Constitutional DemocracyLECTURE 1

Mr. Chris Sandford

Mitchell College

Amer. Gov. & Politics

Experiment?

We all need to understand that the document which is barely over 200 years old - basically establishes a government that is an experiment.

Experiment?

In the history of the world very few democracies have lasted this long.

Our democracy requires participation - “not a spectator sport.”

Our founding fathers envisioned a government were the citizens would debate and discuss all major issues.

People having a say

Democracy Constitutional

Democracy Direct Democracy Constitutionalism Representative

Democracy

Do all the people agree?

Since we all basically have a say….You can see how things may not get accomplished quickly or easily.

Why people my argue and disagree…our democratic government does have 5 basic values that each person shares.

Value 1 - Personal Liberty

In our system of government, believe it or not, each person has the right to make decisions and realize their own goals.

People have the “freedom to….”

Value 2 - respect for the Individual.

Each person has the potential for common sense, rational thought, and fairness.

Individual have natural rights (life liberty & property) that the government needs to protect.

No matter the individual (male, black, immigrant) we all have basic individual rights.

Value 3 - equality of opportunity This has been the most

controversial… “all men are created

equal..” Has it always been like

this? This is where the country continues to “perfect” itself. People wonder if we will ever be equal.

Value 4 - Popular Consent This is a strong belief. Our government was

founded on the belief that government derives it powers from the consent of the people that it governs.

Rules/Laws = FREEDOM

Value 5 - Democratic Values & Conflict

It is understood and accepted that all people will not agree. The beauty of a Democracy is that compromises will be made to appease many people.

The Founders believed that converstaions and debates will lead to better laws.