Unit 1: Individuals and the Nation-State

These flashcards review key concepts, definitions, examples, and critical-thinking themes from Unit 1: Individuals and the Nation State, covering identity, nation, nationalism, non-nationalist loyalties, Canadian policies, and related terminology.

What is the basic definition of identity in Social Studies?

The key characteristics people use to describe who they are.

What three broad levels make up an individual’s identity?

Personal focus, non-national focus (e.g., religion, culture), and state (national) focus.

Define nation in cultural terms.

A group of people who share a common culture, customs, origins, history, language and often religion, and who feel a strong sense of collective identity.

Define nation state (country).

A territory that is self-governing, has clearly defined and internationally recognized borders, and whose citizens share common values and beliefs.

List the three criteria required for a nation state to exist.

1) Independent (sovereign) government, 2) Clearly defined, internationally recognized borders, 3) Citizens who share common values and beliefs.

What is nationalism?

The feelings people have in identifying with their nation, generally including pride and loyalty toward it.

How does civic nationalism differ from ethnic nationalism?

Civic nationalism is based on shared political values or beliefs regardless of ethnicity; ethnic nationalism is based on a shared common ethnic background that can exclude others.

What are the nine key aspects that can shape the concept of a nation?

Geography/relationship to land, Linguistics, Culture, Ethnicity, Patriotism, Religion & Spirituality, Politics, Collective Identity, Civic Responsibility.

Give an example of a nation that is not a sovereign country.

The Inuit are a cultural nation but do not have an independent country with internationally recognized borders.

Explain the term sovereign country.

A country that is free from control by any other country and can make its own decisions.

What does pluralism mean in the Canadian context?

The preservation and acceptance of the diversity of various cultural and ethnic groups within one country.

What is meant by non-nationalist loyalties?

Loyalties not directly tied to the nationalism of a nation state, such as religion, culture, race, ideology, class, or geographic region.

Provide two examples of non-nationalist loyalties that can exist in Canada.

Religious loyalty (e.g., Islam, Christianity) and regional loyalty (e.g., Western Canada, Atlantic Canada).

What potential conflict can arise between non-nationalist loyalties and nationalist loyalty?

Loyalty to a cultural, religious, or regional identity may clash with loyalty to the nation state, challenging national unity.

Describe patriotism.

Love and support for one’s country, often expressed through respectful actions such as standing for the national anthem or volunteering for military service.

State one danger of extreme patriotism.

It can slide into unquestioning support of government policies and suppression of dissent, potentially harming democratic principles.

According to Henry Steele Commager, how might those in power misuse patriotism?

They may label criticism of their policies as unpatriotic or subversive.

How did Sir John A. Macdonald describe Canadian identity in 1891?

He said, “A British subject I was born, a British subject I will die,” reflecting an English-centric view of Canada.

How did Prime Minister Stephen Harper describe Canadian identity in 2006?

He stated that Canada’s properly nurtured diversity is its greatest strength.

What is cultural diffusion?

The spreading of the values, customs, and traditions of one culture to other cultures.

Why is language considered a powerful unifying force in nation building?

Because it shapes how people communicate and view the world, giving citizens shared meaning and connection.

What section of the Canadian Charter protects official bilingualism?

Section 16 guarantees English and French as Canada’s two official languages.

What is Bill 101 (1976) best known for in Québec?

Making French the sole official language of Québec in government, courts, business, and education.

How did the Supreme Court of Canada affect Bill 101 in 1984?

It ruled that parts of Bill 101 violated the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Define multiculturalism as a Canadian policy.

A policy adopted in 1971 to assist cultural groups to grow, participate fully, learn about one another, and receive language support, aiming to promote national unity.

List two arguments in favour of Canadian multiculturalism.

1) Cultural variety enriches society through foods, arts, and customs. 2) Exposure to diversity can reduce prejudice and promote tolerance.

List two criticisms of Canadian multiculturalism.

1) It may emphasize differences, potentially causing division. 2) Government funding for multicultural programs can be viewed as an unnecessary tax burden.

What does Section 15 of the Canadian Charter guarantee?

Equality rights—protection from discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, or mental/physical disability.

Name three fundamental freedoms protected by the Charter.

