This document discusses the key characteristics and principles of democracy. It defines democracy as a system of government where the people rule either directly or through elected representatives. Major characteristics include majority rule, individual rights protected, equality under the law, and elected representatives carrying out the people's will. Direct democracy is discussed as when the people make decisions directly through referendums and recalls. The document also outlines the basic ideals of American democracy, such as popular consent, respect for individuals, equality of opportunity, personal liberty, and rule of law.

1. Democracy is…..

2. Characteristics of Democracy
DEMOCRACY

3. Characteristics of Democracy
DEMOCRACY
Majority
ruleGovt.
by and for
the people
Rights of the
individual
protected
Elected
representatives
carry out the
people’s willFreedom
Everyone
equal
under
the law

4. Democracy is ….
a system of government in whicha system of government in which
the people rule either directly orthe people rule either directly or
through elected representativesthrough elected representatives

5. Direct (Pure) Democracy
A form of democracy in
which the people as a
whole make direct
decisions, rather than
having those decisions
made for them by
elected
representatives

6. Examples of Direct Democracy
referendum - the
practice of
submitting a law to
a popular vote at
election time. The
law may be
proposed by a
voter's initiative or
by the legislature

7. Examples of Direct Democracy
recall - A procedure
whereby the voters
can vote to remove
an elected official
from office

8. American Democracy:American Democracy:
Basic Ideals & PrinciplesBasic Ideals & Principles
 I: Popular Consent (popular
sovereignty)
 II: Respect for the Individual
 III: Equality of Opportunity
 IV: Personal Liberty
 V: Rule of Law

9. American Democracy:American Democracy:
Basic Ideals & PrinciplesBasic Ideals & Principles
I: Popular Consent (popular
sovereignty)
 government derives its power
from the consent of the people

10. American Democracy:American Democracy:
Basic Ideals & PrinciplesBasic Ideals & Principles
II: Respect for the Individual
 each person has the right to
reach their own potential
 all entitled to “certain
unalienable rights”

11. American Democracy:American Democracy:
Basic Ideals & PrinciplesBasic Ideals & Principles
III: Equality of Opportunity
 “all men are created equal”
 What kinds of equality should
the government guarantee?
Political? Economic? Social?

12. American Democracy:American Democracy:
Basic Ideals & PrinciplesBasic Ideals & Principles
IV: Personal Liberty
 “life, liberty and the pursuit of
happiness”
 self-determination

13. American Democracy:American Democracy:
Basic Ideals & PrinciplesBasic Ideals & Principles
V: Rule of Law
 “a government of laws and not
of men”
 safeguard of liberty