1/19 - GOVT Ch. 1.3

Foundations of Government (1.3)

Ideals of American Democracy

• American govt. is centered around three ideals:

• 1) Liberty

  2) Equality

• 3) Self Government

Liberty

Liberty - freedom: the ability to think and act as you choose as long as it does not harm the liberty of well being of other people.
-the Framers designed the Bill of Rights to protect these ideals.

Ex: 1st Amendment

Open Ended

How is Americans' freedom of speech and example of liberty?

Equality

The principle that all people pocess a fundamental, moral worth that entitles them to fair treatment under the law and equal opportunity.

Open Ended

Explain Equality in your own words

Self Government

The belief that ordinary people can aspire to rule themselves and can do so as political equals.
The Declaration of Independence proclaimed the importance of self government.
The revolution was fought to make self government possible.
Under self government, the power of the government lies primarily with the people, who have the right to keep or abolish the government as they see fit.

Principles of American Democracy

Principles of American Democracy

5 key principles underlie the success of American democracy
- The worth of the individual is important
-American democracy depends on the rule of law (no person or govt is above the law)
-majority rule & minority rights are respected
-Compromise is key
-American democracy depends on the participation of citizens

Open Ended

In your own words define majority rule

Open Ended

In your own words define minority rights

Open Ended

In your own words define Liberal Democracy

Free Enterprise

Free Enterprise

Economic freedom is the basis for the American free enterprise system, which allows people and businesses to make their own economic choices.
This allows for competitive markets and protects the buyer and seller.
Usually in this type of market the government is largly uninvolved, but as the American economy has evolved, some government intervention has become necessary.

Open Ended

Why is it important that government plays a role in the free market?