PBS
Pbs: Hopes on the Horizon South Africa
A companion website to a documentary on the rise of pro-democracy movements in South Africa during the 1990s.
Other
The Oas and the Inter American System
This site on the The OAS and the Inter-American System provides history, key dates, original and current member states, past and present secretaries general, and more.
Other
Liberty Online: Locke's Second Treatise on Government: Of Conquest
At this site you can read Chapter XVI, Of Conquest, by John Locke stating that the basis of any government must be the consent of the people, and implying in the writing that war or revolution is often mistaken as consent. (Published in...
Other
Are We a Democracy or a Republic?
An essay on the present political state in America contending the country is leaning further towards a republican form of government instead of a democracy. Defines and explains the major differences between democracy and republicanism...
Other
University of Exeter: Democracy and Government Control of the Money Supply
Discusses the supply of money and the role it plays in the development of a democratic government.
Other
Hr Net: Statement of Prime Minister Mugur Isarescu
A statement issued in December 1999 by Prime Minister Mugur Isarescu. An interesting look at the Eastern European move toward democratic government.
Other
In Time: Tenets of Democracy: Critical Thinking and Decision Making
This critical thinking exercise and checklist is designed for teachers and students. A lesson plan can be developed here that illustrates decision-making skills and a teacher can use examples of common problems that get in the way when...
Yale University
Charter of the Organization of American States, 1948
The Avalon Project of the Yale Law School here provides the text of all 112 articles of the OAS charter, adopted at the Bogota Conference of American States, March 30-May 2, 1948.
Other
Hoover Digest: Democracies and Their Spies
An article which examines the issue of secrecy and spies in a democracy. One idea the author explores is what conditions are necessary for a democracy.
Cato Institute
James Madison's Vision of Liberty [Pdf]
An article by the CATO institute about James Madison's vision for his writing and contribution for the U.S. Constitutional Convention. Includes information on his views of a limited government for citizens' rights.
University of Oklahoma
Conditions for Democracy
An excerpt from a lecture by a well known political thinker on the conditions necessary for the formation of a political democracy.
PBS
Pbs: Rediscovering George Washington
Discussion lesson plan that introduces and examines the concept of government by consent of the governed. Includes a reading for class distribution and references to primary source documents.
Other
Civic Literacy
A fascinating site how everyone can be an effective citizen of the United States. Lesson plans, links, and resources for both students and teachers are available.
World History Encyclopedia
World History Encyclopedia: Athenian Democracy
Explores a timeline of the history of government in Ancient Athens.
Other
Freedom House
Non-profit organization that supports the expansion of freedom and democratic political systems in the world. Find articles, maps and pictures from Freedom House.
Travel Document Systems
Tds: Benin: History
A brief discussion of Benin's early history. A majority of the information is on its recent history since 1972, including the most recent elections in 2007. Information is from the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Classroom: Understanding Democracy: A Hip Pocket Guide
This guide, written by John J. Patrick, explains the core concepts of democracy in a clear A-Z format.
Smithsonian Institution
National Postal Museum: Binding the Nation
A multi-part online exhibit that traces the development of the U.S. Postal System. Artifacts may be clicked on and text explains their significance. Historic, primary materials are used throughout the exhibit.
Read Works
Read Works: American Government the Mayflower Compact
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about the Mayflower Compact, why it was written, and how it paved the way for democracy. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
BBC
Bbc: Afghanistan's Day of Reckoning
A detailed look into the Afghanistan 2009 elections - challenges to be faced, possible fraud, questionable security, foreign influences, and more. The following quote holds great truth ... "This election is just one more step in building...
BBC
Bbc News: Karzai Edges Ahead in Afghan Poll
A look at the initail results of the Afghan 2009 elections in which past leader, Hamid Karzai was the early leader.Violence erupted as the people awaited the final results not due for several more weeks. (August 25, 2009)
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Principles of u.s. Government
Tutorial presents an introduction to the principles of the United States democratic government highlighting the differences and similarities between Roman and U.S. governments.
Oswego City School District
Regents Exam Prep Center: Introduction to u.s. Government
Explore the ideas and principles of American government including its influences, foundation, and basic tenets (such as checks and balances and federalism).