Civics

  • Civics is the exploration of

  • the rights and responsibilities of citizens

  • how decisions are made and who makes them

  • ways that we can act for the common good in communities

  • Citizenship is understanding the rights of citizens in all communities and the roles, responsibilities, and actions that go along with these rights.

  • Government is a political party that has control over all laws or affairs in a certain community.

  • Rights are privileges recognized and protected by law.

  • Responsibilities are tasks or duties that an individual is required or expected to perform.

  • Common good is the well-being of people in a community or society in terms of justice, fairness, prosperity, and respect for human rights and the environment.

  • A citizen is a person who lives in a city, town, or country and is legally allowed to have the rights and freedoms of the place in which they live.

  • If people disagree with the government, they could

  • take civic action.

  • start a democracy.

  • protest.

  • Civic action is legal, non-violent action to protect rights, promote the common good, or work towards a solution to a problem.

  • Democracy is a form of government in which laws are made by direct vote by the citizens or by vote of the elected representatives of the citizens.

  • The rule of law is the principle that everyone is held accountable under fair laws.

  • The rule of law is important in a democracy because everybody can protest their beliefs in whichever way they want as long as it falls within the regulations of the law.

  • Direct democracy gives power directly to the citizens while representative democracy gives power to elected officials who govern on behalf of the people.

  • A community is a collection of people who have a shared identity and a sense of responsibility to other members of the community.

  • Benefits of a community could be

  • uniting members and providing a sense of belonging.

  • listening to all members to make a good decision.

  • helping its members access opportunities.

  • connecting its members with cultures, traditions, values, and perspectives.

  • providing a better quality of life.

  • Political significance is the effect that a policy, issue, or event has on people’s lives.

  • Some common elements in all democracies are

  • citizen rights.

  • separation of powers (divided governments).

  • courts operation without political interference or influence.

  • A young person can be an active citizen by

  • volunteering.

  • suggesting changes to governments.

  • peacefully protesting.

  • voting.

  • Some methods of action are

  • political participation (voting, petitioning, lobbying).

  • protests (marches, strikes).

  • legal action (lawsuits, legislation).

  • media and awareness campaigns (social media, speeches).

  • civil disobedience (peaceful resistance, boycotting).

  • community engagement (volunteering, organizing).

  • Some common areas in municipalities are

  • public safety (law enforcement, emergency services).

  • infrastructure works (road maintenance, water supply, public transportation).

  • health (recycling, clinics).

  • education (schools, libraries).

  • recreation (parks, playgrounds, community centers, sports).

  • urban planning (housing, economic development).

  • social services (welfare programs, support for vulnerable, wildlife protection).

  • local governance (budgeting, elections, engaging).

  • Some careers in municipal government or services are

  • urban planner.

  • firefighter.

  • law enforcement.

  • The criteria necessary to vote in municipal elections are

  • you must be a Canadian citizen who is at least 18 years old.

  • you must live in, or own property in, the municipality.

  • you must show identification prior to obtaining a ballot.

  • A deputation is a speech given to a governing body, or the act of appointing a group of people to represent others.

  • Deputation is an important part of active citizenship because

  • it amplifies citizen voices

  • strengthens democracy

  • influences policy and decision making

  • promotes community engagement

  • holds leaders accountable

  • Mississauga’s mayor is Carlyn Parrish, Mississauga’s counselor is Martin Reid, and Mississauga’s school board trustee is Jeff Clark.

  • The roles of elected officials in municipal governments are

  • mayors

  • town or city councilors

  • deputy mayor

  • school board trustee

  • A by-law is a law enacted by a municipal council that applies to municipalities.

  • By-laws are necessary because they

  • create orderly communities

  • set safety hazards to protect citizens

  • regulate the growth of our municipalities

  • handle concerns affecting the public

  • The most common by-laws are

  • noise

  • property

  • property standards

  • animal

  • construction

  • licensing

  • public sewer

  • parking

  • public parks

  • fees