Principles Of American Democracy

Technically
there are more than five principles of American Democracy. According to online research and my
US Government textbook, one of the principles is that we have free elections which are used to
select our representatives. The second principle, I would list, is that the powers of our
government are based on the consent of the people who are governed. Thirdly, all of problems or
questions of rule are decided by the will of the majority; through our representatives or
general elections.

A fourth principle is a little more involved. The rules of
our laws guarantee specific rights and freedoms. These freedoms are:

"the freedom to live or travel anywhere within the borders of
the United States; the freedom to work at any job for which one is qualified and assuming the
profession is legal; the freedom to marry and raise a family (if you are heterosexual); the
freedom to receive a free education in a public school; and the freedom to join a political
party, union, or some other legal group."

The fifth
principle is the right of the people to change or abolish a government we, as a majority,
believe to be destructive, and the right to form a new government. Another important principle
of American Democracy is that all people are treated equally under the law if they are a
citizen. This principle is debated constantly by minorities. However, the majority rule will
prevail and continue to protect the rights of the minorities.

Finally, the
organization of our government will always be based on the concept of separation of powers
with appropriate checks and balances.