Author Question: What is meant by individual dignity in terms of democratic principles? What is required to ensure ... (Read 55 times)

Yolanda · **on:** Jul 10, 2018

What is meant by individual dignity in terms of democratic principles? What is required to ensure individual dignity?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Why were the Founders so worried about establishing pure democracy?

What will be an ideal response?

TDubDCFL · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 10, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Define individual dignity, which views individuals as human beings who are entitled to life, liberty, personal property, and equal protection under the law. John Locke argued that people were granted natural laws that guaranteed liberty. These include inalienable rights to life, liberty, and property. Thomas Jefferson echoed these sentiments in the Declaration of Independence.
2. Discuss how individual dignity requires personal freedom. Too much restriction by government would deny human beings individual dignity. Thus, democratic governments play a limited role in the lives of their citizens.

Answer to Question 2

Answer:
An ideal response will:
1. Note that the Founders were concerned about tyranny of the majority.
2. Explain the paradox of democracy, which involves conflict between majority rule and individual freedom.
3. Discuss how the Bill of Rights was designed to protect the people. Further, the Founders were very concerned about limited government.