Name:
Date:
Period:
What Is “Democracy”?
Part I.In the space provided below, jot down as many ideas as you can think of that are associated with the concept of democracy as you understand it.
______
______
______
Part II.Read each example below. Ask yourself, “Does this best represent democracy? Why or why not?” There is no right or wrong answer, but you must provide a rationale that explains your position.
1)Elections in the United States are characterized by low voter turnout. Mid-term elections draw approximately 40% (or fewer) ofregistered voters to the polls. Presidential elections draw approximately 60% (or fewer) of eligible voters to the polls. Additionally, when Bill Clinton was elected president in 1992, he won the election with only 40% of the popular vote – not even a majority!
Does this represent democracy? ___ Yes___ No
Rationale: ______
______
______
2)Special interest groups are a primary source of campaign funding. Most special interest groups contribute to incumbents (members of Congress who are presently in office), making it difficult for challengers to raise the amount of money necessary to have a chance of mounting a successful campaign. In fact 95% of all current members of Congress (incumbents) will win their seat in the next mid-term election.
Does this represent democracy? ___ Yes___ No
Rationale: ______
______
______
3)The cost of running for all political offices has skyrocketed in the last 25 years. Presidential candidates must raise a minimum of $100 million to stay competitive and senatorial candidates must raise a minimum of $25 million. These figures lead some to claim that our elected leaders simply “buy” their seats.
Does this represent democracy? ___ Yes___ No
Rationale: ______
______
______
(OVER)
4)Individuals, interest groups, and corporations that contribute money to electoral campaigns have access to political leaders that ordinary Americans do not. With this access, they might have the ability to influence the law-making process.
Does this represent democracy? ___ Yes___ No
Rationale: ______
______
______
5)In the 111th session of Congress, the United States Senate is comprised of 83 male senators and 17 female senators. One of these senators is African-America, two are Hispanic, and two are Asian.
Does this represent democracy? ___ Yes___ No
Rationale: ______
______
______
6)The President of the United States has the power to issue executive orders that have the effect of law. There is not an immediate check on this power; this is a power outside those given to the president in the Constitution. Virtually every president has used the executive order. (Example – FDR interned the Japanese through an executive order; LBJ created affirmative action through one, as well.)
Does this represent democracy? ___ Yes___ No
Rationale: ______
______
______
7)There are approximately 4 million Americans who work full-time jobs yet do not have health insurance. This means that they and their children may not receive adequate treatment for many illnesses.
Does this represent democracy? ___ Yes___ No
Rationale: ______
______
______
8)Free speech in the United States allows me to openly criticize my government and leaders. If I want, I can burn an American flag as a form of protest.
Does this represent democracy? ___ Yes___ No
Rationale: ______
______