Principles of Democracy

1. Principles of Democracy Senior Seminar Trimester 1 2019/2020

3. Civic Missions of Schools Summary- 2003 • “Competent and responsible citizens are informed and thoughtful; have a grasp and an appreciation of history and the fundamental processes of American democracy; have an understanding and awareness of public and community issues; and have the ability to obtain information, think critically, and enter into dialogue among others with different perspectives.”

4. Abraham Lincoln once said: • “A child is a person who is going to carry on what you have started. He is going to sit where you are sitting, and when you are gone, attend to those things that you think are important. You may adopt all the policies you please, but how they are carried out depends on him. He will assume control of your cities, states, and nations. He is going to move in and take over your churches, schools , universities, and corporations… the fate of humanity is in his hands.”

5. FDR once said: • “Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a president and senators and congressman and government officials, but the voters of this country.”

6. This portion of the senior seminar hopes to help you: • Understand the various forms of government in the U.S. • Understand how each branch of government works. • See where the various points of access are for you as a citizen and how you can utilize them as an active participant. • Learn the means by which your political ideals and aspirations can be heard and realized.

7. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

8. “Democracy may not prove in the long run to be as efficient as other forms of government, but it has one saving grace: it allows us to know and say that it isn’t.” • Bill Moyers