Ideals of Democracy

Natural Rights

Fundamental rights that belong to all people.

Social Contract

People give government power in exchange for protection of their rights and maintenance of order.

Popular Sovereignty

Government gets its power from the people.

Limited Government

Government's power is restricted by laws and the Constitution.

Rule of Law

No one is above the law; laws apply equally to everyone.

Majority Rule with Minority Rights

The majority governs while the rights of individuals and minorities are protected.

Republicanism

Citizens elect representatives to make decisions and policies on their behalf.

Liberal Democracy

Government combines representative democracy with protection of individual liberty and freedom

State of Nature

No central Government or rules

John Locke’s Social Contract theory

states that people form governments through a mutual agreement to protect their natural rights to life, liberty, and property. If a government breaks this trust, citizens have the right to change or overthrow it.

Key principles of Limited Government

• Natural Rights

• Social Contract 

• Popular Sovereignty

• Republicanism

Three Natural Rights

• Life

• Liberty

• Pursuit of Happiness