
The Constitution firmly protects the democratic ideal of self-government for citizens. This means that the authority to govern rests with the people, who are able to participate in decisions that affect their lives and communities. This principle is established through various mechanisms in the Constitution, such as the right to vote and the election of representatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Self-government | Citizens have the right to participate in the governing process and make decisions that affect their lives and communities |
| Citizens can elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf | |
| Citizens have the right to vote for their elected officials, such as the President, senators, and members of Congress | |
| The 15th Amendment prohibits denying a citizen the right to vote based on race | |
| The 19th Amendment grants women the right to vote |
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What You'll Learn

Self-government
The Constitution firmly protects the democratic ideal of self-government for citizens. Self-government refers to the principle that citizens have the right to participate in the governing process and make decisions that affect their lives and the community as a whole. The Constitution establishes a system of representative democracy in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. This is done through the right to vote and the election of representatives. In the United States, citizens exercise self-government primarily through voting in elections. For example, they choose their President, senators, and members of the House of Representatives. This process of electing officials ensures that the voices of the people are heard in the legislative process.
The framers of the Constitution were influenced by their experiences and the political philosophy of their time, which emphasised the importance of representation and the limits of government power. They sought to create a system where citizens had a role in shaping laws and policies, thus fostering a sense of responsibility and engagement in the democratic process. The Constitution includes amendments that further protect the right to vote and ensure fair representation, such as the 15th Amendment, which prohibits denying a citizen the right to vote based on race, and the 19th Amendment, which grants women the right to vote.
These amendments reflect the evolving commitment to self-government and inclusion in the United States. In summary, the Constitution not only establishes the framework for a government that is accountable to its citizens but also enshrines the principle of self-government as a cornerstone of democratic participation. Self-government allows citizens to have a direct say in the decisions that affect their lives and communities, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are protected. It empowers citizens to hold their government accountable and to shape the policies and laws that govern their society.
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Right to vote
The democratic ideal that the Constitution firmly protects for citizens is self-government. Self-government refers to the principle that citizens have the right to participate in the governing process and make decisions that affect their lives and the community as a whole. The Constitution establishes a system of representative democracy in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
The right to vote is a cornerstone of self-government. In the United States, citizens exercise self-government primarily through voting in elections. For example, they choose their President, senators, and members of the House of Representatives. This process of electing officials ensures that the voices of the people are heard in the legislative process.
The Constitution includes amendments that further protect the right to vote and ensure fair representation, such as the 15th Amendment, which prohibits denying a citizen the right to vote based on race, and the 19th Amendment, which grants women the right to vote. These amendments reflect the evolving commitment to self-government and inclusion in the United States.
In summary, the right to vote is a fundamental aspect of the democratic ideal of self-government that the Constitution firmly protects for citizens. By exercising their right to vote, citizens are participating in self-government and influencing the direction of their country.
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Election of representatives
The Constitution firmly protects the democratic ideal of self-government for citizens. Self-government refers to the principle that citizens have the right to participate in the governing process and make decisions that affect their lives and the community as a whole. The Constitution establishes a system of representative democracy in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. This is known as the election of representatives.
The election of representatives is a cornerstone of democratic participation. It ensures that the voices of the people are heard in the legislative process. Citizens exercise self-government primarily through voting in elections, choosing their President, senators, and members of the House of Representatives. By exercising their right to vote, citizens are participating in self-government and influencing the direction of their country.
The framers of the Constitution were influenced by their experiences and the political philosophy of their time, which emphasised the importance of representation and the limits of government power. They sought to create a system where citizens had a role in shaping laws and policies, thus fostering a sense of responsibility and engagement in the democratic process.
The Constitution includes amendments that further protect the right to vote and ensure fair representation. For example, the 15th Amendment prohibits denying a citizen the right to vote based on race, and the 19th Amendment grants women the right to vote. These amendments reflect the evolving commitment to self-government and inclusion in the United States.
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Fair representation
The Constitution firmly protects the democratic ideal of self-government for citizens. Self-government refers to the principle that citizens have the right to participate in the governing process and make decisions that affect their lives and the community as a whole. This is achieved through the election of representatives and the right to vote. For example, in the United States, citizens have the right to vote for their elected officials, such as the President, senators, and members of Congress. By exercising their right to vote, citizens are participating in self-government and influencing the direction of their country.
The Constitution establishes a system of representative democracy, which ensures that the voices of the people are heard in the legislative process. This system of representation is a cornerstone of democratic participation and fosters a sense of responsibility and engagement in the democratic process. The framers of the Constitution were influenced by their experiences and the political philosophy of their time, which emphasised the importance of representation and the limits of government power.
The Constitution includes amendments that further protect the right to vote and ensure fair representation. For example, the 15th Amendment prohibits denying a citizen the right to vote based on race, and the 19th Amendment grants women the right to vote. These amendments reflect the evolving commitment to self-government and inclusion in the United States.
In summary, the Constitution protects the democratic ideal of self-government by establishing a system of representative democracy that allows citizens to participate in the governing process and make decisions that affect their lives. This is achieved through the election of representatives and the right to vote, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and that the government is accountable to its citizens.
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Accountability to citizens
The democratic ideal that the Constitution firmly protects for citizens is self-government. Self-government refers to the principle that citizens have the right to participate in the governing process and make decisions that affect their lives and the community as a whole. The Constitution establishes a system of representative democracy in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. For example, in the United States, citizens have the right to vote for their elected officials, such as the President, senators, and members of Congress. By exercising their right to vote, citizens are participating in self-government and influencing the direction of their country.
The framers of the Constitution were influenced by their experiences and the political philosophy of their time, which emphasised the importance of representation and the limits of government power. They sought to create a system where citizens had a role in shaping laws and policies, thus fostering a sense of responsibility and engagement in the democratic process. The Constitution includes amendments that further protect the right to vote and ensure fair representation, such as the 15th Amendment, which prohibits denying a citizen the right to vote based on race, and the 19th Amendment, which grants women the right to vote. These amendments reflect the evolving commitment to self-government and inclusion in the United States.
In summary, the Constitution establishes a framework for a government that is accountable to its citizens and enshrines the principle of self-government as a cornerstone of democratic participation.
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Frequently asked questions
Self-government.
Self-government means that the authority to govern rests with the people, allowing them to participate in decisions that affect their lives and communities.
Citizens exercise self-government primarily through voting in elections. For example, they choose their President, senators, and members of the House of Representatives.
The Constitution establishes a system of representative democracy in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. It also includes amendments that further protect the right to vote and ensure fair representation, such as the 15th and 19th Amendments.
Self-government is important because it fosters a sense of responsibility and engagement in the democratic process. It ensures that the voices of the people are heard in the legislative process and that the government is accountable to its citizens.

























