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Unit 1: Basic Principles of Government
Pillars of Democracy
The Pillars of Democracy
• The components needed for a democracy to be successful and prosperous; if one is missing, democracy would be weakened and eventually crumble.
What is…
• Democracy- rule by the people.
• Direct Democracy- the people run the day to day aspects of the government. We do not have this type of democracy!!!
• Representative Government- the people elect officials that will represent their interests in government.
Sovereignty of the People
• The people are free and independent of each other and the government and have the power to make their own decisions.
Example
• Upheld: I can make my own career/life choices, unlike in a totalitarian society.
• Falls: Boss Tweed, drafted in to war
Government based upon consent of the governed
• The government can only make decisions if they have the approval of the people for which it exists.
Examples
• Upheld: Voting, representative government, impeachment
• Falls- Gun Control in NYS
Majority Rule
• Decisions are made when over half of the population (or elected body) approves it.
Example
• Upheld: President Barack Obama was re-elected in 2012
• Falls: Al Gore & the Electoral college
Minority Rights
• The rights of the minority voice can not be ignored even with majority rule; the people share the same rights.
Examples
• Upheld: Civil Rights Movement, Voting Rights Act of 1965
• Falls: Jim Crow Laws
Guarantee of basic human rights
• All citizens are guaranteed the rights of life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness…these can not be taken away.
Examples
• Upheld: Gay marriage, not to be killed, not to have your possessions stolen….
• Falls: Gay marriage in a state that does not allow it!!!
Free and fair elections
• The electoral process is open to all people, free of cost, and all citizens have the right to run as well as vote in the election.
Examples
• Upheld: Voting Rights Act of 1965
• Falls: Literacy tests, Poll Taxes, Grandfather Clauses
Equality before the law
• Justice is blind, there is no factor/characteristic that is distinguishable in the face of the law…all citizens have the same rights and freedoms under the laws.
Example
• Upheld: A Muslim American will be treated the same as all other Americans.
• Falls: Muslim Americans being racially profiled and treated as a terrorist threat.
Due Process of Law
• All citizens are guaranteed the same procedures when charged with breaking the law; Miranda rights, etc.
Example
• Upheld: A jury of your peers will determine your guilt or innocence.
• Falls: Vigilante justice, not being read your Miranda Rights
Constitutional limits on Government
• Principles exist to prevent the government from becoming too powerful.
Examples
• Upheld: Checks and Balances, Separation of Powers, Veto Power
• Falls: F.D.R. served 4 terms in office- led to a 2 term limit.
Social, Economic & Political Pluralism
• Differences are allowed and promoted in the government because the citizens of America are vastly different.
• Pluralism; various ethnic, religious, etc. groups existing together in a nation.
Examples
• Upheld: The Amish in Pennsylvania, Native American Nations
• Falls: Hate crimes
Values of tolerance, pragmatism, cooperation, and
compromise• Citizens of the nation must work
with one another respecting the different opinions and values; also they must be realistic in their decisions and be willing to compromise so that work may be done.
Examples
• Upheld: Bipartisanship in our govt.
• Falls: Not allowing religious decorations or songs in public schools.
Pick a Pillar3x5 Card
• Put your name on the 3x5 card.
• On one side, pick the pillar you feel is most important and WHY.
• On the other side of the card, pick the pillar you feel is least important and WHY.
• Hand in on your way out the door.