Civics Full
Civics Full
Civics Full
Pick one
But there is more to democracy. Read the following excerpt entitled “Democracy at
Work”.
1. Popular sovereignty:
Democracy is based on the principle of people's sovereignty, and the ultimate source of
political power is the people. In a democracy, citizens have the right to participate in the
decision-making process, either directly or through elected representatives.
2. Rule of law:
Democracy upholds the rule of law, which means that everyone, including government
officials, is bound by the law and accountable to it. This ensures equal treatment,
protects individual rights and prevents arbitrary use of power.
3. Political pluralism:
Democracy encourages political pluralism and allows for a diversity of political parties,
views and ideologies. This diversity ensures that citizens have a variety of choices and
can express their preferences through elections, thereby creating a competitive and
dynamic political environment.
Governments are defined by how they make decisions and how they come to power. There are
two broad categories to describe types of government.
Examples: Examples:
Republic Absolute monarchy
Constitutional Monarchy Dictatorship/Totalitarian regime
The nexus of opposition, power and politics in democratic and authoritarian decision-making:
democracy:
Be opposed to:
Connection: In democracies, opposition is an integral part of the political process. Political
parties and opposition individuals provide different perspectives that contribute to healthy
debate and decision-making.
Strength:
Be opposed to:
Connection: Authoritarian regimes often suppress opposition to maintain control. Dissent and
competing parties may be limited or eliminated, limiting alternative viewpoints.
strength:
Connections: Authoritarian decision-making power is concentrated in the hands of a single
leader or a small group of elites. Power may derive its legitimacy from force or historical
assertion rather than from the direct consent of the governed.
politics:
Connection: Authoritarian politics are characterized by limited political freedoms and limited
citizen participation. Decision-making may lack transparency and political processes may be
opaque.
4. Is it accurate to say that authoritarian governments never enjoy public support? Explain
4. Public support for authoritarian governments:
It would be inaccurate to categorically say that authoritarian governments never enjoy public
support. While authoritarian regimes may not gain legitimacy through free and fair elections or
open political processes, they can gain support in a variety of ways:
Propaganda: Authoritarian governments often control media and information to shape narratives
that portray the regime in a positive light.
Coercion: Fear and coercion may be used to silence dissent, creating the illusion of public
support due to a lack of public opposition.
Economic Stability: Some authoritarian governments maintain support by providing economic
stability, although often at the expense of political freedoms.
6.What is the difference between a citizen and subject
A citizen usually refers to an individual who has certain rights, privileges, and responsibilities
within a democratic or republican state.
Citizens generally have the right to vote, participate in civic activities, and enjoy legal protections
provided for in the constitution or legal framework.
Citizenship implies a reciprocal relationship between an individual and the state, whereby
citizens both contribute to and benefit from the functioning of society.
theme:
The decisions a government makes to maintain order need to be enforced and governments
must use power to ensure people obey their laws.
Please fill in the following organizer with the definitions found in the textbook.
Democratic Government Authoritarian Government
Influence Coercion
Reliance on Authority
2.
a) Influence - The music star is using their influence to encourage young people to read more.
b) Coercion - The mother is using coercion by forbidding her children to watch a television show.
c) Authority - The movie being rated "restricted" is an example of authority imposing restrictions.
d) Coercion - The hockey player being ejected from the game is an example of coercion to
maintain order in the sport.
e) Coercion - The police "reading the riot act" to demonstrators is a form of coercion to control
the situation.
f) Coercion - Charging a penalty on late income tax returns is a form of coercion to ensure timely
compliance with tax regulations.
3.
People's likelihood to obey a law can depend on various factors, and both conviction of its
righteousness and fear of enforcement play roles. However, intrinsic belief in the righteousness
of a law tends to foster long-term compliance and a sense of moral duty. For instance,
environmental conservation laws may gain greater adherence when people genuinely believe in
the importance of preserving ecosystems for future generations. On the other hand, laws
backed by fear of strict enforcement, like traffic regulations, may see immediate compliance due
to the threat of penalties but might not instill a lasting commitment if the underlying conviction is
lacking.
