Social 9

absolute hell

Individual identity

is based on your personal interests and experiences and from the many roles you have as an individual.

Collective identity

is based on a sense of belonging to a certain group of people, especially because of a common language, culture and history.

Quality of life

is a measure of personal and collective well-being.

What are the 6 aspects to QOL?

Economic – material wealth, job security, ability to meet basic needs.

Spiritual – religion, cultural traditions.

Physical – health of body and environment.

Political – security, freedoms and rights.

Social – friends, family, recreation and leisure.

Psychological– education, well-being, self-esteem.

True of false? A rich person who has all basic needs met will always have a good QOL

False

Democracy

Rule by the people, and the government is elected by the people. Majority wins, but minorities get their say as well.

Individualist

Self development is purpose of life

Human nature is resourceful and competitive

Crime prevention - harsh punishment is necessary

Humans need to fend for themselves

People should not trust big government

Interventionist

Helping others is the purpose of life

Crime prevention - rehabilitation is necessary

Government intervention is necessary

People need to trust big government

Democracy:

Rule by the people, more freedom, preferred by individualists, slower decision making

Dictatorial

Rule by 1 person, less freedom, but faster decision making, preferred by interventionists.

Direct democracy

Everyone coming together to make decisions, first done by ancient Athens. Certain requirements were needed, like having an education, and being a citizen. This results in a more fair and even process, but it was VERY lengthy.

Representative democracy

Electing leader(s) to make decisions for you.

Describe a municipal government

In towns and cities, represented by Aldermen, responsible for garbage control, bylaws, and water supply.

Describe a provincial/territorial government

Regional/Provincial in different provinces, represented by the MLAs, responsible for resources, healthcare, education, social services.

Describe the federal government

Central/Federal government in the whole country, represented by the MPs, responsible for currency, defense, immigration, international trade.

Periodic elections

Held every 5 years, prime minister decided when they were held. There was a major flaw with this, because the leading party could hold the elections when they know other parties are not popular, increasing their chances of winning.

Fixed date elections

Every 4 years, unless the government falls or another special situation arises in which an election must be called. Fixed date elections also enable the government to have more time to campaign.

Secret ballot

Nobody knows what the other person voted for.

Representation by population

it’s when each region has an equal voice with an equal population, who then has a representative to speak on their behalf. This will result in uneven and constantly changing lines though, because people are always moving around.

Independent court

The courts in Canada can hold the government responsible and are free from it’s influence

Free press

The government lets the press document everything

Lobby groups

They influence the government to do things in their favour

Fathers of Confederation

Creators of Canada

Power of the purse

The government has to spend the tax money on things to benefit the citizens

Constitution

The most fundamental and powerful law that all other laws must agree with. It establishes how the government is run.

British North America act 1876, (BNA act).

Created in Britain to encourage greater trade, and to stop Canada from being taken over by the US. Unfortunately, the BNA act was created in Britain, so if anyone wants to change the BNA act, they have to ask Britain. Also only gave us control over our domestic affairs. Anything to do with other countries was still controlled by Britain. So during WWI, Britain decided for us that we had to fight.

In 1931, the Statute of Westminster

In 1931, the Statute of Westminster was signed, where Britain gave us control over our foreign affairs.

Why did it take so long to change the constitution and get full control?

The provinces coulde’t agree. Quebec wanted special powers, but of course the other provinces disagreed.

What is the process of changing the constitution? (Amending formula)

7/10 provinces had to agree to change the constitution, and had to total up to at least 50% of the population.

How did Canada get it’s own constitution?

The Canada Act, signed and patriated by the Prime Minister and Queen, created Canada’s own constitution. It also implemented the amending formula and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Both were entrenched into the constitution.

Written constitution

Physically written down on paper. For example, the governor general has the power to shut down parliament.

Unwritten constitution

A British tradition that sort of implies how the laws are used. For example, the governor general has the power to shut down parliament, but he/she mustn’t use it unless the parliament is failing and actually requests it.

Domestic vs Foreign affairs

Domestic is within the borders of the country, but foreign related to the things that happen outside of it.

Patriate

Bring home

Entrenched

Very strongly protected in the context of laws and the constitution. Embedded.

Where do MPs, MLAs, and councilors meet?

House of commons in the parliament of Ottawa (Canada’s capital), The legislature for MLAs in Alberta, and councilors meet and the city hall.

