This document discusses the pillars of democracy, which are the core principles and systems that uphold democratic governments. It outlines 11 pillars, including sovereignty of the people, consent of the governed, majority rule, minority rights, basic human rights, free and fair elections, equality before the law, due process, constitutional limits on government, pluralism, and tolerance. Students are asked to analyze examples and identify which pillars they illustrate, as well as choose one pillar to depict visually and discuss in definition and in terms of how it has been strengthened or damaged over time.

1. PILLARS OF
DEMOCRACY
WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE SOME
OF THE THINGS THAT HOLD UP THIS
DEMOCRACY?
DISCUSS WITH YOUR GROUP.

2. PILLARS OF DEMOCRACY
1.SOVERIEGNTY OF THE PEOPLE
The right to decide-education, home, children, marriage, job?
2. GOVERNMENT based upon CONSENT of the GOVERNED.
The people give PERMISSION for the GOV’T to RULE Us.
We agree to follow the rules in exchange for order
3. MAJORITY RULE
Rules are decided by MOST or greater then 51% of
Any vote.

3. PILLARS OF DEMOCRACY
4. MINORITY RIGHTS
All minorities, Blacks, Latina, Women, Jews, GLBT, become
the “WATCH DOG” over the MAJORITY to protect rights.
5. GUARANTEE OF BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness
6. FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS
No poll taxes, literacy tests or grandfather clause
7. EQUALITY BEFORE THE LAW
Same treatment regardless of ECONOMIC STATUS,
GENDER, RACE, etc.

4. PILLARS OF DEMOCRACY
• Of the first Six pillars we discussed so far, decide, as a group, on a real life
example of one of the pillars in action and a way this or another pillar has
been weakened.
• Try to come up with one not discussed before.

5. PILLARS OF DEMOCRACY
8. DUE PROCESS of LAW
Speedy Trial, jury of your peers,
no double jeopardy, Miranda rights, etc.
9. CONSTITUTIONAL LIMITS ON GOVEMENT
3 BRANCHES, Checks and Balances, Federalism
10. SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, POLITICAL PLURALISM
MADD, LABOR UNION, COMMUNIST PARTY
Right to belong to any group without
GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE
11. VALUES of TOLERANCE, PRAGMATISM, COOPERATION, and
COMPROMISE

6. PILLARS OF DEMOCRACY
Read the examples and then write ALL the Pillars of Democracy that are being
presented. Be ready to defend your point.
1. There are African Amer., Latin Amer., Asian Amer., and women in Congress.
2. Kenmore citizens do not want any form of gambling within the village limits.
Mayor Mang has complied and it is now law.
3. The city of Buffalo is comprised of Irish, Italian, Polish, and African American
communities.
4. The President can veto legislation.
5. I’ve wanted to be a teacher my entire life. Now, I am very happy!
6. 300 out of 400 seniors voted in favor of early release. Administration approved.
7. Sam believe in the right to bear arms. Tony wants all guns to have a safety lock
and stronger background checks. They are still best friends.
8. A jury of her peers found Sarah guilty of sexual harassment.
9. Grandma Edna was fined $75 for speeding. The next day Tommy received a $75
fine for speeding.
10. The 15th Amendment guarantees the right to vote regardless of the color of
your skin or former servitude.

7. PILLARS OF DEMOCRACY
Choose one Pillar from each page and for each:
• Illustrate the Pillar in action on the front of the poster.
Do not use words and do not identify the Pillar. Make sure your illustrations
are large and colorful.
• Define/Explain each Pillar in your own words on on a index card.
• Write on another index card how the Pillar has been damaged or strengthen
over the years.
Must be a real life example.
Ramps for Wheelchairs accessibility- Fair Elections