Make a list of your top three and explain why they are the most important to you. Use the
organizer below.
We will do this in a group and you will present your ideas to the class.
2. Reason:
Values and Beliefs: Why it matters: The rule of law ensures that everyone, regardless of
Rule of Law their position, is bound by the law and held legally accountable. It
provides the basis for fairness, justice and the protection of individual
rights.
Human relations: A society governed by the rule of law is crucial to
creating a just and equitable environment. It establishes a framework
that safeguards individual freedoms and prevents the arbitrary use of
power.
3. Reason:
Values and Beliefs: Why it matters: Citizen participation is the essence of democracy. It
Civic Engagement enables individuals to actively participate in decision-making
processes, shaping the direction of a community or country.
Personal connection: I find value in the idea that every citizen has a
role to play in shaping social policy and direction. It fosters a sense of
responsibility and ownership, creating a government that truly
represents the will of the people.
a. Examine the map on page 15 in your textbook Canadian Civics. What is the difference
between a partial and a full democracy? Can you draw any conclusions as to where we
find full democracies in the world? Why might the countries in violet and yellow not have
full democracies?
b. For a more recent version of this map, go to freedomhouse.org. What has changed?
What has stayed the same?
2. Which element of democracy do you think is the most important? Explain why
The essential element of democracy is the principle of popular sovereignty, which means that
the people hold the ultimate power and authority in a democratic system. In a democracy, the
people are free to choose their leaders through fair and open elections, and they have the right
to participate in the decision-making process through their representatives and in various other
ways, such as through protests, public demonstrations, and other forms of civic engagement.
In addition to popular sovereignty, other vital elements of democracy include the rule of law, the
protection of individual rights and freedoms, a free and independent press, and an independent
judiciary that upholds the principles of justice and fairness. A democratic system also relies on a
free and fair election process, with transparent and accountable institutions that ensure the
integrity of the election process and prevent corruption or manipulation of the results.
Moreover, to preserve democracy, those who threaten it must be held responsible. Trump's "big
lie" is an attack on democracy because it undermines the legitimacy of elections, incites
violence, and erodes the norms of democratic governance. It is a dangerous scheme that has
already had significant negative consequences for American democracy and may continue to do
so if left unchecked.
3. Which obstacle to democracy do you think is the most serious? Explain why
Community Requirements
1. clean drinking water
2. adequate food supply
3. clothing
4. shelter
5. Government system
6. Security (e.g. military, police
7. law and order
8. Employment
9. technology
10. Infrastructure (e.b. Roads, bridges)
11. Clean city streets
12. Education
13. Private property
14. Freedom of speech, etc etc….
15. Voting
16. Community centers
17. Places of worship
18. Parks and monuments
19. Art and music (entertainment)
20. International recognition.
How will your wants and needs be met?
A Society is a community of people who share basic wants and needs. Some of the most
basic needs of a community are food, shelter, clothing and fresh water. Life however is more
complex and has increased our wants and needs. Besides basic needs, there are also
psychological needs. People need to feel safe and secure in their community.
It is not easy for societies to work out who will make decisions and how they will make
decisions that will affect the whole society. How will a society balance its shared needs with
what individual people or groups want? How will we decide what is fair?
True Democracy
Democracy is the method that many societies have chosen as the best way to meet diverse
needs. The aim of a democracy is the common good. In a democracy, people make
decisions that reflect the will of the majority. Members of a democratic society live in freedom.
The government is limited in its power and must respect people’s rights. True democratic
citizens not only enjoy their rights and freedoms, but they also take very seriously the
responsibilities of living democratically. A democratic citizen upholds human dignity, respects
the rights of others, works for the common good and has a sense of responsibility for other
people. Open communication and mass participation are also important responsibilities of the
democratic citizen.
Civic conflict occurs in every society because of the struggle between differing views over how
needs should be met. It is a natural result of people living together in groups. The expression
of the conflict can range from lively discussion and debate to violent action. Civic conflict
causes both positive and negative changes to occur.
