What does it look like, smell like and sound like?

What is American Democracy?

Characteristics of American Democracy

1. popular consent2. popular

sovereignty3. majority

rule/minority rights

4. individualism5. equality6. personal liberty7. civil society

Are these characteristics present in America today?

Provide one example that proves a characteristic does exist.

Provide one example that causes us to question the existence of a characteristic.

What characteristics do you see?

Use the demographic data from pages 12-19 in your textbook to make three political predictions for the future.

Be able to connect each prediction to specific demographic data

America is changing

Population of the United States:July 1, 1900 there were 76,094,000 Today there are over 310,000,000

(2010 Census)

One birth every.................................. 8 seconds One death every.................................. 13 seconds One international migrant (net) every............ 36

seconds Net gain of one person every..................... 13 seconds

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division

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The Changing Political Culture and Characteristics of the American People

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Changing DemographicsNot only are we bigger

we are also more diverse.

In colonial times most Americans were Anglo-Saxon.

In 2000, the U.S. population was made up of…whites 69.1% African Americans 12.1%Hispanics 12.5%Asian 3.6%

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Graying of America

The growth of the population age 65 and older will affect every aspect of our society, presenting challenges as well as opportunities to policymakers, families, businesses, and health care providers. 10

• In 2011, the “baby boom” generation began turning 65, and by 2030, it is projected that one in five people will be age 65 or older.

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1. popular consent2. popular sovereignty3. majority rule/minority rights4. individualism5. equality6. personal liberty7. civil society

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Based on your predictions, which characteristic will be impacted the most?

“A conservative, liberal and libertarian walked into a bar… What is the difference?

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What is the difference between a conservative, liberal and libertarian?

Conservativism – thought to believe that a government is best that governs least. Will support the use of government to protect their interests.

Liberalism – thought to favor government involvement in the economy and the provision of social services and to take an activist role in protecting women, the elderly, minorities, and the environment.

Libertarianism – thought to favor a free market economy and NO governmental interference in personal liberties.

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Where did all the people like this go?

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High ExpectationsA Missing Appreciation of the Good

Mistrust of Politicians (scandals) (media)

Voter ApathyRedefining Our Expectations

Why have Americans become more Apolitical?