Social 9 - Justice & Gov. - Chapter 1-2

What is the Municipal government?

Is led by the Mayor who represents people within the city they live in

• responsible for local services such as snow removal, public transformation, parks and rec.

What is the provincial government?

Is led by the premier- leader of the political party

• their two biggest responsibilities are healthcare and education

• focused on one province

What is Federal government?

the government responsible for things which affect of all of Canada (relationships with other countries)

• led by prime minister 

• includes members of parliament

• executive, legislative, and judicial branch

How is a prime minister chosen?

by being a  leader of political party who has the most seats in the House of Commons

Who are the Members of Parliament?

a person who is elected in one riding

• they represent that area in federal government through their eat in HOC

• usually belong to a political party

How many ridings are in Canada?

343- which means there are 343 seats in the House of Commons

What is popular vote?

the total number of vote a party received across the whole country

• its is possible for the winning party to not have the highest popular vote in a close election

What does the King actually do?

The King is a figurehead (symbolic ruler) for Canada and many other countries that used to be in the British Empire

• The King does not make laws, interfere in government decisions, or express support for political parties

Who is the Governor General?

Represents the Monarchy in Canada-

• they are recommended by the PM the appointed by the King

• Gives Royal Assents, goes to events for PM 

What is the constitution?

Most important law in a country

• Canada’s constitution lays out roles for each branch of government, the organization of the province, territories, and protects the right of individuals and groups

When was the constitution formed?

Canada used the British North America Act for its constitution in 1867, and made major chnages in the Constitution Act in 1982

• the constitution are long-term laws

What is the Media?

includes newspapers, magazines, film, radio, television, internet, books, billboard, and etc.

What are our 2 justice systems?

Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA)

Criminal Code of Canada (CCOC)

What is the YCJA?

• for young offenders (12-17)

• allows minors to face consequences

• prohibits adult sentences for 12-14

• 14 and above get adult sentences for major crimes

• media doesn’t publish their names

• avoid criminal record

What is the Criminal Code of Canada (CCOC)?

• adult offenders

• allows publication of criminal names

• creates criminal record

• court is a usual consequences of breaking law

What are factors that determine a minors consequence?

• seriousness of the offence

• history of the minor

• attitude of the minor

• circumstances of the minor

Who can have juries?

a person 14 years of age or older may choose to be tried by a judge and jury for certain offends

What are Jury rules? (4)

• juries must have 12 people and all must agree on the verdict

• anyone 18+ is eligible unless broken a law before

• serving on juries is a duty of a Canadian citizen

• its is your responsibility to get to jury duty (government won’t help you)

What are 3 term juries need to know?

• defense

• prosecution

• sequester

What is defense?

includes evidence that supports the innocence of a person (lawyer)

What is prosecution?

argues that an accused person is guilty

What is sequester?

remove from contact- only consider evidence showed in courtroom (no personal grudges)

What are advocacy groups?

• provide public education about laws and justice system

• with youth and adults who broke the law to help them return to their communities

• stand up for the rights of peoples accused for crimes

What are our two main advocacy groups?

• John Howard Society; works with everyone who is in trouble with the law

• Elizabeth Fry Society; focuses on justice issues for women and girls

What are the weaknesses of a representative democracy?

• leaders might ignore public wishes

• citizens have little say between elections

• powerful groups can influence decision

What are the strengths of a representative democracy?

• decisions are made efficiently

• people can vote out bad representatives

What is the Cabinet and what do they do?

A group of ministers chosen by the Prime Minister to run government departments and make decisions.

How is the Cabinet elected?

They are appointed by the Prime Minister

What is the House of Commons for?

It’s where MPs study, debate, vote and make laws

What is a majority government?

Party has 50%+ seats → easy to pass laws.

What is a minority government?

Less than 50% seats → needs other parties’ support.4

What’s the difference between majority and minority government?

A majority can pass laws easily; a minority needs support from other parties.

What does “popular vote” mean?

The total number of votes a party gets across the country.

How is popular vote different from voting for your representative?

You vote for your local MP, not directly for the party’s total.

Describe the executive branch

• Who’s in it: Prime Minister, Cabinet, Governor General.

• What it does: Proposes laws and runs the country.

• Summary: Leads and enforces laws.

describe the legislative branch

• Who’s in it: House of Commons (MP’s) and Senate.

• What it does: Debates, makes, and passes laws.

• Summary: Creates laws.

describe the judicial branch

• Who’s in it: Judges and the courts (including the Supreme Court).

• What it does: Interprets laws and makes sure they’re fair.

• Summary: Applies and protects the law.

How do laws move through government?

• Executive: Proposes the law (idea)

• Legislative: Creates and passes the law

• Judicial: Interprets and applies the law

Where is a bill presented and debated to the elected representatives?

A bill is presented and debated in the House of Commons, where Members of Parliament discuss it

To discuss a bill, small groups of MPs meet together — called what?

They’re called a committee (specifically a parliamentary committee).

Which part of the legislative branch gives feedback on the bill, especially for minority groups?

The Senate

What role does the media play in informing Canadians?

Shares news so people know what’s happening in government and the world.

Do all media sources provide info the same way?

No, they use different ways, like:

• News articles & TV reports

• Blogs or podcasts

• Editorials (opinions)

• Political cartoons

How can you tell if media is reliable or unbiased?

• Check facts

• compare sources?

• who wrote it?

• do they have authority?

• does it use stereotype?

• does it ignore people/groups?

What is satire (like in political cartoons)?

Humorous or exaggerated storytelling that makes a serious point.

What role does satire play in media and politics?

Uses humor to make people think about political issues and spot problems.

What are lobbyists?

paid persuaders who try to influence government decisions for a group or company

How are lobbyists hired?

They’re paid by businesses to speak to politicians

Why are there strict rules about lobbyists in government?

To prevent corruption and keep government fair and honest

• They must be transparent about who they represent and can’t accept gifts or bribes

What Are Your Key Rights If You Are Questioned By The Police?

• right to remain silent

• right to speak to a lawyer immediately

• right to leave

• right to be informed

• right to a phone call (If 18+ you have one phone call- if a minor you have the right to call your parents)

• right to refuse search (if not under arrest you can say no unless they have warrant)