Conflict Resolution
Mediation : 2 people are argueing a third person helps them make a decision
Arbitration : 2 people are arguing a third person will make the decision for them
Read the following scenarios. Identify and explain the type of conflict resolution that is
used.
1. The principal agrees to allow music to play in the cafeteria at lunch hour. A
conflict arises over which type of music to play. One group wants rap and the
other wants country. Representatives from each group agree to resolve their
differences by coming up with a fair compromise. ( negotiation )
2. A student loses a precious gold watch in the washroom. A second student finds
the watch, repairs it and begins wearing the watch to school. The first student
identifies the watch and demands it back. The principal summons the two to her
office, listens to both sides and decides to whom the watch belongs. (arbitration)
3. Adam and his sister Jenna are constantly fighting over the use of their gaming
system at home. Tired of listening to them argue, their mom sits down with them
and encourages them to talk to each other and come up with a solution of their
own. (mediation)
4. Dennis is upset at his son Mike because he isn’t doing his fair share of the work
around the house. At the same time, Mike is tired of his father nagging him. They
therefore decide to talk about their feelings and come up with an agreement they
are both happy with. (negotiation)
5. Raj and Aaron are neighbors. They agreed to pay an equal share for a fence built
between their properties. Aaron now refuses saying he didn’t want the fence. Raj
has tried to reason with him and has asked politely. Tired of waiting for the
money, Raj decides to take the matter to court, where a magistrate can decide the
outcome. (arbitration)
6. A fight breaks out between two grade 10 students over a rumor about one of them.
The two students refuse to speak to each other and begin to form rival cliques. A
senior student is assigned by the principal to help them resolve the
conflict.(mediation)
Read pages 96-101 in your text Civics Today. Answer the following questions
1. Why is the Charter of Rights and Freedoms such an important part of our constitution?
(see p. 97 and 99 also).
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms is a crucial part of the Canadian Constitution as it
guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms to all Canadians. Enacted in 1982, it is a
groundbreaking legal document that forms the first part of the Constitution Act, 1982. The
Charter outlines the rights and freedoms that are considered essential in a democratic society,
including fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and the right
to a fair trial. It is important because it ensures that individuals are protected from government
actions that may infringe upon their basic rights and liberties.
- Offers citizens a way to complain of their rights are being infringed upon
- It protects pur flights by law - it is a part of the constitution it is very difficult to change it(
not like other laws only need an Act of Parliament)
3. After reading the sections on Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Thought and Expression,
examine the details of the case on page 100 (“Face Off”).
Answer the questions at the end of the case.
4. For each scenario below, identify the right that is being described and list the possible limits
that may exist in exercising each right. Check out http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/our_work/legal
- Landlord could
lose his property., cause
the income is not coming
in from the rental
Kinda the same right being
discussed.
Legal rights?
Responsibilities- not set out by law, but we agree to fulfill
Rights are protected by the law of the land- constitution open interpretation by the Supreme
court of Canada
Protester
Understanding Democracy: Leadership Styles
Laissez-Faire Leader
You do not take part in any discussions or decision-making. It’s not that you don’t care, but you
think the committee members should be responsible for their own decisions.
When asked questions, you will use the phrases, “I don’t know” or “ It’s up to you. Don’t get
involved. Let the OTHERS do it all.
Check out this website for further information.
https://www.indeed.com/hire/c/info/laissez-faire-leadership
Democratic Leader
You are to encourage the members of your group to discuss matters in an environment that
stresses sharing ideas and respecting opinions. Try to involve all of the committee members in
the discussions. Votes should be taken when consensus (everyone agrees) can’t be reached
through discussion.
Authoritarian Leader
You are the BOSS in your group and while the other group members may be asked to discuss
their ideas or offer their opinions, they are expected to do whatever you decide. Other group
members may react strongly to your dictatorial style, but you are to hold firm.
-can lead to
demotivation