Civics

Civics

The study of the rights, responsibilities, and roles of citizens and how government works.

Authoritarianism

A system where power is concentrated in the hands of a few or one leader, with little to no input from citizens.

Dictatorship

One person holds absolute power, often gained by force.

Theocracy

Government based on religious principles and run by religious leaders.

Absolute Monarchy

A monarch has complete control over the government and people.

Oligarchy

Power rests with a small group of people.

Fascism/Nazism

Nationalistic, dictatorial rule with suppression of opposition.

Communism

A classless society where government controls the economy and resources.

Democracy

Power is held by the people.

Direct Democracy

Citizens vote on every issue.

Indirect/Representative Democracy

Citizens elect representatives to make decisions.

Constitutional Monarchy

Monarch shares power with an elected government; Canada uses this system.

Power

The ability to influence or control the behavior of people or events.

Government

The system or group of people governing an organized community, often a state.

Mobility Right

Mobility rights allow individuals to move and live anywhere in Canada; the right to move to and work in any province or territory.

Thomas Jefferson

Wrote the U.S. Declaration of Independence; believed in individual rights.

John Locke

Believed in natural rights: life, liberty, and property.

Thomas Hobbes

Believed people need a strong authority (government) to avoid chaos.

Charter of Rights and Freedoms

A part of Canada’s Constitution that guarantees fundamental rights.

Divine Right of Kings

Belief that monarchs are appointed by God and not subject to earthly authority.

Magna Carta

A document signed in 1215 that limited the king's power and established rule of law.

Responsibilities of a Canadian Citizen

Obeying the law, voting in elections, and serving on a jury.

Totalitarianism vs. Democracy

Totalitarianism is efficient but lacks freedoms; Democracy is slow but protects rights.

Reasonable Limits (Section 1)

Rights and freedoms can be limited if justified in a free and democratic society.

Canada's Government Style

Constitutional Monarchy with a Representative Democracy.

Public Law

Deals with issues affecting society (e.g. criminal law).

Private Law

Deals with disputes between individuals or organizations (e.g. contract law).