Types of Democracy
A democracy is a political system in which the supreme power belongs to the people; however, not all democracies are alike. There are two types of democracies, indirect and direct. In a direct democracy there are no elected representatives because government decisions are made directly by the people. The United States has the most common form of democracy, an indirect democracy or representative democracy. In an indirect democracy the people vote for elected representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
Read "What is a Democracy?" to learn more.
Characteristics of Democracy
There are three basic ideals within democracy in America including, liberty, equality, and self-government.
Democracies have the following characteristics:
- Effective participation by citizens
- Free and fair elections
- Majority rule with minority rights
- Individual rights
- Protection of rights and freedoms
- Tolerance, cooperation, and compromise
Effective Participation by Citizens
Effective participation means that citizens must not only be able to express their preferences in the political decision-making process, but also actively participate by becoming informed voters. In addition to voting, citizens should be 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.
Free and Fair Elections
Free and fair elections mean that citizens of voting age in a democracy must be able to express their opinions through the election process. No one's vote should count more than another. In other words, it should be "one person, one vote." These free and fair elections should be held at all levels of government and at regular intervals.
Watch Election Foundations (2:35) to learn more about our democracy, elections, and rights.
Majority Rule with Minority Rights
Majority rule with minority rights is an essential standard of democracy. Majority rule is used to make public decisions in a democracy. Minority rights must be respected and protected in a democracy. No majority has the right to take away or ignore minority rights in a democracy. The guaranteed protection of minority rights allows the minority to fully participate without fear of persecution.
Representative Nancy Pelosi and Representative John Boehner have both served as Speaker of the House and Minority Leader as their parties changed from the minority to the majority party in the House of Representatives.
Individual Rights
Individual rights have been highly valued in our nation since its birth as evidenced in the famous words of our founding fathers that we are born with rights to "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." Citizens must be able to express their opinions and beliefs in a democracy.
Read the "Two Kinds of Balance" section of "Democratic Values - Liberty, Equality, Justice" to learn more about our cherished liberty.
Individual Rights Continued
Our natural rights as United States citizens are preserved in the Bill of Rights, or the first ten amendments to the Constitution. The first amendment covers several of our natural rights including, freedom of speech (people must be able to express their position regarding a public policy), freedom of the press (citizens must have an enlightened understanding of the issues), freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, and freedom to petition the government. These freedoms allow voters to communicate their views and beliefs to government officials.
Watch Bill of Rights (3:02) to learn more about the individual and state's rights preserved in the Bill of Rights.
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Equal Protection of Rights under the Law
Equal protection of rights under the law is essential in a democracy. Democratic societies believe "all men are created equal" and are entitled to equal opportunity and equal protection under the law without preference. Justice in the courts must be equally administered to all. A citizen's obligation to serve as a juror or to testify as a witness in a court of law helps protect equal justice under the law. Due process must be established.
Tolerance, Cooperation and Compromise
Tolerance, cooperation, and compromise are necessary to protect individual rights in a thriving democracy. Diversity must be safeguarded and all communities must be accurately represented. In other words, the right to be different must be protected and a climate of tolerance must be valued in democratic societies. Diversity in opinions requires cooperation among differing groups in order to reach compromise which produces a successful and well-functioning government.
Watch Rebuilding America (3:00) to hear the President's description of our nation and to review the principles you learned in this first lesson
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