American Ideals Review Quiz

define democracy

a system of government founded on the principle that the power to rule comes from the consent of the governed (the citizens)

define rights

powers or privileges granted to people either by an agreement among themselves or the law

define opportunity

the chance for people to pursue their hopes and dreams

define meritocracy

you have to work hard to get success; you aren't born into success

democracy in 1776

-only white, adult, property-owning men can vote -system worked well in small, local government -hard with larger scale (management, different backgrounds, etc.)

opportunity in 1776

-ability to own land -- "master and owner of labor land" -lure to cross country/immigrants

equality in 1776

-christian belief that all people are equal in the god's eyes -except slaves and women -want meritocracy

rights today

-constitution and bill of rights (basic rights) -health care & clean environment are NOT protected

equality today

-equality to all citizens -- no matter the gender, age, race, physical ability, or national background -equal rights does not equal equality -equality doesn't consider wealth, education, and power

opportunity today

-immigrants coming to america -economic opportunity -reuniting with family -education -peace

liberty today

-limited -not absolute

liberty in 1776

-opposite of freedom is slavery -political freedom -- right to take part in a public affair -civil liberty -- protection from government interfering -moral and religious freedom

basic rights

-speech -choose faith -jury -expression -bear arms -cruel or unusual punishment

rights in 1776

-unalienable right -- rights belonging to all of human kind -natural rights -- rights you are born with (life, liberty & property) -government should protect the natural rights; if they don't citizens can overthrow it

democracy today

-women can vote (1920) -african americans can vote (1870) -all citizens 18+ can vote -not everyone votes even if they can

define ideal

a principle or standard of perfection that people are always trying to achieve

define liberty

freedom

define equality

ideal situation where everyone is treated the same way and valued equally