

By allowing all citizens to participate in
governing,


Democracy promotes equality.
How?


Any adult, regardless of education, beliefs, or
ethnicity, can vote!
Therefore, politicians are forced to recognize
each person they may represent as an individual
Promoting Respect for the Law

If citizens participate in
government

They are more likely
to follow the law.

Citizens have right to
challenge the law

How?
 Speak opinions at
town hall meetings!
By teaching that the law is good…

You preserve democracy to live on.

Why is that important?

Democracies keep anarchies from being
established

Anarchies = a state of political disorder resulting from the
absence of government
Protect the Minorities Rights

Most decisions in a democracy are made
by a majority rule


occurs when decisions are based on the desire
of more than half of the membership of the
group.
How do you protect the rights of the
minority??
Develop a Liberal Democracy

Liberal Democracy

Form of democracy where elected representatives are
moderated by a Constitution that emphasizes protecting
individual liberties and minorities rights in society

Minority rights
 Political rights that cannot be abolished in a democracy even
though they are held by less than half the population.
 Is it possible to guarantee rights to minorities?
Promoting the Public Good

Theory

If all citizens participate in government, decisions
will better promote the public good than if
decisions are left to just a few people in
government?

Agree or disagree?