Civics, Canadian Government, and Global Citizenship

Comprehensive practice flashcards reviewing core definitions, democratic principles, Canadian government structures, electoral processes, and global citizenship concepts.

What is the definition of a citizen?

A legal member of a country.

What is the definition of citizenship?

Membership in a country with rights and responsibilities.

What is the distinction between equality and equity?

Equality means everyone gets the same treatment, whereas equity means everyone gets the support they need.

What are the Greek word origins and meaning of democracy?

Democracy comes from the Greek words demos (meaning people) and kratos (meaning power), meaning rule by the people.

What are the four components of a Civic Action Plan?

A plan to identify a problem, research it, take action, and evaluate results.

What are three examples of municipal services and their purposes?

Garbage collection (keeps communities clean), public transportation (helps people travel), and fire services (protects lives and property), all supporting the common good.

What are the four levels of courts in Canada?

Provincial/territorial, superior, appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada.

What is the difference between criminal law and civil law?

Criminal law deals with crimes such as theft and assault, whereas civil law deals with disputes such as broken contracts.

What are the main rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?

Fundamental freedoms, democratic rights, mobility rights, legal rights, equality rights, language rights, and minority language education rights.

Who is eligible to vote municipally in Ontario?

Canadian citizens aged 18 or older who meet residency or property-owner/tenant requirements.

What is the principle of the rule of law?

Everyone, including government leaders, must follow and obey the law.

What is a deputation?

Speaking to the council about an issue.

What is a sentencing circle?

A community-based restorative justice process.

Which elected chamber of the Canadian Parliament is shown in this image?

The House of Commons.

What three institutions constitute the Parliament of Canada?

The Crown, the Senate, and the House of Commons.

Who is Canada's head of state and Monarch?

King Charles III.

What is the difference between the Governor General and a Lieutenant Governor in Canada?

The Governor General is the monarch's federal representative, while the Lieutenant Governor is the monarch's provincial representative.

What is the difference between the House of Commons and the Senate?

The House of Commons consists of elected MPs, while the Senate consists of appointed senators who review bills and represent regions.

What are the three branches of Canadian government and their respective duties?

The legislative branch creates laws, the executive branch carries out laws, and the judicial branch interprets laws.

Why does Canada have three separate branches of government?

To prevent one branch from having too much power through checks and balances.

What general amending formula is required for many major changes to the Constitution of Canada?

Approval involving Parliament and 7 provinces representing 50% of Canada's population.

What is the Indian Act of 1876?

An 1876 law governing aspects of the relationship between First Nations and the federal government, used to control Indigenous peoples and criticized for its colonial effects.

What areas of responsibility belong to Canada's three levels of government?

Federal oversees defence, immigration, and criminal law; Provincial oversees education, healthcare, and highways; Municipal oversees roads, garbage, and parks.

What are the seven steps for a bill to become law in Canada?

1. First Reading (Introduced), 2. Second Reading (Debated), 3. Committee (Studied and changed), 4. Report Stage (Changes reviewed), 5. Third Reading (Final vote), 6. Senate (Reviews and approves), and 7. Royal Assent (Becomes law).

How are Canadian Cabinet Ministers chosen and appointed?

They are chosen by the Prime Minister and formally appointed by the Governor General.

Where do Canada's major political parties generally fall on the political spectrum?

NDP: Left; Liberal: Centre-left; Green: Left/progressive; Conservative: Centre-right; PPC: Right.

What are the five types of media bias identified in the notes?

Selection, political, framing, sensationalism, and omission.

What are the eight steps of the Canadian federal election process?

1. Parliament dissolved, 2. Election announced, 3. Candidates chosen, 4. Campaigns begin, 5. Citizens vote, 6. Votes counted, 7. Winners announced, and 8. Government formed.

How many federal ridings and Ontario provincial ridings are there?

There are 343 federal ridings and 124 Ontario provincial ridings.

What is the difference between a majority, minority, and coalition government?

In a majority government, one party holds over half the seats; in a minority government, one party holds under half the seats; in a coalition government, two or more parties govern together.

What is the difference between First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) and Proportional Representation (PR)?

Under FPTP, the candidate with the most votes wins the seat, whereas under PR, seats are allocated based on the percentage of votes received.

What does it mean to prorogue Parliament?

To end a Parliament session.

What does it mean to dissolve Parliament?

To end Parliament for an election.

What is Juche?

North Korea's self-reliance ideology.

What was the Gulag?

The Soviet forced-labour camp system.

What is the definition of genocide?

An attempt to destroy a protected group.

What are crimes against humanity?

Widespread or systematic attacks against civilians.

What are the main characteristics, pros, and cons of fascism as defined in the notes?

Fascism involves extreme nationalism and authoritarian leadership (example: Nazi Germany). Its pro is fast decisions; its cons are oppression and violence.

What are the main characteristics, pros, and cons of totalitarianism as defined in the notes?

Government controls nearly everything (example: North Korea). Its pro is fast decisions; its cons are little freedom and abuse of power.

When was the United Nations (UN) formed and why?

The UN was formed on October 24, 1945, to promote peace, security, human rights, and international cooperation.

What are the six main bodies of the United Nations?

General Assembly, Security Council, International Court of Justice, Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Secretariat, and Trusteeship Council (inactive since 1994).

How is the United Nations Security Council structured?

It consists of 15 members: 5 permanent members with veto power and 10 elected members.

What specific contributions did David Suzuki and Craig Kielburger make to social change?

David Suzuki promoted environmental protection and sustainability, while Craig Kielburger advocated for child rights and fought child labour.

What is the International Criminal Court (ICC) and what was Canada's role in its establishment?

Based in The Hague, the ICC prosecutes genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Canada helped negotiate the Rome Statute (1998) and ratified it in 2000; the ICC began operating in 2002.

How did Canada contribute to the development of modern UN peacekeeping?

Canada helped develop modern UN peacekeeping through Lester B. Pearson during the 1956 Suez Crisis.

What are the five main types of global issues and their examples?

1. Human rights (discrimination and slavery), 2. Environmental (climate change and pollution), 3. Economic (poverty and inequality), 4. Political (war and corruption), and 5. Social/health (disease, hunger, and lack of education).