Exposure to ideas helps young children articulate their own beliefs and sharpens their connections. Teachers can provide opportunities for children to advance their knowledge about democratic conditions through sustained discourse, or, as described in this article, purposeful class discussions followed by hands-on activities. The author describes classroom activities involving eleven examples of democratic conditions that allow children to build upon one another's ideas, as well as have their own ideas heard. These exercises, which use as examples everyday actions--such as buying items at the local grocery store, using a leash to walk the dog, and obeying traffic signs--allow children to learn about their democratic rights in terms they understand. (Contains 1 table and 11 notes.)