Civics

What is Civics?

The exploration of the rights and responsibilities of citizens, how decisions are made and who makes them, and ways that we can act for the common good in communities.

What does Citizenship encompass?

Understanding the rights of citizens in all communities and the roles, responsibilities, and actions that go along with these rights.

Define Government.

A political party that has control over all laws or affairs in a certain community.

What are Rights?

Privileges recognized and protected by law.

What are Responsibilities?

Tasks or duties that an individual is required or expected to perform.

What is the Common Good?

The well-being of people in a community or society in terms of justice, fairness, prosperity, and respect for human rights and the environment.

Define a citizen.

A person who lives in a city, town, or country and is legally allowed to have the rights and freedoms of the place in which they live.

What can people do if they disagree with the government?

They could take civic action, start a democracy, or protest.

What is Civic action?

Legal, non-violent action to protect rights, promote the common good, or work towards a solution to a problem.

Define Democracy.

A form of government in which laws are made by direct vote by the citizens or by vote of the elected representatives of the citizens.

What is the rule of law?

The principle that everyone is held accountable under fair laws.

Why is the rule of law important in a democracy?

Because everybody can protest their beliefs in whichever way they want as long as it falls within the regulations of the law.

What is Direct democracy?

A system that gives power directly to the citizens.

What is Representative democracy?

A system that gives power to elected officials who govern on behalf of the people.

Define a community.

A collection of people who have a shared identity and a sense of responsibility to other members of the community.

What are some benefits of a community?

Uniting members, providing a sense of belonging, and helping its members access opportunities.

What is Political significance?

The effect that a policy, issue, or event has on people’s lives.

What are some common elements in all democracies?

Citizen rights, separation of powers, and courts operating without political interference.

How can a young person be an active citizen?

By volunteering, suggesting changes to governments, peacefully protesting, and voting.

What are some methods of action?

Political participation, protests, legal action, media campaigns, civil disobedience, and community engagement.

What are common areas in municipalities?

Public safety, infrastructure, health, education, recreation, urban planning, social services, and local governance.

Name some careers in municipal government or services.

Urban planner, firefighter, law enforcement.

What criteria are necessary to vote in municipal elections?

You must be a Canadian citizen who is at least 18 years old, live in or own property in the municipality, and show identification prior to obtaining a ballot.

What is a deputation?

A speech given to a governing body or the act of appointing a group of people to represent others.

Why is deputation important?

It amplifies citizen voices, strengthens democracy, influences policy, promotes community engagement, and holds leaders accountable.

Who is Mississauga’s mayor?

Carlyn Parrish.

What is a by-law?

A law enacted by a municipal council that applies to municipalities.

Why are by-laws necessary?

They create orderly communities, set safety hazards to protect citizens, regulate growth, and handle public concerns.

What are the most common by-laws?

Noise, property, property standards, animal, construction, licensing, public sewer, parking, public parks, and fees.