1. In a democracy, government leaders gain power by legal, peaceful means. They can be removed from office by the people or their elected representatives. In the United States, we elect our leaders through direct vote. The impeachment trial of President Clinton is an example of the process through which leaders could be removed—both bodies of the U.S. Congress, elected by the people, must vote to remove a president from office. In the U.S. the House of Representatives brings charges, and the Senate must vote by a two-thirds majority to remove a president from office.

2. Citizens of a democratic state have basic rights such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and freedom of religion. Individuals as well as groups are protected from unfair government actions or unequal treatment that may take away their lives, property, or freedom. In the U.S., our basic rights to free expression and civic participation are established in the First Amendment to our Constitution, and equal protection before the law is a guarantee of the Fourteenth Amendment.

3. Regular elections with two or more political parties, secret ballots, and majority rule are necessary elements of democratic society. Our federal leaders are elected for set terms—four years for presidents, six years for senators, and two years for members of the House of Representatives—and must seek re-election when those terms expire. The Twenty-Second Amendment states that no president can serve for more than two terms.

4. Individuals have the right to be represented when the government passes laws and establishes taxes; a legislature—our Senate and House of Representatives, elected by the residents of the 50 states—meets to make laws.

5. In a democracy, the media freely report news from around the world, presenting both favorable and unfavorable views of government actions.

6. The country’s courts make rulings for and against the government, and help protect citizens from government, according to a constitution. Our Constitution limits the power of government, defines what it may and may not do, and describes how it is to be organized.