Civics Unit 1 Review Notes

Key Civics Terminology

  • Government: Group or system that makes and enforces laws and decisions.
    • Democratic Government: Citizens participate, usually by voting.
    • Authoritarian Government: 1 person or a small group holds all power.
  • Consensus: General agreement within a group.
  • Citizenship: Member of a country with rights and responsibilities.
  • Constitution: Rules and principles that explain how a country is governed.
  • Rights: Freedoms and protections people are entitled to.
  • Responsibilities: Duties citizens are expected to fulfill.
  • Reasonable Limits: Justified restrictions on a person's rights and freedoms to protect society or other people's rights (e.g., restrictions on freedom of expression).

Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens in Canada

  • Rights:
    • To vote
    • To travel abroad with a Canadian passport
    • To travel freely in Canada
    • Treated equally under law
    • Free from discrimination
    • Run for office
  • Responsibilities:
    • Obey law
    • Care for yourself and family
    • Respect rights of others
    • Pay taxes
    • Vote
    • Serve on jury
    • Protect Canada's heritage and environment

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

  • 6 Categories of Rights:
    • Fundamental freedoms
    • Democratic rights
    • Mobility rights
    • Legal rights
    • Equality rights
    • Minority language educational rights
  • 4 Fundamental Freedoms:
    • Freedom of conscience and religion
    • Freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression (including freedom of press and other media of communication)
    • Freedom of peaceful assembly (holding meetings, strikes, rallies, protests, etc.)
    • Freedom of association

Power Dynamics: Authority, Influence, and Coercion

  • Authority:
    • Meaning: Power to make decisions and/or give orders.
    • Example: A police officer enforcing laws.
  • Influence:
    • Meaning: To affect someone's actions or opinions.
    • Example: A friend convincing you to try something.
  • Coercion:
    • Meaning: Use force, threats, or intimidation to make someone do something.
    • Example: Threatening someone to give you money.

Leadership Styles

  • Authoritarian ("I decide"):
    • Dictatorship structure where citizens have limited freedom and the leader holds all power.
    • Strengths: Less stress, quick decisions, everyone has roles.
    • Weaknesses: No say/input leads to lack of motivation; dependence on leader.
  • Democratic ("We decide"):
    • Citizens have voting rights and more freedom, with a leader who takes action.
    • Strengths: Leaders are accountable, people are happy, people participate, encourages growth.
    • Weaknesses: Longer decision-making time.
  • Laissez-Faire ("You decide"):
    • Provides the most freedom by allowing people to do what they want.
    • Strengths: Encourages growth, encourages creativity.
    • Weaknesses: Lack of motivation, feeling overwhelmed.

Levels of Government

  • Levels: Federal, Provincial, Municipal.
  • Federal Responsibilities:
    • Border security
    • VIA Rail
    • Oceans and fisheries
    • Aboriginal affairs
    • Income taxes
  • Municipal Responsibilities:
    • Local police
    • Property
    • Public transit and infrastructure
    • Garbage collection