Equity vs Equality

Equality ensures that everyone has equal, but equity ensures that everyone has what they need to succeed.

What are the 3 branches of government, what do they do and how do they work together?

Legislative creates laws, executive enforces laws, judicial interprets laws.

Who is in the legislative branch?

The house of commons, which makes the laws and the senate who serve over a long period of time to get a long term perspective so they can give a second opinion about the laws.

How are people seated in the house of commons?

It directly correlates to the results of the election. The winning party will go on the right because right = good, and the official opposition goes on the left because left = bad. Towards the back are the other smaller parties.

Who is in the executive branch?

The Crown’s representative, the Prime Minister, the privy council and the Cabinet.

What is supreme court and what is it used for?

It is the highest court in Canada, but is mostly used for constitutional issues rather than mass murder cases. The supreme court is also the highest one you can appeal to.

What is indipendent court?

It refers to the fact that the courts have no external influence from the government, other people, etc.

Responsible government

This is when the executive branch comes from the legislative branch. The people there work in both branches at the same time. Basically, the executive branch must listen to the executive branch.

Who is the cabinet?

Part of the executive branch, appointed by the prime minister, who make sure laws are being carried out and they are the head of different parts of government.

How is the senate appointed?

All senators are appointed by the governor general but on the advice of the Prime Minister

What does the privy council do?

They support the prime minister and cabinet and assists them with their goals.

What are the different types of courts in the judicial branch?

Supreme court, Provincial and Federal courts, Military court

How do the house of commons and senate differ?

The house of commons usually focuses on, debating and voting on bills, discussing bills and try to make them laws, represent views, discuss national issues, and call on the government to explain it’s actions.

The senate revolves around representing regions, provinces, and territories, voting on bills, studying bills and important issues, and hearing from witnesses

True or false: anyone over the age of 14 can be part of a political party?

True

What is a fringe party?

A small party that usually doesn’t get many votes, like the communist party of Canada.

Suffrage

The right to vote

Electorate

People who are entitled to vote

Voter turnout:

The amount of people who vote

Riding, constituency, electoral district

All of them mean the geographical area represented by an elected official

What is the first past the post system, and how can it be bad?

Parties with the most seats win, not votes. If a party gets 60% votes, but it shares the 60% across all the seats, then the house of commons is only filled with that party’s members, even though they only had 60%. This is an artificial majority.

What is the process of legislation?

FIRST READING: There is no debate, the bill is just looked at. Bill cannot be rejected here.

SECOND READING: A vote is taken on whether it meets the needs of the citizens (It could get rejected too)

COMMITTEE STAGE: The bill is heavily studied, and government officials are asked for their opinions. Amendments are made.

REPORT STAGE: More amendments, recommendations are sent to the house of commons, and MPs debate on it more.

THIRD READING: Now it is decided whether the bill is sent to the senate or rejected. People might change their vote here because of the amendments.

SENATE: The senate goes over the laws before they are given Royal Ascent.

FIRST READING: The bill is looked over, similarly to the House of Commons, not much is done here

SECOND READING: The senate decides whether to study or accept the bill if they study the bill, it goes straight to the third reading and then gets Royal Ascent. If the bill is studied, it goes to the committee stage

COMMITTEE STAGE: The senators decide whether the bill can be passed, and go to the third reading and then get royal ascent, or if it needs to be amended, If it gets amended, it goes to the report stage.

REPORT STAGE: They consider the committee’s amendments

THIRD READING: If the bill was accepted before, it goes to royal ascent from here. Otherwise, it goes to the house of commons where they debate and vote on the senate amendments. They could accept or reject them. If they accept, the bill gets royal ascent. Otherwise, if they disagree the senate debate on the house of commons decision. If they reject, then the house of commons votes on the senate’s decision again, and it loops until an agreement is made.

What are collective rights in Canada, and how do they differ from individual rights?

Answer: Collective rights are rights given to members of specific groups to protect their identity or interests. Unlike individual rights, collective rights prioritize the group’s well-being over individual rights.

What historical agreements led to the establishment of collective rights for First Nations in Canada?

Answer: The treaties signed between First Nations and the Canadian government laid out agreements that released land in exchange for certain payments. These treaties recognize and protect First Nations’ collective rights.

Why are treaties with First Nations often compared to rental agreements?

