Principles of Democracy

Unit One

Popular Sovereignty/Consent of the Governed

Definition

• Power comes from the people

Example

• Citizens votes in elections without being threatened or intimidated

Rule of Law

Definition

• Government leaders and citizens must follow a written constitution and laws

Example

• Anyone found in violation of the Constitution or breaking a law are punished and brought to justice

Limited Government

Definition

• The Constitution limits the powers of government by having three branches that check each other to make sure one does not become too powerful

Example

• Separation of powers and checks and balances

Individual Rights and Freedoms

• Definition

• Citizens are born with certain rights and freedoms

• ExampleThe right to a lawyer, found in the Bill of Rights

Majority Rules with Minority Rights protected

• DefinitionEven though the majority has the power, minorities still have their rights

• ExampleMandatory prayer is not allowed in public schools even though most Americans may favor it

Equality of all persons under the law

• DefinitionAll citizens are treated fairly and equally

• ExampleEvery citizen may vote regardless of gender, race, economic status, or religion

Federalism

• DefinitionPower is divided and shared between states and the national government

• ExampleEach state has their own Constitution and laws but also must follow the U.S. Constitution and U.S. laws