does US constitution promote democracy?

provision of elections

democratic

• Provides frequent elections – House every 2 years, Senate 6, Pres 4

• Separation of powers mean Congress not beholden to President

• History of Congress voting against President and even members of own party doing so if views of constituents strong enough

• Republicans took control of House in 2022 election

undemocratic

• Electoral college not democratic 

• Hillary Clinton received 2.8 million more votes than Trump in 2020

• George Bush also received less votes than Al Gore in 2000

• 2 senators per state also ignores huge population discrepancies 

• Each state having own voting laws also causes issues

rights protection

democratic

• rights seen as fundamental freedoms

• many amendments ensure rights

• key court cases have protected rights, such as Brown vs. Board of Education

undemocratic

• are rights protected? Despite 14^th Amendment several states have laws which make it difficult for minorities to vote

• Over 6.2% of adult African American population disenfranchised, 1.7% of non-African American population

• Constitution does not stop differences in voting, electoral college votes, winner take all seats leading to safe seats

checks and balances

democratic

• Helps prevent concentration and abuse of power

• Checks can prevent leaders from working in their own interests

• Allows for consideration of different interests. Compromise necessary – encourages pluralist democracy rather than majoritarian (example on handout)

undemocratic

• Checks and balances can be seen as detrimental to democracy as they can prevent elected politicians from delivering their policy promises

• An elected president can be stopped by Congress

• High level of checks make it easier for partisan politics

• Constitution set up to create limited government