Congress for Kids: [Independence]: Word Spy

Independence

Introduction Democracy Democracy vs. Autocracy The Original Thirteen Colonies The Declaration of Independence, Part I The Declaration of Independence, Part II The Articles of Confederation

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What is democracy?

Where did the idea of democracy come from?

How did democracy spread in the 20th century?

What is the difference between a democracy and a republic?

Credit: National First Ladies' Library

Democracy Kids

Democracy

Uncle Sam, the word spy, wants you to take a minute and test your knowledge.

Match the word in the left-hand column with its definition in the right-hand column. Check your answers.

Government	A. A Government in which the people, together, rule themselves.
Autocracy	B. A system of government in which the people elect certain individuals to represent their opinions, concerns, and desires within the government.
Oligarchy	C. The institutions and their systems that rule a country and its people.
Democracy	D. A government controlled by a small group of powerful people.
Direct Democracy	E. Each person has an equal and direct say in the government.
Representative Democracy	F. Another name for a representative democracy.
Republic	G. A government that is controlled by a single individual.

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The United States is not a democracy? The United States is a Republic - a democratic republic. Its citizens elect representatives (the Congress). The founding fathers warned of the problems of democracy and the tyranny of the majority in many early writings. You will find no mention of democracy in the US Constitution.

Projects You Can Do

Research one of the following topics: Transportation, Hospital, School, Police Department, Fire Department, Media, Library, Housing, Court House, The Capitol.

Prepare a PowerPoint slide or poster which answers the following questions about your topic:

Which level(s) of government is responsible for this aspect of our community life?

How does governmental action affect me and my family?

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