What does the Declaration of Independence say about American democracy?

consider whether the US in its origins and
governmental structure should be considered ‘democratic’. Start by defining
democracy, and then consider 2-3 specific criteria for determining whether the US
system of government meets this definition. Criteria that you might consider include
relations with first nations peoples, contexts/events/outcomes of revolutionary war,
federalist vs anti-federalist debate, relations with Mexico/Haiti, involuntary labor,
and chattel slavery. For this essay, you should make use of at least two
citations from course sources. BUT note that
only academic articles should be used. Here are some questions to consider as you
consider early US history:
– Make sure to clearly define the specific criteria of democracy, considering ancient
Greek origins and 18th century debates on the term
– What does the Declaration of Independence say about American democracy? What
about the Constitution by comparison? And what about the Bill of Rights?
– In the era of the revolutionary war, what forces worked for more democracy? What
forces worked for less democracy?
– How did the US compare, in democracy, with France, England, Mexico, or Haiti?
– In the structures of the US government, what structures encourage democracy?
What structures discourage democracy?
First, develop a clear thesis/argument about what democracy is. Then, develop 2-3
specific criteria for determining to what degree the US’s system is democratic or
not.

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