Homework Assignment for 8^th LA/SS 10/11/07

Why Democracy?

As we begin to travel back to the Civil War an important question to ponder is why did our four fathers make the decision to establish a Democracy?  What is the difference between democracy and Democracy?  How did the concept of Democracy play a role in the sectional conflicts that led to the Civil War?

In an effort to begin such an investigation I would like you to read the article “Why Democracy?” and ponder some questions I have composed.  Your work should be recorded in the notes section of your Reader-Writer journal.

Questions to address while reading the article:

1)       Prior to reading the article, take 5 to 10 minutes to free write in your notes section about why you think our founding fathers chose to use Democracy as the model for the organization of our country.

2)      Read the article at least twice.  The first reading should be simply to get a handle on the content of the article.  The second reading should be a critical read where you are highlighting, underlining, circling, or writing in the margins your thoughts about the article.

3)      Once you have read this article twice respond again to the question, “Why do you think our founding fathers chose to use Democracy as the model for organizing our country?”

4)      How did the concept of Democracy play a role in the sectional conflicts that led to the Civil War?