Basic Concepts of Democracy The best argument against democracy is a five minute conversation with the average voter Winston Churchill The Basic Notions Democracy more than most other forms of Government has more components and requires more from its citizens ID: 319122
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Slide1
Chapter 1 Section 3
Basic Concepts of DemocracySlide2
“The best argument against democracy is a
five minute conversation with the average voter.” -Winston ChurchillSlide3
The Basic Notions
Democracy, more than most other forms of Government, has more components and requires more from its citizens.
Therefore, Democracy is much more labor intensive Slide4
The Basic Notions
In our American form of Democracy, there are five basic notions that we need to embrace:
A recognition of the fundamental worth of dignity of every person.A respect for the equality of all persons.A faith in majority rule and an insistence upon minority rights.An acceptance of the necessity of compromise.
An insistence upon the widest possible degree of individual freedom.Slide5
The Basic Notions
A recognition of the fundamental worth of dignity of every person.
Remembering that each person is a separate and distinct being. Keep this in mind as we often sacrifice individuality for the greater common good. (Give Examples)Slide6
The Basic Notions
A respect for the equality of all persons
.Similar to our previous point, this stresses the importance of the individual. This was established early on in the words from Thomas Jefferson “All men are created equal”
Equality through Democracy has two key principles:
-Equality of opportunity
-Equality before the lawSlide7
The Basic Notions
A faith in majority rule and an insistence upon minority rights.
Majority rule is an important premise within our society. If the majority don’t rule than it is no longer representative of the people.This doesn’t mean, however, that the minority goes without say or without protections.The solutions of congress should appeal to most, but will not appeal to all.Slide8
The Basic Notions
An acceptance of the necessity of compromise
.With an emphasis on the individual, compromise is essential to govern the masses.Slide9
The Basic Notions
An insistence upon the widest possible degree of individual freedom.
Individual freedom vs complete freedom(“The right to swing my fist ends where the other man’s nose begins”)We should understand that the struggle to balance individualism with other societal needs will be constant and never endingSlide10
So In Review
A recognition of the fundamental worth of dignity of every person.
A respect for the equality of all persons.A faith in majority rule and an insistence upon minority rights.An acceptance of the necessity of compromise.An insistence upon the widest possible degree of individual freedom.
Is this in theory or in practice? Slide11
Democracy and Free Enterprise
Many of the same basic notions translate to our economic system as well.Its important to note that while similar, forms of government are different than forms of economic systems.Slide12
The Free Enterprise System
What we are said to have is a free enterprise/free market/ capitalist system.There are four keys to this system:
1) Private ownership2) Individual initiative3) Profit4) CompetitionSlide13
The Laws of Supply and Demand!
Take Economics!Macro/Micro
https
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www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulyVXa-u4wE
Adam Smith- Wealth of Nations Slide14
Is It Really A Free Enterprise System?
What we are said to have is a free market/free market/ capitalist system.There are four keys to this system:
1) Private ownership2) Individual initiative3) Profit4) CompetitionBut what about government regulation?Slide15
Mixed Economy
We recognized that there are certain things the government should have authority to regulate.
Thus certain industries and markets are affected by artificial means (governmental intervention) (see price ceilings and floors)