Gov - 1.2 - Principles of Democracy - Vocab

Transparancy

ability to see what the government is doing (e.g., access government documents)

Accountability

government officials can be punished for misdeeds (e.g., lose job, lose election or go to jail)

Majority rule with minority rights

government should reflect out come of elections, but the rule cannot violate individual rights

Judicial independence

judges should interpret the laws and constitution without outside pressure (e.g., the president)

Control of the abuse of power

prevent government officials from using government power illegally or for financial gain

Limited government and a Bill of Rights

explicit rights for individuals making it clear that government power is not unlimited or absolute (e.g., freedom of speech).

Citizen participation

people should be involved in the political process and in government (e.g., voting, campaigning & attending meetings or protests)

Regular free and fair elections

Elections should be held every few years with no restrictions (racial or gender prohibitions) or barriers (too hard to get to polling stations).

Accepting the results of the elections

All elections judged fair should be accepted by the losing candidate and party (i.e., a peaceful transfer of power)

The rule of law

everyone must obey the law regardless of their position (e.g., president & police officer) or be held accountable

Economic freedom

The government should not control the production or consumption of goods and services and private ownership of property is permitted

Equality

people should be valued equally and free from unreasonable discrimination

Individual and Human Rights

Rights that all people have simply because they're human. These are mostly found in the Bill of Rights (e.g., religious freedom)

Competing political parties

More than one party should be active and competitive in elections to maintain a healthy debate and promote accountability (e.g., the Democrats & Republicans)