Answer: Treaties function like rental agreements because they do not represent outright land ownership. Instead, First Nations agreed to give up land in exchange for payments that continue indefinitely (similar to rent).

What is the significance of the Royal Proclamation of 1763 regarding Aboriginal peoples?

Answer: The Royal Proclamation recognized Aboriginal peoples as sovereign nations and required Canadian governments to sign treaties with them to access land. It established the foundation for collective rights.

Why do some people question the ongoing payment of treaty obligations?

Answer: Treaties are not a rent-to-own agreement. In other words, some might think that decades or centuries of payments of rent would entitle one to ownership of the property (i.e. reserve land), and income (e.g. oil royalties) from the resources on that property should go to the renter (e.g. Alberta's citizens) rather than the landlord (i.e. Indigenous treaty group).

What are collective rights, and how do they differ from individual rights?

Answer: Collective rights are inherent rights that protect the identity and interests of specific groups, such as First Nations. Unlike individual rights, collective rights prioritize the group’s well-being over individual rights.

What common collective rights are typically included in treaties with First Nations?

Answer: Common collective rights in treaties include financial support for health care and education, protection of cultural and spiritual values in education, the right to hunt and fish, and annual payments.

Why do conflicts arise over reserved land and oil royalties in Alberta?

Answer: While oil royalties provide significant income, First Nations people do not own their own property on reserves. This lack of ownership affects property maintenance and access to loans, leading to tensions with non-native Albertans.

How did the Indian Act impact Indigenous rights in Canada?

Answer: The Indian Act defined who was a status Indian, allowing them to apply for collective treaty rights. However, decisions made by Indian agents (often of European ethnicity) were paternalistic and ethnocentric, impacting Indigenous rights.

What role did residential schools play in relation to Indigenous rights?

Answer: The Indian Act supported the establishment of residential schools, aiming to assimilate First Nations children. These schools violated the expectation that education should not interfere with culture and religion.

Question: What are collective rights, and why are they granted to specific groups in society?

Answer: Collective rights are granted to groups in society for historical and constitutional reasons. They aim to affirm the collective identity of these groups and create a society where different identities are accepted. Examples of groups with collective rights include First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Francophones, and Anglophones

Question: Which linguistic groups in Canada have collective rights related to language access in education and government services?

Answer: Both Francophones (French speakers) and Anglophones (English speakers) have collective rights to access education and government services in their respective languages. No other language group in Canada has this specific right.

Question: Why did the British government promise to protect the French language and culture in Canada after the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in 1759?

Answer: The Battle of the Plains of Abraham was the last major battle for control of Canada, and the British emerged victorious. To address the nervousness of French colonists about British rule, the British government promised to protect the French language and culture, even though the French were the majority but lacked political power.

Question: What is the significance of the term “conquest” in the context of French colonists’ perspective?

Answer: The French colonists referred to the Battle of the Plains of Abraham as the “conquest.” This term reflects their feelings of being conquered by the British. Despite being the majority, they needed laws to protect their language and culture.

Question: How did the Canadian government address collective rights for francophones during the Real Resistance (Riel Rebellion)?

Answer: During the Real Resistance (Riel Rebellion), the Canadian government discriminated against francophone Canadians by eliminating collective rights. However, today, we recognize it as a resistance led by Louis Riel to protect French Catholic culture and language from government policies that threatened them11.

Remember, collective rights play a crucial role in preserving cultural identities and ensuring a diverse and inclusive society.

Question: How did the Charter of Rights and Freedoms address language rights for francophones?

Answer: The Charter outlined rights due to the French people, including French language education. However, enforcing these rights was not always easy, and it took time and political pressure for francophone parents in Alberta to convince the government to support the creation of francophone schools.

Question: What is the significance of Bill 101 (Charter of the French language) in Quebec?

Answer: Bill 101 made French the official language of the province and significantly restricted the use of English in many circumstances. While other languages can appear on store signs, French must remain predominant. This law aimed to protect the French culture in Quebec.

What protects people’s rights in Canada?

Answer: People’s rights are protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

What type of rights allow citizens of Canada to participate in elections and run for government?

Answer: These are democratic rights

What distinguishes democratic rights from fundamental freedoms?

Answer: Fundamental freedoms are considered human rights, while democratic rights are civil rights specific to citizens of Canada.

What do mobility rights guarantee for individuals in Canada?

