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