Civics Exam Review PDF

Unit 1 Civics Review Civics v.s Politics Civics - Civics is the study of citizens' rights, duties, and responsibilities, focusing on their interactions with governance, individual rights, and active participation in a democratic society. Politics - Politics involves the acquisit...

Unit 1 Civics Review Civics v.s Politics Civics - Civics is the study of citizens' rights, duties, and responsibilities, focusing on their interactions with governance, individual rights, and active participation in a democratic society. Politics - Politics involves the acquisition, use, and exercise of power in governance, focusing on strategies, debates, decision-making, outcomes, and conflicts in a governance system. In short, civics is about the principles and practices of democratic participation, while politics is about the strategies and power struggles that shape governmental action. 💪 Where do we as Christians find our citizenship? *Do not need anything for studying. Just follow your heart The study of governments and citizens and how governments work is called: Political Science Types of decision making: Authoritarian - Form of decision making where one person or small group holds all the power. -​ Who rules: Only one person or a small group -​ In whose interest do they rule: Their own interest and sometimes in favour of the people -​ How do they rule: Usually a dictatorship that can be backed up by military but if they are trustworthy they can be helpful -​ Characteristics: Only Political party. Government controlled press (censorship). Fake elections or no elections. Unequal legal rights. Courts under political control. Minorities often under attack. Democratic - a system of government where decisions are controlled by the people -​ Who rules: Majority voting. People elect representatives and a leader -​ In whose interest: The peoples -​ How do they rule: With equality and kindness(sometimes). They must follow the countries constitution -​ Characteristics: Two or more political parties. Free Press and media. Free, fair, frequent elections. Equal legal rights and courts free of political control. Minorities respected. Collective/Consensus - a group of individuals works together to reach a decision that is acceptable to all or most members -​ Who rules: everyone in the group -​ Whose interest: Everyones -​ How do they rule: Equality, fairness and open discussion How do governments use power? Authority, influence, and coercion. ​ Authority - Citizens follow laws due to their recognition of institutions' legitimacy. Authority in democratic systems is granted through elections, allowing citizens to delegate power. Governments may also gain authority by aligning policies with shared cultural values or traditions. ​ Influence - Governments use media, communication campaigns, and public relations to shape public opinion, internationally through diplomacy, foreign aid, and negotiation, and to craft policies aligning with their agenda. ​ Coercion - Governments enforce laws through police, military, and security services, often using coercion and authoritarian tactics to maintain internal control and protect citizens from external threats. How are conflicts resolved? Negotiation, mediation, arbitration. Negotiation - TThe parties involved engage in open discussions to understand each other's perspectives and work towards a compromise for a mutually agreed-upon resolution. Mediation - A mediator listens to both parties, helps clarify issues, identify agreement areas, and explore solutions, guiding parties through negotiation without imposing decisions, aiming for voluntary agreement. Arbitration - Parties submit conflict to arbitrators, experts in relevant areas, who review and make legally binding decisions based on evidence, witnesses, and arguments. Democracy around the world Types of democracy: Direct - People vote directly on each issue rather than have representatives vote for them. Representative - People vote representatives into power who will make decisions on their behalf. Constitutional Monarchy - Type of democracy that supports the main points of a representative democracy, but still has a monarch as the official head of state (Doesn’t have any real power) History of Democracy: ​ The start - 500 BC greece ​ Citizenship - 0-500 AD Roman empire concept of citizenship ​ Iroquois Confederacy - 1150-1450 Consensus decision making ​ Magna Carta - 1215 Kings absolute power is limited by law ​ American Revolution - 1775-1783 Declaration of independent states “all men are created equally” ​ French Revolution - 1789-1794 The people overthrow the absolute monarch, establish a republic: revolution spreads across Europe Elements of Democracy: 1)​ Democratic decisions are made for the good of most people, most of the time. -​ Elected representatives make decisions that the citizens support -​ frequent elections ensure that Representatives listen to the citizens 2)​ Democracy emphasizes legal and political equality -​ all citizens are equal -​ a constitution lays out the rules and principles for governing and the rights of the people 3)​ Democracy protects minorities -​ majority opinion can't always Triumph because it could crush the minority 4)​ Democracy encourages peace, respect and tolerance in citizens -​ Democratic decision-making means compromise Obstacles to democracy: 1)​ Ethnic differences and conflicts -​ ethnic groups - people who share a language, religion or homeland -​ Perhaps a strong leader is better to keep Unity (?) 