What is a democracy?

How could direct democracy work in a large, diverse population spread over a geographical distance?

It can't, so American founders made "indirect" or "representative" democracy

Where is direct democracy practiced in today?

New England town meetings, where all citizens of voting age meet to decide important political decisions.

What is Indirect/Representative Democracy?

Representatives are chosen by the people to make decisions for them. The representative body, then, becomes a manageable size for doing the business of government.

What is a widespread criticism of representative democracy?

The representatives become the "elites" that seldom consult ordinary citizens, so even though they're elected, a truly representative government doesn't really exist.

Who was the leader of the Russian Revolution in 1917?

Vladimir Ulyinov Lenin, established a communist government that did not allow private property to exist. All members of society were theoretically equal. Lenin considered a small "vanguard of the revolution" necessary to guide the people & establish order. So a small group of leaders make decisions in the name of the people, based on their perceptions of what the people want & need.

Democracy clearly links to "rule of law" to?

form a basic principle that profoundly shapes American government.

What is Natural Law?

the notion that human societies should be governed by ethical principles found in nature. (The ancient Greeks, especially Aristotle, valued this)

What word is nowhere found in the Declaration of Independence?

"Democracy"

What is another modern version of democracy?

"Democratic Centralism" a term made famous by Vladimir Ulyinov Lenin.

What term did the Founders prefer over Democracy?

"Republic" because it described a system they preferred: the interests of the people were represented by more knowledgeable or wealthier citizens who were responsible to those that elected them.

What are democracies based on?

"Rule of law"

Where does the term democracy come from?

2 greek words: "demos" (the people) & "kratia" (power or authority) So democracy is a form of government that gives power to the people.

What is Direct Democracy?

A system in which citizens meet to discuss all policy & then make decisions by majority rule. Ancient Greek: Only free males were considered to be citizens (their democracy was limited

What type of rule did the Founders fear? & Why?

Democratic rule; In the late 18th century, rule by the people was thought to lead to "disorder" & "disruption".

What are the greeks famous for?

Direct Democracy