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1.2 Types of Democracy

Part of Foundations of American Democracy in AP® US Government & Politics. Read the opening section, then create a free account for the full interactive lesson, practice, and progress tracking.

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Representative democracy is a system in which citizens elect officials to make decisions on their behalf. Within representative systems, political scientists identify different democratic models that emphasize varying levels of participation and influence. Participatory democracy stresses broad, direct involvement of citizens in political life, including voting, civic engagement, and activism. This model assumes that widespread participation strengthens democratic legitimacy and accountability.

In this unit

9 lessons

  1. 1.1Ideals of DemocracyPreview lesson
  2. 1.2Types of DemocracyThis lesson
  3. 1.3Government Power and Individual RightsPreview lesson
  4. 1.4Challenges of the Articles of ConfederationPreview lesson
  5. 1.5Ratification of the U.S. ConstitutionPreview lesson
  6. 1.6Principles of American GovernmentPreview lesson
  7. 1.7Relationship between the States and National GovernmentPreview lesson
  8. 1.8Constitutional Interpretations of FederalismPreview lesson
  9. 1.9Federalism in ActionPreview lesson

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