Are you registered to vote?

AGENDASeptember 25/26, 2012

Today’s topics National Voter Registration Day Video: What are the Roots of Representative Democracy? Great Political Philosophers

Administrative Practice test: Chapter 1 Return quizzes, papers

Homework Due Sept. 27/28: Glossary terms, Chap. 3

ALWAYS a possible quiz on Glossary terms when they’re due Prepare for test review

National Voter Registration Day1. Watch video2. Complete Voter Registration card3. Put your completed Voter Registration form

into one of the two envelopes:a) TURN IN my Voter Registration formb) Do NOT turn in my Voter Registration form

4. A completed form in either envelope = full credit (5 points)

Practice Test

The Roots of Representative Democracy

As you watch, answer the following:1. In a country as vast as the United States, how

can our voices be heard?2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of

representative democracy?3. What is the difference between who can vote

today and who could vote in Athens, Rome, and the U.S. when it first became a nation?

4. What might be the advantages and disadvantages of who can vote today compared with who could vote in the past?

Name that Political Philosopher!

The Greeks / Aristotle

Big idea: Citizens have the right to control their government

= DEMOCRACY

Also: Identified the three basic functions of government

1. Legislative2. Executive3. Judicial

Roman RepublicBig ideas:

1. Representative Democracy

2. Public Good / Common Good

3. Classical RepublicanismThe ideals and practices that emphasized civic

participation and the responsibility of citizens for the well-being of their country. Acts by citizens that placed the public good above private interest were especially prized.

Also: Roman Senate… U.S. Senate…

Thomas Hobbes

Big idea: Social Contract Theory

State of nature = “war of every man against every man” which means life would be “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short”

People establish governments for personal/mutual protection

John LockeBig ideas:

1. Natural Rights (Life, Liberty & Property)

2. Popular SovereigntyGovernment’s power is ultimately in the hands of

the people

3. Social Contract TheoryPeople consent to government to protect their

natural rights (inalienable rights)If government fails to protect people’s rights, they

have a right to change the government

Baron de Montesquieu

Big idea: Separation of powers

Prevents one branch from acquiring too much power

1. Legislative2. Executive3. Judicial

Protects individuals’ freedom

Homework

Before you leave Pick up your belongings & any trash Straighten desks

Homework due next class Glossary terms, Chap. 3

ALWAYS a possible quiz on Glossary terms when they’re due

Prepare for test review