2)​ a large gap between rich and poor -​ Democracy needs a middle class - otherwise the poor aren't involved in the rich takeover 3)​ a low literacy rate -​ difficult to participate in a democracy if you can't read/write What makes a country free? Partly free? Not free? ​ Free: Democracy- freedom from violence, freedom of expression ​ Partly free: they vote but don’t have liberal democracies (poor human rights) Dominican Republic ​ Not Free: China Communist country, the government dictates everything Citizenship in Canada Citizenship - the position or status of being a citizen of a particular country. What it means to be a citizen in Canada - You are a canadian citizen -born outside of canada but at least one parent is a canadian citizen -Responsibilities include….within the oath: swear to be faithful to the King Charles and the Country of Canada, follow the laws and constitution of Canada, recognize the 1st nations people and fulfill my duty as a Canadian citizen How are you considered a citizen in Canada - You are a citizen if you are either born from Canadian Parents or are accepted by the government. Benefits of Citizenship - Employment Insurance, dental coverage, child benefit, pensions and benefits for housing, student aid, family, disabilities and after a death.  How to become a citizen of Canada - 18 years or older, permanent resident lawfully admitted, has lived in Canada 3 of the last 5 years, speaks and writes English or French, knows info from citizenship handbook Basic responsibilities for Canadians- Obeying the law, taking responsibility for oneself and one's family, serving on a jury, voting in elections, helping others in the community, protecting and enjoying our heritage and environment. Canadian Constitution and Charter of Rights & Freedoms- It is the supreme law in Canada: (a) freedom of conscience and religion; (b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication; (c) freedom of peaceful assembly; and. (d) freedom of association. Current Events Presentations You will need to be able to discuss one current events presentation according to the note taking sheet we completed. Human Rights Articles of the Declaration of Human Rights: life justice liberty Global Citizenship Individual Level: The individual level refers to Enforcing Human Rights: There was no universal each person within an organization, whose actions government with the power to enforce human rights. significantly impact group dynamics and the After WW11, allies held the Nuremberg Trials, set a organization as a whole. precedent. In 2002 creation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Canada as a Global Citizen: Canada is a part of Canada and Human Rights: Past issues - Women’s NATO, the United Nations, and has been a part of rights, slavery, Japanese internment. Over time there drafting many conventions. Peacekeeping missions have been huge improvements for the UN. Trade: Canada negotiates trade agreements with Geneva Convention: First signed in 1864 as an other governments. agreement to allow the red cross to help injured Global Poverty and Foreign Policy: countries like soldiers on the battlefield and not be attacked. Canada can make a difference in world poverty Failures of the Declaration: The Rwandan through foreign policy. By investing in education Genocide - 1994, UN not permitted to intervene. and industry, by adopting fairer trade policies, by Darfur, Sudan - 2003-now, UN not permitted to forgiving debts owed by developing countries. intervene as not all countries viewed it as a Global Conflict: Terrorism (and Canada’s genocide. response): What terrorism is and that it is not new. Canada’s response was to join in on an UN Global Affairs Canada: Distributes approximately operation in Afghanistan. However Canada did not $5.7 billion dollars a year in aid and loans either help the USA in invading Iraq. directly or through NGOs for development projects around the world. Environmental Interdependence: Several agreements have been signed by multiple countries NGOs: Non-Government Organizations - in respect to climate change. The Kyoto PRotocol not-for-profit operate separately of government, which set specific goals for 2012 was signed in funded through donations and support from GAC 1997. The Paris Agreement in 2015 goal is to keep global temperature