Studied by 3 peoplevoters must understand the issues under consideration.
enlightened understanding of its electorate in a democracy
exercise his/her right to vote
most basic and important way a citizen can participate in our democracy
Effective participation by citizens
includes willing to serve on juries, speak out on public issues, hold their representatives accountable, pay taxes, volunteer within their community and nation, and even run for political office.
obligations of citizens living in a democracy
vote, serve as a juror., to stay informed on issues.
"one man, one vote"
each voter's vote must carry equal weight.
essential characteristics of a democracy
"one person, one vote", free speech and free press, due process of law
citizens
hold decision making power with their right to vote in a constitutional democracy
free and fair elections
Elections are free and open to all citizens of voting age each individuals vote counts the same.
Protection of rights and freedoms
Charter protects individuals from government
majority rule with minority rights.
the democratic principle that a government follows the preferences of the majority of voters but protects the interests of the minority; what democracy is committed to
freedom of speech
democracy can't exist without it
items guaranteed to citizens in a democracy
liberty, freedom of religion, fair trial, the right to personal freedoms, freedom of the press, a guarantee of equal opportunity
Tolerance, cooperation, and compromise
characteristic of democracy
individual rights
Basic liberties and rights of all citizens are guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.
direct democracy
There are no elected representatives because government decisions are made directly by the people
constitutional democracy
A government that enforces recognized limits on those who govern and allows the voice of the people to be heard through free, fair, and relatively frequent elections. rule of law prevails. citizens are the source of authority. laws must be in keeping with written constitution
parliamentary system
democratic system like the one in Great Britain that has a prime minister who is chosen by the legislature or parliament.
presidential system
democratic system like the one in the United States that has a separation of powers between an equal and independent executive and legislative branch.
rule of law
A limited government has power controlled by
nation-state
a political community occupying a specific territory that claims sovereignty or independence in the exercise of power over the people of its territory.
one ruler or small group of people
An authoritarian government allows decision making authority to rest with
theocracy
authoritarian government that is ruled by religious leaders.
dictatorship
most common form of authoritarian government in which unlimited power is held by one person who rules and controls the people by force.
totalitarian government
every aspect of human affairs is regulated by government authority; example: North Korea;
Magna Carta
the royal charter of political rights given to rebellious English barons by King John in 1215. attempted to limit the power of the monarch. was the first English document to limit the power of the monarchy and establish the idea that a monarch was not above the law.
Petition of Right
Document prepared by Parliament and signed by King Charles I of England in 1628; challenged the idea of the divine right of kings and declared that even the monarch was subject to the laws of the land; attempted to limit the power of the monarch. gave "commoners" more of a voice in government and demanded that the king stop imposing taxes without Parliament's consent.
English Bill of Rights
King William and Queen Mary accepted this document in 1689. It guaranteed certain rights to English citizens and declared that elections for Parliament would happen frequently. By accepting this document, they supported a limited monarchy, a system in which they shared their power with Parliament and the people. attempted to limit the power of the monarch.
Mayflower Compact
1620 - The first agreement for self-government in America. It was signed by the 41 men on the Mayflower and set up a government for the Plymouth colony. Exercised belief that a legitimate government must be formed through the will of the people to submit to that government
Virginia Declaration of Rights
a declaration of citizens' rights issued by the Virginia Convention. included Many of the rights previously established for English citizens in the English Bill of Rights
Jonathan Edwards
minister during the Great Awakening known for his fiery sermons, such as Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.
Great Awakening
Religious revival in the American colonies of the eighteenth century during which a number of new Protestant churches were established. Energized people to speak for themselves and rely less on the traditional authority of ministers and books. Promoted the idea of religious liberty and equality. Resulted in revivals that increased growth of new denominations and church attendance
Enlightenment philosophers
believed All governments should be a contract between the rulers and the people.
John Locke
asserted that government should protect life, liberty and property and most directly influenced the writing of the Declaration of Independence. Influenced government of the United States. Heavily influenced Thomas Jefferson as he wrote the Declaration of Independence
Charles de Montesquieu
wrote The Spirit of Laws and most directly influenced the writers of the constitution to include three branches of government. Influenced government of the United States
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
a belief that the individual should sacrifice self-interest in favor of the common good. Wrote The Social Contract. Influenced government of the United States
Thomas Hobbes
asserted that the purpose of government is to provide the greatest good for the greatest number of people
First Continental Congress
The meeting of this body in Philadelphia was the first time the colonies united to discuss a solution to problems with British treatment of the colonists:
Second Continental Congress
The delegates adopted a resolution to declare independence. The delegates created a committee to write the first official plan of government. The body served as an unofficial government for the United States during most of the American Revolution.
Declaration of Independence
It has been referred to as the most enduring protest document in the history of the world. It was signed by delegates of the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776 to declare the United States independent from the British.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident..."
found in the Declaration of Independence
Articles of Confederation
first written constitution for the United States government
Thomas Paine
Author of Common Sense
Patrick Henry
"Give me liberty or give me death"
Note
Flashcard