Principles of United States Democracy



Values & Principles of United States Democracy - Situations

Directions: Read each situation carefully and identify the principle(s) of democracy which is illustrated. Write the Letter(s) of the principle in the space provided.

Principles of Democracy:

A. The power of government needs to be limited using the methods of separation of powers and checks & balances.

B. The rule of law (Constitution) for a nation needs to be in written form. The people should have the right to change, do away with, or form a new government.

C. The people of a nation must consent to what takes place in government.

D. Each individual has certain rights and freedoms.

E. Majority rule will prevail, with the rights of minorities protected.

F. Every person is equal under the law.

_______ 1. Delegate Smith voted against a bill the voters wanted. The voters were angry and at the next election voted for someone else.

_______ 2. Sandy was arrested and charged with murder and given a bail hearing and a court-appointed lawyer. Tim, the mayor’s son, was arrested along with Sandy and treated in the same way.

_______ 3. The citizens in the town of Parkton voted overwhelmingly in favor of preserving a town park.

_______ 4. The Congress wanted to extend their powers over education. They received so many letters from citizens telling them that it was not a good idea that they changed their minds.

_______ 5. A group of citizens met in the city park to listen to a campaign speech. In the speech the candidate said that he would be better for the job than his opponent. The police observed the gathering but allowed the candidate to complete the speech.

_______ 6. The President wants to declare war on Afghanistan. He finds that he doesn’t have that power because Article I of the U.S. Constitution gives that power to Congress.

_______ 7. The Americans With Disabilities Act requires public facilities to have accommodations for handicapped individuals.

_______ 8. Some Americans want the U.S. Constitution changed to make flag burning a crime. They are working for a constitutional amendment to ban flag burning.

_______ 9. The Communist Party of America wants to hold a peaceful rally in Downtown Marietta. They receive a permit to march from the city government.

_______10. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 1968 opened up new job opportunities for minority groups.

_______11. Jane Smith votes for Governor of Georgia.

_______12. John Burns was told of his rights at the time of his arrest.

_______13. The President wanted to appoint a new cabinet member but he needed the approval of the U.S. Senate.

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