Principles of Democracy (Spanish)

Individual freedom is the backbone of our democratic system, but it's often misinterpreted as 'doing whatever you want.' This book takes an in-depth look at how individual freedoms are critical to a vibrant and functioning democracy. The text also highlights how some decisions made in government end up meaning more freedom for some but less for others. Students are shown the difference between freedom to do things and freedom from the actions of others. Readers will also learn how some of the freedoms we take for granted are critical to the way our society works.

Equality is a contentious issue in our society today. This is why it's important for students to be given information related to equality so they can come to reasonable conclusions of their own. Using age-appropriate language, this book discusses equality in a number of different forms and touches upon why equality is so important in a democracy. The text also explores how extreme equality, like most extremes, could be a bad and unrealistic idea. Readers will gain enough information to understand and think about this complex idea for themselves.

The protection of minority rights is all that stands between any democracy becoming a tyranny of the majority. This book looks at what minority rights are and why they are important. The age-appropriate text discusses the different types of minorities found in society and explores why it's important to protect their rights. Fact boxes provide additional information about key figures throughout the history of democracy that have fought for and protected minority rights.

In order for any democracy to function well, understanding how and when to compromise is a necessity. This book introduces students to how compromise makes governing possible. Using examples of how compromise works in their own lives, students will gain a better understanding of how compromise work on a larger level. Conversely, readers will also learn that compromise may be the wrong course of action in some situations and that some issues are of such critical importance or high moral worth that standing firm is appropriate.

Majority rule is important in any well-functioning democracy. Students will be introduced to the concept using everyday examples that may also be applied to society more broadly. This book examines how majority rule can turn into the 'tyranny of the majority' and why the minority should be protected. In addition, readers are shown that the majority decision is not always appropriate and that having a minority opinion is always important. After reading this book, students will understand the importance that majority rule holds in a democratic society while putting it in the proper context of respect for others' opinions, even if the majority disagrees.

Respect for the opinions and beliefs of others is not only a critical component of democracy but also of everyday life. Using easy-to-understand concepts such as the 'golden rule,' or treating others as one would want to be treated, this book shows students that respecting others and engaging in reciprocity, even when we disagree, is important and necessary. The ability to 'disagree agreeably' is increasingly important in the current political and societal atmosphere. Introducing students to this concept early can make a real difference in how they interact with others now and later in life.

Fairness is an increasingly discussed issue in U.S. society today. With growing inequality around the world, a discussion of what is fair is vital to understanding democracy and the kind of culture we want to have. In this critical examination of what constitutes 'fairness,' students learn the difference between 'fair' and 'equal' and that sometimes what is fair is not always equal for everyone. While it may be true that 'life isn't always fair,' a more fair society makes for a healthier democracy.