rise under 2 degrees celsius. Canadian Peacekeeping: Intervene in areas where human rights are at stake. Peacekeeping includes Sustainable Development Goals: (THERE ARE supervising elections, delivering humanitarian aid, ABOUT A DOZEN) No poverty, zero hunger, setting up local police forces, and mediating Quality education, good health and wellbeing differences. Leadership What is a leader? Someone who influences others. Myths of leadership: Some people are born leaders, leaders defeat armies, leadership is a characteristic and some have and some don’t, leadership is no more than getting others to do what you want them to do, leadership always involves action Forms of leadership ​ Autocratic - Autocratic leadership is a directive style of leadership where one person holds significant power and makes decisions without consulting others. ​ Democratic - Democratic leadership is a collaborative and participative approach that encourages team involvement, open communication, and shared decision-making. ​ Laissez-Faires - leadership style characterized by minimal direct supervision and hands-off management. In this approach, the leader provides very little guidance or direction, allowing team members to make decisions and manage their own work. Evolution Of Democracy *study your timeline Ideology What is it - a set of beliefs and values about how society should be organized. Autocracy: a form of government in which political power is controlled by 1 individual such as a monarch dictator or emperor Monarchy: ruled by kings queens, leader usually gain their power because their parents were leaders too, some modern monarchies have constitutional monarchy Dictatorship: Power is not inherited but acquired by force Oligarchy: Power can be based on several things such as: military strength, family power. Can often come from or lead to other forms of government Theocracy: Ruled by God or high power Anarchy: No government What does personnel ideology look like - I believe in you guys. Speak from your heart. We got this What is a pluralist society - A society in which multiple groups, cultures, religions, ethnicities, or social identities coexist, interact, and are recognized as being part of the broader social fabric. It is important because it promotes diversity, tolerance, and inclusion, allowing people from different backgrounds to coexist peacefully and contribute to a richer, more dynamic culture. Human Rights -​ the right to live free from torture, the right to live free from slavery, the right to own property, the right to equality and dignity, and the right to live free from all forms of discrimination. -​ There is 30 but these are the main 5 Article 1 Right to Equality Article 25 Right to Adequate Living Standard Article 26 Right to Education Article 27 Right to Participate in the Cultural Life of Community Article 28 Right to a Social Order that Articulates this Document Canada’s Federal System Of Government What is Federalism -​ In it, the powers of government are split between federal and state or provincial levels. The federal (central) government has jurisdiction over the whole country Why Choose A Federal Government? -​ Balances responsibilities and power -​ Helps address local concerns -​ Accommodates diversity and differences in large or diverse countries like Canada Canadian Branches of Government -​ Executive: vested in the Crown and carried out by the Governor in Council—the Prime Minister and cabinet. -​ Legislative: Parliament is the legislative branch of the federal government. -​ Judicial: The Supreme Court of Canada Federal Government -​ The federal government is the national government -​ Governor General: Summoning, proroguing and dissolving Parliament. -​ Prime Minister: Controls the governing party and speaks for it -​ Cabinet: The body of ministerial advisors that sets the federal government's policies and priorities for the country. -​ Backbenchers: Hold no significant roles but can still vote, participate in debates, and raise issues. -​ Mps: Elected by representatives. MP’s create debate, and vote on federal laws and issues. Their leader is the Prime Minister. -​ Public service: Implement government policies, programs, and services. -​ House Of Commons: made up of MP’s, the place where the MP’s debate and pass laws, scrutinize the government, and represent constituents. -​ Parties: organized groups of individuals who share common beliefs, values and goals. -​ Leaders: lead a political party -​ Caucus: All elected members of a political party in the house of commons. -​ Official Opposition: party with the second most seats in the house of commons. -​ Minority Government: A party who has the most seats wins less than half of the total number of seats. Provincial Government -​ Responsible for their own province or territory and issues such as education, health care, social welfare, transportation and infrastructure. -​ Lieutenant Governor: