Government
Provides order, stability, and infrastructure.
Hobbes' View
Humans are inherently violent without government.
Locke's View
Humans are cooperative and have rights.
Anarchy
A society without government or laws.
Dictatorship
Rule by an unelected single leader.
Absolute Monarchy
Unlimited power held by hereditary monarch.
Constitutional Monarchy
Monarch's powers are ceremonial and limited.
Direct Democracy
People vote directly on laws and policies.
Representative Democracy
Citizens elect representatives to make decisions.
Presidential System
President serves as both head of state and government.
Parliamentary System
Prime Minister is head of government; monarch is figurehead.
Canada's Government
Representative democracy with constitutional monarchy.
Executive Branch
Proposes laws and oversees government operations.
Legislative Branch
Creates laws and represents Canadian regions.
Judicial Branch
Interprets laws and ensures rights are respected.
Prime Minister
Head of government, elected leader of party.
Cabinet
Group of MPs managing government departments.
House of Commons
Major law-making body, elected MPs represent ridings.
Senate
Appointed senators review legislation and represent regions.
Supreme Court
Highest court, ensures law interpretation and rights.
Lobby Groups
Influence MPs and government on specific issues.
Media
Delivers information and shapes public opinion.
Parliamentary Press Gallery
Media outlet in Ottawa for parliamentary coverage.
First Past the Post
Electoral system where most votes win a seat.
Ridings
338 electoral districts for electing MPs in Canada.
Majority
More than half of total votes cast.
Popular Vote
Total votes directly for a candidate in elections.
Majority Government
Forms when a party wins 170+ seats in Commons.
Minority Government
Forms with 169 or fewer seats; needs support.
Political Party
Group with similar ideas on government issues.
Bill to Law Process
Steps a proposed bill takes to become law.
First Reading
Initial presentation of a bill; no debate.
Second Reading
Debate on the bill's principle; vote follows.
Committee Stage
Detailed study by MPs/Senators with expert input.
Report Stage
Debate and vote on bill amendments.
Third Reading
Final debate and vote on the bill.
Royal Assent
Final approval by the Governor General.
YCJA
Youth Criminal Justice Act for ages 12-17.
Fairness
Governed by rules applying to everyone equally.
Equity
Considers individual needs and circumstances.
Adult Sentences
Allowed for youth 14+; prohibited for 12-13.
Youth Record
Sealed at 18; avoids criminal record.
Root Causes of Crime
Factors like poverty, addiction, and neglect.
YCJA Objectives
MARS: Meaningful consequences, Address circumstances, Rehabilitate, Separate youth.
Victims of Crime
Includes offenders, victims, families, and communities.
CASH Factors
Consequences based on seriousness, history, attitude, circumstances.
Extrajudicial Measures
Non-court options for minor youth crimes.
Extrajudicial Sanctions
Non-court options for severe youth crimes.
Sequester
Remove juries from outside contact during trials.
Deliberate
Jury discusses evidence to reach a verdict.
Defense
Evidence supporting the innocence of the accused.
Prosecution
Evidence supporting the guilt of the accused.
Plea
Youth's response to charges; guilty or not guilty.
Trial
Formal examination to determine guilt or innocence.
Advocacy Groups
Organizations supporting individuals accused of crimes.