What are two key characteristics of american democracy

1) Respecting the Majority Rule 
2) Protecting Minority Rights ( so that Major sovereignty doesn't become Tyranny of the Masses) 
3) Keeping Gov't as far away from the direct public rule ( which is why we are a Republic, not a Democracy.we elect others to make our decisions, instead of one vote per person in mass elections every time we need to make a choice) 
4) Federalism-- in which we separate the power b/t State and National gov't a
) dual: state& nat. work seprate in their own authority zones 
b) cooperative: in which they work together such as in public edu. 

5) A 2 party system 

6) protecting" natural rights" (life,libert, pursuit of happiness)