Question

In one or two sentences, name two beliefs we hold as Americans that are important to our democracy. Explain what those beliefs are. Be sure to include why they are important.

Answer 1

Two key beliefs important to American democracy are that power should come from the people and the protection of individual liberties. These beliefs ensure government accountability and safeguard against authoritarianism, maintaining the democratic nature of the society.

Step-by-step explanation:

Beliefs Important to American Democracy

Two beliefs that are central to American democracy include the principle that power should ultimately come from the people and the importance of protecting individual liberties. The belief in power deriving from the people is fundamental to the concept of a representative democracy, where citizens hold sovereignty and exercise it by electing representatives to govern on their behalf. This ensures that the government remains accountable to its citizens and their needs. Protecting individual liberties is equally vital, as it ensures that the government does not infringe upon the basic rights and freedoms of its citizens, promoting a society where all can pursue life, liberty, and happiness without undue restraint.

These beliefs are important because they provide the foundation for a society where citizens are empowered to participate in governance and where their rights are safeguarded against authoritarianism. The retention of these core principles helps maintain the democratic character and perpetuates the legacy of America as, in Alexis de Tocqueville's terms, "The Great Experiment" in democracy.

Answer 2

Two important beliefs held by Americans that are crucial to our democracy are the belief in popular sovereignty and the belief in individual rights.

Step-by-step explanation:

Popular sovereignty means that the power of the government comes from the people, who have the ultimate authority in decision-making. Individual rights refer to the fundamental rights and liberties that every person is entitled to, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly.

These beliefs are important to our democracy because they ensure that the government is accountable to the people and that every individual has the freedom to express themselves and participate in the political process. Popular sovereignty ensures that the government represents the will of the people and protects their interests, while individual rights guarantee that every person is treated with dignity and equality.