Answer: Mobility rights ensure that individuals can move freely within any region of Canada without discrimination. They also allow leaving and re-entering the country.

What are the key aspects of legal rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?

Answer: Legal rights include protection against arbitrary arrest, the right to be informed of reasons for arrest, the right to a timely trial, and protection from double jeopardy and cruel treatment in jail.

What does the Equality rights section of the Charter emphasize?

Answer: The Equality rights section ensures that every individual is equal before and under the law, without discrimination based on factors such as race, religion, sex, age, or disability.

What does the term “amelioration” mean in the context of the Charter?

Answer: Amelioration refers to efforts to fix or improve the conditions of disadvantaged individuals or groups, even if it involves specific programs or activities.

Why do organizations like the RCMP sometimes hire people based on their minority status?

Answer: Organizations like the RCMP aim to better represent the cultural differences of the people they protect. Hiring individuals from diverse backgrounds ensures a more inclusive police force.

What does the Charter state regarding hiring practices based on minority status?

Answer: The Charter acknowledges that hiring decisions may prioritize minority candidates to overcome historical imbalances (e.g., when most police officers were white men).

What is the significance of the Enforcement Clause in the Charter?.

Answer: The Enforcement Clause ensures that citizens can challenge violations of their rights. Independent courts and human rights tribunals play a crucial role in addressing such violations

How does the Charter address conflicts with other laws?

Answer: The Charter does not override existing treaty rights. Additionally, even if a right is not explicitly written down, it still exists under the concept of common law or the unwritten Constitution.

What does the “notwithstanding clause” allow provinces to do?

Answer: The “notwithstanding clause” permits provinces to choose whether to apply certain aspects of the Charter, such as language laws. Quebec has used this clause in its French-only language legislation (bill 101).

What is the term ‘laissez-faire’ and how does it relate to the economy?

The term ‘laissez-faire’ is a term used by Adam Smith to describe a situation where the government stays out of the economy and lets supply and demand control things.

Why is competition important in a capitalist economy?

Competition is important in a capitalist economy because when we compete to make the most money, we think about new ideas that will encourage people to spend their money on our inventions.

How does a market economy answer the key economic questions of what to produce, how to produce it, and who gets it?

A market economy answers the key economic questions as follows: What to produce is determined by what people want (demand), how to produce it is determined by the supplier who aims to maximize profits, and who gets it is determined through competition and the price system

What is a monopoly and why do capitalists want the government to prevent them?

A monopoly is a situation where one entity controls the entire market for a particular good or service, eliminating competition. Capitalists want the government to prevent monopolies because they disrupt the competitive dynamics of the market, which are crucial for a capitalist economy

What is a welfare capitalist economy and how does it function in the United States?

A welfare capitalist economy, like the one in the United States, is a system that still values the ideas of a market economy but includes some government intervention to prevent the worst abuses. This can include government assistance for healthcare for the very poor and regulations such as minimum wage and maximum hours of work.

What is the ‘invisible hand’ as described by Adam Smith?

The ‘invisible hand’ as described by Adam Smith is a force that makes sure the economy works. It operates through supply and demand, ensuring that if we seek our own selfish interests, it will almost magically end up meeting the needs of others at the same time.

What is meant by a ‘shift left’ in economic terms?

A ‘shift left’ in economic terms refers to a move towards more government intervention in the economy. In the context of the video, it refers to the introduction of regulations like minimum wage and maximum hours of work to protect workers.

What is the main purpose of social programs in Canada?

To improve the quality of life of all Canadians and to better equalize outcomes (e.g. public education and healthcare for all) for all Canadians

What is the term used to describe Canada’s economy?

The term used to describe Canada’s economy is a ‘mixed economy’.

What is the ‘social safety net’?

The ‘social safety net’ refers to the various social programs that help promote a cooperative economy.

How do social programs contribute to the economy?

Social programs help less fortunate people to buy goods and services, which allows them to participate in the economy and help everyone else.

What are some arguments in favor of social programs?

Some arguments in favor of social programs include moral arguments about sharing wealth and logical arguments about economic participation.

What are some arguments against social programs?

Some arguments against social programs include increased dependency on the government, inefficiency of government-run programs, and decreased initiative to improve.

What are some possible inefficiencies in government-run programs?

Some inefficiencies include the government bureaucracy needed to manage a system that covers "all" provincial citizens and lack of initiative to improve services.