Agenda Tues 9/6 & Wed 9/7Rap #7: Welfare State

Preamble QuizFoundations of DemocracyChapter 1 ReviewHW: pg 24 #1-12, 17,18, 20

Prepare for Chapter 1 Quiz

Rap #7: Welfare State

“The legitimate object of government, is to do for a community of people, whatever they need to have done, but can not do, at all, or can not, so well do, for themselves—in their separate and individual capacities.”--Abraham Lincoln

Basic Concepts of Democracy

Chp 1 Sec 3

DemocracyDemocracy exists because of the

assumption of basic principlesDemocracy is not a common form

of government and is dependent upon certain concepts“Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half of the time.”

--E.B. White

The 5 Foundations of Democracy

1. Fundamental worth of the individualDemocracy insists that each person’s worth and

dignity be recognized and respected by all other individuals, and by society, at all times.

2. Equality of all personsequality of opportunity & equality before the law

Fundamental Worth of the IndividualEach person no matter what their job,

class, gender, race is an individual and should be respectedHow is this different than in a monarchy or

communist system?

Equality of all Persons

This is related to the worth of the individual

As individuals we are all equalThis is the one we have had the most trouble

with!

This does not mean we are all the same but are privy to the same opportunities!Ex: The right to pass or fail

The 5 Foundations of Democracy

3.Majority rule and minority rightsThe majority must always recognize the right of

any minority to become, by fair and lawful means the majority.

The majority must be willing to listen to a minority’s argument, to hear its objections, to bear its criticisms, and to welcome its suggestions.

Majority Rule and Minority Rights

If the power is in the hands of the people then they make the decisions

Decisions are not unanimous but based on the desire of the majority

Because the majority has the power they must take special care to not discriminate or oppress minoritiesEx: The majority cannot decide to unlawfully

prison the minority

The 5 Foundations of Democracy

4.Necessity of CompromiseNot all compromises are good. Puts the individual first but insists that that

each individual is equal.

5. Individual freedomAbsolute freedom would end in anarchy.

Necessity of Compromise

All opinions are considered equal, just as individuals are considered equal

Because of this assumption of equality there has to be a give and take or compromise

Without compromise the country would never make any decisions

Some things are above compromiseEx: Freedom for all US citizens

Individual Freedom

In a democracy there can never be complete freedom… that would be anarchy and was forfeited under social contract theory

You are free to do the things that don’t effect others

A democratic government must find the balance between freedom and authority

References

McClenaghan, W. (2006). Magruder’s American Government. Boston, MA: Prentice Hall.