Freedom of conscience and religion, freedom of thought and expression, and freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

What is meant by civic responsibility?

The obligation of citizens to participate in and uphold their free and democratic society, including informed voting and obeying laws.

Give an example of Indigenous nationalism in Canada.

The creation of Nunavut (1999) following the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, providing Inuit self-government within Canada.

What historical event sparked the 1970 FLQ Crisis in Québec?

The kidnapping of the British Trade Commissioner and Québec’s labour minister by the Front de libération du Québec (FLQ).

What Canadian law was invoked during the FLQ Crisis, and what did it allow?

The War Measures Act, granting the federal government power to suspend civil rights and deploy troops domestically.

Explain the concept of a multination state using Canada as an example.

Canada is a sovereign country containing multiple cultural and ethnic nations (First Nations, Inuit, Québécois, and many immigrant groups) within one state.

How does globalization influence cultural identity?

Modern transportation, trade, media, and migration increase cultural diffusion, potentially blending or challenging traditional cultural identities.

What did John Diefenbaker emphasize as central to Canadian identity in 1960?

Freedom—speech, worship, opposition, and democratic choice.

How did Pierre Trudeau articulate Canadian identity in 1982?

As a sharing, bilingual, multicultural society where diverse peoples live in peace, justice, and mutual respect.

What are two key goals of Canada’s Official Languages Act (1969)?

1) Ensure French and English have equal status in federal institutions, 2) Strengthen relations between English- and French-speaking Canadians.

Why is geography considered an important aspect of nationhood?

Physical features influence economic development, cultural isolation or exchange, and may create spiritual connections to the land.

Give an example of spiritual relationship to land cited in the notes.

Australian Aborigines’ concept of “The Dreaming,” expressing sacred connections to their land.

What role can religion play in shaping national identity?

It may unify citizens (e.g., Hinduism in India) or become divisive when religious groups clash (e.g., Hindu-Muslim conflicts).

Define collective identity in a national context.

The shared sense of who a people are and what they stand for as members of the same nation.

Why can imposing a collective identity be problematic?

If imposed from above, citizens may feel disconnected and resist, leading to conflict rather than unity.

Provide an example where ethnic nationalism led to violence, mentioned in the notes.

Nazi Germany’s attempt to create an ethnically pure German nation led to persecution and genocide of Jews and other groups.

What is the difference between inference and observation in critical thinking?

Observation is direct sensory information; inference is a logical conclusion drawn from observations.

What are two intellectual tools essential for critical thinkers?

Background knowledge and criteria for judgment (accuracy, fairness, feasibility).

How does the Canadian Charter attempt to reconcile non-nationalist loyalties?

By guaranteeing fundamental freedoms and equality rights, it protects diverse groups while framing a common legal foundation for all citizens.

Why is bilingualism sometimes criticized from an English-Canadian perspective?

Concerns about exclusion from federal jobs and the cost of maintaining two official languages.

Why do many Francophones argue French needs extra protection in Québec?

They fear demographic pressures and immigration could erode French language and culture without legal safeguards.

What is meant by ‘cultural heritage’ when describing identity?

The history, traditions, and values passed down within a cultural group that shape members’ worldview.

What is globalization’s double-edged effect on isolated cultures?

It can bring economic opportunity and cultural exchange but may also dilute or replace traditional practices.

How does the Charter ensure Indigenous treaty rights are maintained?

It explicitly states that existing Indigenous and treaty rights are not negated by Charter provisions.

Give an example of civic action considered patriotic in Canada.

Commemorating veterans on Remembrance Day or volunteering in community projects that support national well-being.

What does the term ‘linguistic identity’ refer to?

The aspect of identity shaped by the language one speaks and the worldview that language embodies.

Why is the concept ‘to what extent’ significant in Social Studies inquiries?

It requires nuanced positions—agreeing completely, partly, or not at all—rather than simplistic yes/no answers.

What critical-thinking attitude did Wang Yang-ming emphasize?

Acting on knowledge—‘To know and not to act is not to know.’

Summarize the main challenge posed by the Unit’s guiding question.

Determining to what extent nation should be the foundation of personal and collective identity, given competing non-nationalist loyalties.