Unit 1 Chapter 4 Flashcards
(24 cards)
The legal procedures by which the government must protect the rights of the accused
Due process
Embodied the democratize ideals of liberty and equality by predicting the freedom of all citizens to speak, assemble, and worship without government intrusions
The bill of rights
The system used to elect the U.S. president.
The electoral college
the division and distribution of governmental power into national and state levels
Federalism
A principle of government that as- serts that a numerical majority of the electorate can make decisions binding upon the entire electorate
Majority rule
A majority consisting of a majority of all voting citizens.
Popular majority
majority of elected officials.
Representative majority
society in which differing opinions and parties exist freely
Pluralistic society
Government by people
Democracy
Where was the first significant example of pure democracy practiced?
Ancient Greece
Is the United States a democracy or a republic?
Both republic in structure democratic in principles
What two major questions confronted the framers of the U.S. Constitution?
1) How they would incorporate demographic ideas into the new American government
2) how to make a democratic republic work over a vast territory
What characteristic of mankind eventually destroys direct democracy?
Mans sinful nature
What key policies did the founders include in the Constitution to ensure that the majority would not tyrannize the minority?
the division of power into 3 branches and Bill of Rights
What two innovations were adopted in the Constitution in order to overcome the geographic limitations of a democracy?
selfgovernment by representation and federalism
What is the difference between a popular majority and a representative majority?
popular majority is the majority of all voting citizens; representative majority is the majority of elected officials within the legislature
four observations concerning majority rule in America that show why it has been effective.
it provides a better approach to governance than unanimity; it isn’t a fixed, well-defined group; it’s limited by pluralistic restricted by the Constitution; it must be accompanied by other democratic principles
what two ways are all American citizens “equal”?
Equal voting rights and equal rights under the law
What is the difference between personal and political liberty?
personal liberty is the right to think, associate, and speak your mind. political liberty is the right to vote, campaign, and seek office
What are the three main conditions necessary for a successful democracy?
opportunity, educated society, and moral responsibility
What dangers arise when people lack economic opportunity?
there is a threat of political divisions between the rich and the poor. Without a middle class, the rich and poor may clash
What is potentially undemocratic about the welfare system in America today?
Many people claim welfare when they aren’t abled to work, but some are just to lazy to work
What is the difference between universal education and civic thinking?
Civic thinking involves understanding political ideas and shaping our country. Universal education is to teach citizens to read and write
How does moral responsibility help to moderate the power of the majority?
It provides a standard for judging the actions of the majority and implies submission for the rule of the law
