Civics

Here’s a study guide based on your CHV2O Unit 1 Test Review. Use this to help structure your studying and fill in definitions/examples from your class notes and slides.

1. What is Civics?

Civics is the study of the rights, responsibilities, and roles of citizens and how government works.

2. Authoritarianism

A system where power is concentrated in the hands of a few or one leader, with little to no input from citizens.

• Dictatorship – One person holds absolute power, often gained by force.
  
  

• Theocracy – Government based on religious principles and run by religious leaders.
  
  

• Absolute Monarchy – A monarch has complete control over the government and people.
  
  

• Oligarchy – Power rests with a small group of people.
  
  

• Fascism/Nazism – Nationalistic, dictatorial rule with suppression of opposition.
  
  

• Communism – Classless society where government controls the economy and resources.
  
  

3. Democracy

Power is held by the people.

• Direct Democracy – Citizens vote on every issue.
  
  

• Indirect/Representative Democracy – Citizens elect representatives to make decisions.
  
  

• Constitutional Monarchy – Monarch shares power with an elected government; Canada uses this system.
  
  

4. What is Power?

The ability to influence or control the behavior of people or events.

5. What is Government?

The system or group of people governing an organized community, often a state.

6. What is a Mobility Right?

Mobility rights allow individuals to move and live anywhere in Canada.
Example: The right to move to and work in any province or territory (Section 6 of the Charter).

7. Philosophers

• Thomas Jefferson – Wrote the U.S. Declaration of Independence; believed in individual rights.
  
  

• John Locke – Believed in natural rights: life, liberty, and property.
  
  

• Thomas Hobbes – Believed people need a strong authority (government) to avoid chaos.
  
  

8. Charter of Rights and Freedoms

A part of Canada’s Constitution that guarantees fundamental rights.
Examples:

• Freedom of expression
  
  

• Right to vote
  
  

• Right to equality
  
  

• Right to a fair trial
  
  

9. Divine Right of Kings

Belief that monarchs are appointed by God and not subject to earthly authority.

10. Magna Carta

A document signed in 1215 that limited the king's power and established rule of law.

11. Responsibilities of a Canadian Citizen

• Obeying the law
  
  

• Voting in elections
  
  

• Serving on a jury
  (Others include respecting others’ rights and contributing to society)
  
  

12. Totalitarianism vs. Democracy

• Totalitarian (Authoritarian):
  
  

  • Advantage: Efficient decision-making.
    
    

  • Disadvantage: Lack of personal freedoms and input from citizens.
    
    

• Democracy:
  
  

  • Advantage: Citizens have a voice and rights are protected.
    
    

  • Disadvantage: Decision-making can be slow and complex.
    
    

13. Reasonable Limits (Section 1)

Rights and freedoms can be limited if the limit is justified in a free and democratic society (e.g. limiting hate speech).

14. Canada’s Government Style

Constitutional Monarchy with a Representative Democracy.

• Advantage: Power is balanced between elected officials and the Crown.
  
  

• Disadvantage: The system can be complex and slow to change.
  
  

15. Public vs. Private Law

• Public Law: Deals with issues affecting society (e.g. criminal law – theft).
  
  

• Private Law: Deals with disputes between individuals or organizations (e.g. contract law – suing over a broken contract).