acts in a primarily ceremonial fashion, carrying out some of the ritual duties normally associated with heads of state and thus symbolizing the sovereignty of the provinces within confederation. -​ Premier: selects ministers to form the Executive Council (provincial cabinet), and serves as its chair. -​ MPP’s: Enact, amend or repeal laws and regulations. Participate in developing or amending government policies, programs or procedures. Represent their government at local, national and international meetings and conferences. Respond to matters of concern to constituents or the general public. -​ Seats: Seats are positions held by elected representatives in the legislature assembly or council of a province or territory. Seats represent the voices of the people in their respective areas and allow representatives to participate in legislative decisions and debates. And the passing of laws. In Canada, our seats are occupied by MLAs, MPPs, or similar titles depending on the province. -​ Parties: groups of people who share values and policies and work together to win elections and govern. -​ Leaders of Parties: Represents the party as its head. Municipal Government -​ Run cities, towns or districts(municipalities)  -​ Mayor: The Supreme Court of Canada -​ Council: Make decisions about municipal financing and services. Caucus -​ All MPs from one party Minority vs Majority Government -​ A minority government is when no party has more than 164 MPs elected. A majority government is when a party has half or more than half of the seats (164+) Speaker of the House -​ An MP is selected by all MPs to act as a referee and make sure all the rules are followed. Must be non-partisan (not in favour of any party) ​ Question Period -​ Happens everyday in parliament in session for 45 minutes, opposition members ask questions of the MP and his cabinet. The Senate -​ The Senate is more important than the house of commons, blocks any irresponsible bills passed by the house of commons. How are laws made? Bill vs Act -​ A bill is a proposal for a law that is being considered by the legislature. An Act is a bill that has passed all legislative steps and has become a law. ​ Types of Bills -​ Government bills are introduced by the governing party -​ Private members bills are introduced by individual MPs without government support (less likely to pass into law) Steps from Bill to Law -​ Parliamentary stage (idea is proposed) -​ 1st reading (introduced to house of commons) -​ 2nd reading(MPs debate in house of commons) -​ Committee stage(legislative committee debate) -​ Reporting stage(committee reports to house of commons) -​ 3rd reading(final vote) -​ Senate(some quick procedures) -​ Royal assent(governor general recognizes bill as law) Canada’s Justice System ​ Goals of the Judicial System -Safety -Social order -Respect Fundamental legal rights -free of unreasonable search -right to know cause of arrest -be represented by a lawyer -if charged with an offense you have the right to know the details  -trial within reasonable time -innocent until proven guilty -not be denied bail without just cause Criminal Justice Process 1- Investigation: Investigation of suspect 2- Arrest: Once there is enough evidence, an arrest can be made with or without a warrant but if there is no warrant the police must of reasonable grounds for arrest 3- Initial Appearance in Court: Brought before court for an initial hearing so a judge may determine whether the accused will be released on bail or held until further trial 4- Pre-trial Proceedings: The accused will be informed of charges. Evidence that will be used in court is exchanged. Negotiations of pleading guilty for a lower punishment may occur. 5- Trial: Federal or Provincial level trial will take place to decide of the accused is guilt or innocent 6- Sentencing: if found guilty, a sentence hearing takes place inorder to appoint a reasonable sentence 7- Appeal: if convicted, the accused has a right to appeal to a higher court in hopes of rectifying flaws in the initial trial (if there was any) Youth Criminal Justice -​ The Youth Criminal Justice Act reflects Canada's belief in balancing accountability and rehabilitation when dealing with young offenders. It emphasizes early intervention, reintegration, and preventing future crimes through rehabilitation-focused approaches, while also ensuring that youth are held accountable for their actions. ​ Wrongful Convictions - In Canada, wrongful convictions are taken seriously, and there are multiple mechanisms—appeals, federal reviews, and organizations like Innocence Canada—designed to address and correct these injustices. Civil Law - Civil law in Canada refers to the area of law that deals with disputes between individuals, organizations, or both, where the primary aim is to resolve private conflicts, rather than to punish criminal behavior Political Ideologies - a certain set of ethical