Social PAT Review

🟦 UNIT 1: Political and Legislative Processes in Canada

📘 Chapter 1: Governance and the Political System

Key Concepts:

• Democracy: Government by the people, either directly or through elected representatives.

• Principles of Democracy: Rule of law, freedom of expression, accountability, equality, etc.

• Federal System: Divides powers between national and provincial governments.

• Three Branches of Government:

• Executive: Enforces laws (Prime Minister, Cabinet, Governor General).

• Legislative: Makes laws (Parliament - House of Commons and Senate).

• Judicial: Interprets laws (courts).

• Three Levels of Government:

• Federal: National issues (defence, currency, immigration).

• Provincial: Local concerns (education, health).

• Municipal: Community issues (waste management, libraries).

• Constitution: Supreme law of the land; sets government structure.

• Constitutional Monarchy: Monarch is head of state, power limited by constitution.

• Prime Minister vs. Premier: PM = national leader; Premier = provincial leader.

• MPs (Members of Parliament): Elected reps in House of Commons.

• How a Bill Becomes Law: Proposal → House of Commons → Senate → Royal Assent (Governor General).

Vocabulary:

• House of Commons: Main law-making body, elected MPs.

• Senate: Reviews laws, appointed by PM.

• Governor General: Represents Monarch federally.

• Cabinet Ministers: MPs with specific portfolios (e.g., Finance).

• Riding/Constituency: Geographic voting area represented by an MP.

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📘 Chapter 2: Justice and Law

Key Concepts:

• Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA): Applies to 12–17-year-olds, focuses on rehabilitation.

• Legal Rights: Legal protections (e.g., right to lawyer, fair trial).

• Fairness vs. Equality: Fair = Just outcome; Equal = Same treatment.

• 4 Factors in Consequences:

1. Seriousness of offence

2. History of offender

3. Attitude of offender

4. Harm done to victim

• Advocacy Groups: Help youth (e.g., John Howard Society, Elizabeth Fry Society).

• YCJA vs. Adult System: Youth get more rehab, adult system more punitive.

• Goals of Youth Justice: Reintegration, meaningful consequences.

Vocabulary:

• Criminal Code: Law for adult crimes.

• Rehabilitation: Helping offenders become law-abiding citizens.

• Restitution: Compensation for damage.

• Jury: Group of citizens deciding guilt in a trial.

📘Chapters 3/4: Rights and Freedoms

Key Concepts Explained

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

  • Part of Canada’s Constitution (1982).

  • Guarantees all Canadians fundamental rights and freedoms.

  • Applies to laws, government actions, and court decisions.

  • Can be limited only if justified in a free and democratic society.

Fundamental Freedoms

  • Freedom of conscience and religion: Practice your beliefs freely.

  • Freedom of expression: Speak your mind as long as it doesn’t infringe upon other’s rights.

  • Freedom of peaceful assembly: Join protests or public meetings.

  • Freedom of association: Join clubs, unions, groups.

📌 Example: A student protesting a school policy cannot be punished for peaceful demonstration.

Equality Rights

  • Everyone is equal before and under the law.

  • Protection from discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, etc.

📌 Example: Same-sex couples gaining the right to marry in Canada (2005).

Legal Rights

  • Right to life, liberty, security of person.

  • Right to a fair trial, to remain silent, to a lawyer, and to be presumed innocent.

📌 Example: A person arrested must be told their charges and legal rights.

Democratic Rights

  • Right to vote and run in elections (age 18+).

  • Elections must happen at least every 5 years.

📌 Example: Delaying elections for too long without cause would violate this right.

Mobility Rights

  • Right to live and work in any province/territory.

  • Right to leave and enter Canada freely.

📌 Example: You can move from Alberta to Ontario for work or school with no legal barriers.

Vocabulary

  • Constitution: Supreme law outlining how Canada is governed.

  • Infringement: A violation of a legal right.

  • Internment: Forcing people into camps during wartime (e.g., Japanese Canadians in WWII).

  • Discrimination: Unfair treatment based on race, gender, etc.

  • Multiculturalism: Policy recognizing and respecting cultural diversity.

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🟦 UNIT 2: Economics and Citizenship

📘 Chapter 6: Economic Systems

Key Concepts:

• Market Economy: Businesses make decisions, minimal government.

• Planned Economy: Government controls economy.

• Mixed Economy: Combines both systems.

  • Scarcity: Limited resources but unlimited wants.

  • Supply: How much sellers are willing to offer at different prices.

  • Demand: How much buyers want at different prices.

  • Surplus: Extra goods when supply is more than demand.

Vocabulary:

• Consumer Sovereignty: Consumers control production with choices.

• Monopoly: One company dominates a market.

• Crown Corporations: Government-run businesses.

• Privatization: Selling government services to private companies.

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📘 Chapter 8: Government and the Economy

Key Concepts:

• Taxation:

• GST = Goods & Services Tax.

• Income Tax = Based on earnings.

• Government Services: Funded by taxes (healthcare, education).

Vocabulary:

• Surplus/Deficit: Extra or shortfall in government budget.

• Progressive Tax: Higher income = more tax.

• Public vs. Private: Government vs. business-owned services.

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📘 Chapter 7: Consumerism

Key Concepts:

• Consumer Rights: Safety, information, choice, voice.

• Environmental Responsibility: Buying eco-friendly products.

• Ethical Consumerism: Fair trade, no exploitation.

• Advertising Influence: Impacts choices and identity.

Vocabulary:

• Boycott: Refusal to buy.

• Identity and Consumer Choices: What you buy reflects your values.

• Lobbying: Influencing government policy.

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🟦 UNIT 3: Immigration and Citizenship

📘 Chapter 5: Immigration Policy

Key Concepts:

• Categories of Immigrants:

• Economic

• Family

• Refugee

• Immigration and Economy: Supports population, jobs.

• Multiculturalism: Promotes diversity and inclusion.

Vocabulary:

• Immigration and Refugee Protection Act: Sets immigration rules.

• Push/Pull Factors: Reasons to leave/join a country.

• Integration: Becoming part of Canadian society.

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📘 Chapter 4: Immigration and Identity

Key Concepts:

• Aboriginal Perspectives: Concern about immigration without consent.

• Challenges for Newcomers: Language, housing, jobs.

• Francophone & Indigenous Rights: Protected in Constitution and Charter.

Vocabulary:

• Treaties: Agreements between Indigenous nations and the Crown.

• Assimilation: Losing cultural identity.

• Cultural Mosaic: Diverse cultures co-existing.

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🟦 UNIT 4: Canada’s Role in the World

📘 Chapter 9: Canada and International Issues

Key Concepts:

• Foreign Aid: Helping other countries with money/services.

• Peacekeeping: Military support for peace/conflict zones.

• Global Citizenship: Responsibility to global community.

Vocabulary:

• NGO: Non-Government Organization (e.g., Red Cross).

• Internationalism: Countries working together.

• Trade Sanctions: Restrictions for political reasons.

• Biodiversity: Variety of life.

• Exploitation: Using resources/people unfairly.