For democracies, it is both the best and the worst of times. As part of a study of the challenges facing democracies, young political scientists seek first to define democracy, and then to consider the relationship between democracy and community.

Concepts

american democracy, democracy, liberty, justice, injustice, culture

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Have groups research the many types of democracies (including the United State's representative democracy) and share their findings with the class

Classroom Considerations

• The second of eight lessons in the What Makes Democracy Work series
• Requires individual copies of the two readings
• Requires access to a dictionary

Pros

• The packet includes discussion questions and links to the required readings

Cons

• None

Common Core

RL.9-10.2 RI.9-10.1 RI.9-10.8 SL.9-10.1.a SL.9-10.2 SL.9-10.3 RI.11-12.1 RI.11-12.2 RI.11-12.8 SL.11-12.1.a SL.11-12.2 SL.11-12.3