1.3 - Democracy in the United States
3. Why is the free enterprise system important to American democracy?
Economic freedoms enable people to preserve other freedoms.
What is the economic system of the United States called?
Free Enterprise System
What is the worth of the individual?
all people are created equal and deserve an opportunity to pursue their potential *make their own decisions
In what way did the Founders believe economic freedom would assure a limited government?
allowing people to build wealth would empower them to limit the power of government
Free Enterprise
allows for people and businesses to make their own economic choices about how best to produce, distribute, and exchange goods and services with limited government interference
Alexis de Tocqueville identified an inequality in American society when he traveled around the country. What group(s) did he identify as receiving poor treatment?
Native Americans and "abomination of slavery"
Who was Ruby Bridges and why was she discussed in this section?
-In 1960, Ruby Bridges was a six-year old who was the only African American student assigned to an all-white school in New Orleans, Louisiana that needed protection from federal marshals to attend school -it shows the beginning of integration of schools. This was a bold step toward the realization of an important ideal of American Democracy - equality.
What are 6 economic freedoms enjoyed by citizens of the United States?
-earning money -purchasing property -spending income on goods and services -choosing an occupation or changing jobs -determining where to save money and how much -the ability to open new businesses
1. Why are the ideals of liberty, equality, and self-government important to American democracy?
These ideas are rooted in founding-era documents and have guided the expansion of democracy in the US. (Declaration; Constitution; Mayflower compact)
2. What are the principles of American democracy? (5)
Worth of the Individual, Rule of Law, Majority Rule/Minority Rights, Compromise, and Citizen Participation
Is majority rule tied in with minority rights?
Yes
Majority Rule
a basic principle of democracy that decisions are made by a majority, by getting more than half of the votes cast
Ideal
a conception of something in its most perfect form; belief
Liberal Democracy
a form of democracy that protects the rights of the minority (anyone)
What is citizen participation?
a healthy democracy requires active citizen participation at all levels
What is despotism?
a political system in which the ruler exercises absolute power in a cruel and oppressive way
What are some ways citizens can become involved in their government? *only name a few
becoming informed about issues, speak our minds, serve on juries, debate public issues, hold leaders accountable, attend community meetings, volunteer for military and social service, pay taxes, and join political parties
What would happen to American democracy if citizens stopped participating in political and social life?
democracy would fail, our rights would be taken away and we probably wouldn't get it back
What is compromise?
despite their differences, opposing groups can reach agreements
What is rule of law?
government is subject to recognized and enforced limits
What are the 3 ideals of American Democracy?
liberty, equality, self-government
Under what circumstance do you think government involvement in the economy might be justified?
monopoly, recession, depression
What did Tocqueville fear might lead to a form of democratic despotism?
people might give too much power to the central government to achieve equality
Liberty
the ability of people to act and think as they choose, so long as their choices do no harm to the liberty or well-being of others; freedom
Self-Government
the belief that ordinary people could aspire to rule themselves and do so as political equals
What is majority rule/minority rights?
the majority rules but the rights of the political minority are protected
Who is the ultimate source of government authority under self-government?
the people
Minority Right
the political rights held by groups who make up less than half of the population
Equality
the principle that all people possess a fundamental, moral worth that entitles them to fair treatment under the law and equal opportunity in all aspects of life -- political, social and economic
Why is it important to protect minority rights in a democracy?
they have the same rights as the majority, they should be protected as well
How are the three ideals of American democracy interrelated?
without any of three, you can not experience the others - they are all needed