ideals, principles, doctrines, myths or symbols of a social movement, institution, class or large group that explains how society should work and offers some political and cultural blueprint for a certain social order. ​ -Right(no change) -centre -Left(change) ​ -Communism (government owns everything) ​ -Socialism(government owns capital and land for the benefit of the people) ​ -Liberalism(individuals have rights and civil duties that dont restrict their growth) ​ -Conservatism(no change, if there is it is done slowly) ​ -Fascism(Government has all control and uses the military to enforce authority) Canada’s political parties  Liberal Conservative New Bloc Quebecois Green Party Democratic Leader Justin Pierre Poliviere Jagmet Singh Yves-Francois Elizabeth Trudeau May Ideology Liberalism Conservatism Socialism Socialism/Liberali Socialism sm Taxation Keep the Lower Higher, Higher Higher, same or raise especially for Carbon Tax businesses Economics Some Little More The main focus is Develop a interference, interference intervention Quebec green free market economy Social More Less Many more More More Programs Traditional Change if Promote ‘family Change Change(independ The vs Change wanted values’ (support ence of Quebec government euthanasia) from Canada) should not legislate morality Crime Social Tougher Social Social Programs Social Programs Punishments Programs Programs Healthcare Some No Privatization No Independent Expanded Privatization Privatization System in Quebec Healthcare Coverage Environment Some Green Immediate More Action Important TOP Programs Action PRIORITY Military Increase Increase Decrease Moderate Less active, Speeding, Speeding spending and speeding get rid of use the intervention nuclear military more Elections ​ -Every 5 years -One person is selected from each riding as an MP (first past the post) -the call (PM ask governor to call an election) -Nominations(candidates stand for elections) -The voters list(chief electoral officer makes a voters list) -The campaign(each party promotes their platform) -The voters(voters are informed of where to vote)  -Election Day(voters go to polling stations to vote) -The count(votes are counted) -The winner(candidate with most votes is elected PM) -Costs $616 millions Electoral Reform -2 party system (only 2 parties, no more) -mandatory voting -Proportional representation(% of votes = # of seats) Referendum -A form of direct democracy, voters get to vote on a issue instead of the representatives deciding Government and budget ​ Possibilities at federal level ​ -Defense, citizenship and immigration, environment, international trade Responsibilities at a provincial level - Care, education, agriculture, transportation Responsibilities and municipal level -Garbage, water, playgrounds ​ Transfer Payments -money goes directly to people, provinces, etc Program expenses -Cost to run federal departments, agencies and crown corporations Interest on national debt -The amount of money the federal government has borrowed to cover outstanding balance of expenses incurred over time Taxes -PersonalC(ome from individual based on their income) -corporate (comes from businesses and their Profits) -GST(good and services tax) -PST(important dutie, fuel tax,etc) Employment insurance premiums -Is used to help Canadians looking for or unable to work, employees and employers have to pay this tax Crown Corporations -Businesses run by the federal government for people outside of government Different views on budget use -Skills training, food security, climate change, restorative justice Parties and their priorities -Liberal(want to help Canadians families thrive) -Conservatives want to lower taxes to allow you to keep money in your pockets) -NDP (wants to focus on climate changeAnd grow clean energy) -Bloc (no tax Havens and better funding for health education in Quebec) -Green party (wants to focus on Pharma care less debt) -Peoples party (wants to cut corporate welfare) Government policy ​ Platform vs Policy ​ -Policy is a plan or action of a political party/government to achieve certain goals ​ -Platform is a group of policies a party promises to pursue if elected ​ Types of Policies ​ -Social ​ -Financial ​ -International ​ -Public works ​ What influences policies ​ -Party Membership(Every Canadian is eligible to join a party) -Civil service advice(calculating cost of implementing the policies) - Judicial opinion(policy must comply with current laws) -Economic realities(economic conditions affect policies) -International pressure (trades depend on relationships) - Interest groups(groups of people with common causes or goals to try and influence policy makers) Media and government (and propaganda) ​ -Mass media(reach large audiences) ​ -Ancient egyptian alphabet ​ -Gutenberg Press ​ -News paper to tv ​ -HTML chat rooms ​ -Twitter ​ -Evolution of tv ​ -Propaganda(Manipulation of media designed to influence a group or population