Democracy Song for Upper Elem. and Middle School

We’re Democracy
By Clint Klose and Larry Wolfe
(K-6 Lyrical Lessons are available
From Kagan Cooperative Learning)
Tune: I’ve Been Working on the Railroad

This is a song for 2 voices (or groups). One person (group) sings Part A, then other sings Part B.

A I’m a local politician down at City Hall
B If you have a “public problem” grab the phone and make a call.
A I’m your voice in city council through me you’ll be heard
B We can make the rules together; together we’ll be heard.

Chorus:
(AB throughout)
We’re democracy together you and me
“We the people” govern our country
We can have a voice, we can have a choice
We’re a “peopleocracy.”

A You vote put me here in Congress; Washington, that is.
B All the “Reps” from every state are the House of Representatives
A Some states have more people in them, needing more “Reps,” too
B And the states with fewer people only need a few.

Chorus

B Representatives in congress must live in your state
A We are twenty-five or older (younger “Reps” have to wait)
B We’re elected every two years; we can be replaced
A Must be citizens a long time, and mustn’t be “two-faced!”

Chorus

A I’m a senator in Congress; your vote put me here.
B I’m a senator in Congress; write a letter “bend my ear.”
A It’s my job to represent you, I work many hours
B You can help me make some choices – spending our tax dollars.

Chorus

B Senators work in the Senate; Six-year terms they serve
A Senators are over thirty; some are spenders, some conserve
B Must be citizens for nine years; can’t think out of date
A Senate has a hundred workers – two from every state!

Chorus