Chapter 1 Principles of Government and Politics Section 2 Introducing American Democracy.

Chapter 1Principles of Government

and Politics

Section 2Introducing American

Democracy

© EMC Publishing, LLC

Origins of American Democracy

Ancient Greece

• Some people were grantedcitizenship.

• All citizens had to participate.

The Middle Ages

Divine right of kings wasestablished.

• Privileged groups (forexample, nobles) weregiven rights.


Continuing toward American Democracy

Protestant Reformation

• Supporters challenged authority of Roman Catholic Church.

• Reformers introduced new ideas of power beyond religion.

The Enlightenment

• Thinkers said reason alone manages the world, controlsnature.


John Locke and the Social Contract Theory

John Locke: A philosopher who supported a contract between people and government, not democracy

Social contract: The idea that people freely exchange some rights for governmental protection

Contract breaks = Government fails to protectpeople’s rights

People’s consent = Legitimate government authority


John Locke’s Ideas Influence Founding Fathers

Locke wrote while the Constitutional Convention met.

“When any one, or more, shall take upon them to make laws without authority, which the

people are not therefore bound to obey; by which means they come again to be out of subjection, and

may institute to themselves a new legislature.” (Locke’s Second

Treatise of Civil Government)


Characteristics of American Democracy

Popular sovereignty: Is based on the idea that people are a source of power to government

Republican democracy: Uses representation

• Madison: Wanted representative government to cool public passions

• Founders: Wanted representatives to be older, wiser than average citizen

Limited government: Limits governmental actions

Rule of law: Says all people must obey law of the land


Characteristics of American Democracy

Common good: The protection of individual rights and liberties while at the same time helping society

Equality as an inalienable right for all

Majority rule balanced by protection of minority rights

Compromise: Give and take in political bargaining


Your TurnWhich of the following characteristics of American Democracy are most

important? Rank them from 1 to 8, with 1 being most important.

a. Popular sovereigntyb. Limited governmentc. The rule of lawd. Individual libertye. The common goodf. Equalityg. Majority rule / protection of minority rightsh. Compromise


Then versus Now

Early on, Americans did not always act for the common good.

Madison designed the republic in reaction to colonists’ self-interest.

Question: How do we behave as citizens today?


U.S. Citizens Today

Political Knowledge

• Most know who is president but do not recognize other elected officials.

Ideology

• An increasing number call themselves independents.

Tolerance

• Many accept others without compromising virtues.

Participation

• Middle and upper classes are increasingly involved in government.


Your Turn

Does decreased participation mark a civic crisis in our democracy? Choose the answer that best matches your response. Be ready to explain your reasoning.

a. Strongly yesb. Moderately yesc. Undecidedd. Moderately noe. Strongly no

Chapter 1 Principles of Government and Politics Section 2 Introducing American Democracy.

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Transcript of Chapter 1 Principles of Government and Politics Section 2 Introducing American Democracy.