1.5 Democracy and Participation

• What is the defining characteristic of democracy in the USA?

  Accountability to the people
• Arrange the relationship between democracy and participation in a logical order.

  1️⃣ Democracy relies on robust participation

  2️⃣ Participation is essential for a functioning democracy
• Democracy in the USA is a political system where citizens elect representatives
• What is one way citizens can engage in political participation besides voting?

  Protesting
• Match the type of democracy with its key feature:

  Direct Democracy ↔️ Citizens vote directly on issues

  Representative Democracy ↔️ Citizens elect representatives
• Universal suffrage ensures all adult citizens can vote, regardless of race, gender, or other factors
• Arrange the following steps to ensure robust voting rights in a healthy democracy.

  1️⃣ Universal Suffrage

  2️⃣ Secret Ballot

  3️⃣ Equal Protection
• Match the type of democracy with its key feature:

  Direct Democracy ↔️ Citizens vote directly on policies

  Representative Democracy ↔️ Citizens elect representatives
• Robust voting rights and laws are essential for a healthy democracy.


  True
• Participation is crucial for a vibrant democracy as it allows citizens to influence policy
• Voting is the only form of political participation.

  False
• Respect for minority rights is a key feature of democracy in the USA.


  True
• The two main types of democracy in the USA are direct democracy and representative democracy
• What is the key difference between direct and representative democracy?

  Decision-making by citizens
• The secret ballot ensures voters can cast their votes privately without fear.


  True
• Democracy in the USA is a system where citizens elect representatives
• What does universal suffrage guarantee in voting rights?

  All adult citizens can vote
• What are voting rights and laws essential for in a healthy democracy?

  Meaningful citizen participation
• What does universal suffrage ensure?

  The right of all adult citizens to vote
• Voting laws govern the voting process, including voter registration, polling place operations, and ballot counting
• How many electors are there in the Electoral College?

  538
• The Electoral College can lead to a candidate winning the presidency without winning the national popular vote.


  True
• Steps in the Electoral College process:

  1️⃣ Citizens vote for their preferred candidate

  2️⃣ The candidate winning the popular vote in a state receives all electoral votes (in most states)

  3️⃣ Electors cast their electoral votes

  4️⃣ The candidate with a majority of electoral votes wins
• Voting is a method of political participation where citizens cast ballots to choose political representatives
• What is the purpose of protesting or demonstrating as a form of political participation?

  To publicly voice dissent
• Complex voter registration processes can deter voter turnout.


  True
• Steps to address low voter turnout:

  1️⃣ Simplify voter registration

  2️⃣ Reduce strict voter ID laws

  3️⃣ Increase voter education and engagement
• What is the primary purpose of political parties?

  To influence government policies
• What do political parties do when recruiting and nominating candidates?

  Identify and select candidates
• Match the role of political parties with its description:

  Mobilizing Voters ↔️ Engage supporters to participate in elections

  Recruiting and Nominating Candidates ↔️ Identify and select candidates for office

  Organizing the Legislative Process ↔️ Coordinate activities in the legislature
• What are some key methods of citizen participation in a democracy?

  Voting, protesting, campaigning
• What is the defining feature of direct democracy?

  Direct citizen involvement
• Match the type of democracy with its example:

  Direct Democracy ↔️ Ballot initiatives and referendums

  Representative Democracy ↔️ Congress and the President
• Voting rights refer to the legal rights and protections citizens have to participate in elections
• A secret ballot allows citizens to vote privately without fear of retaliation.


  True
• Why was the Electoral College established in the U.S. Constitution?

  To balance state interests
• In most states, the candidate who wins the popular vote receives all of that state's electoral votes
• Match the Electoral College aspect with its description:

  Purpose ↔️ Elect the president while balancing state interests

  Structure ↔️ 538 electors based on congressional representation

  Process ↔️ Citizens vote; majority of electoral votes wins
• What does political participation refer to?

  Engaging in political processes
• Contacting elected officials is a method of political participation.


  True