Canadian Federal Government System Study Guide PDF

Chapter 1: Canada’s Federal Government System Background  What is an issue? Definition: An important problem or topic for debate, of which there are differing opinions on how to address Examples: Climate change, gun control, homelessness, healthcare funding Sentence: With the ri...

Chapter 1: Canada’s Federal Government System Background  What is an issue? Definition: An important problem or topic for debate, of which there are differing opinions on how to address Examples: Climate change, gun control, homelessness, healthcare funding Sentence: With the rising cost of housing in Canada, homelessness is becoming a more significant issue for all levels of government to deal with Image: Draw what you see fit to help you remember Other Key Issue-Related Terms Opinion An individual’s personal point of view on an issue Fact An objective truth, based on actual data Other Key Issue-Related Terms Bias Favoritism or pre-existing assumptions towards one thing or against another Unbiased Having no pre-existing favoritism Other Key Issue-Related Terms Society A group of people who share a common geographic area and common identity Quality of life A measure of personal and group well-being  Critical Thinking: What are some of the things that make canada a “Society”? What do you believe are important factors of quality of life to Canadians?  Canada’s federal government  Chapter 1 - Canada’s Government Governance: the action of governing Making decisions for a group of people or society Besides a country, what other organizations or groups might require governance? Government: the people who govern our society  Levels of Government Federal Government MPs, Prime Minister, Cabinet, Senate, etc Provincial Government of Alberta Provincial Government of British Columbia, MLAs, Premier, Cabinet, etc. Saskatchewan, etc. Municipal Municipal Municipal Municipal Government of Government of Government of Government of Edmonton Vancouver Kelowna Calgary, Leduc, etc. Mayor, Councillors, etc.  Federal government  Branches of the Federal Government Executive Branch - Prime Minister - Cabinet - Each member has a portfolio - Carry out daily functions of government - Propose new legislation (bills)  Branches of the Federal Government Legislative Branch - House of Commons (Members of Parliament) - Senate - Vote on bills - pass laws  Branches of the Federal Government Judicial Branch - Courts and Judges - Most important: Supreme Court - Interpret and apply (enforce) laws  British Monarchy King Charles III Canada’s Head of State Represented in Canada by the Governor General (Mary Simon) Considered the head of both the executive and legislative branches  Executive Branch Who is in it? Prime Minister and Cabinet How do they get their position? PM: 1. Chosen as the leader of their political party 2. Elected as an MP in their riding 3. Their party wins the most seats in the election Cabinet: 1. Elected as an MP in their riding 2. Appointed a portfolio by the PM What does the branch do? 1. Proposing new laws (bills) 2. Meeting in Cabinet to determine government priorities 3. Run the day to day work of government departments  LEgislative Branch Who is in it? House of Commons (MPs - 338 seats) Senate (105 Senators) How do they get their position? MPs: elected by Canadians by getting the most votes in their riding Senators: appointed by the PM - serve in Senate until they turn 75  LEgislative Branch Continued What does the branch do? 1. Vote on laws 2. MPs: represent the people in their riding (also called seat or constituency) a. Support their party’s priorities and agenda 3. Senators: protect interests of minorities a. Represent regions of Canada (West, Ontario, Quebec, Maritimes) b. Give sober second thought to laws  Judicial Branch Who is in it? Anyone in the courts system (judges, police, prosecutors) Supreme Court (9) is the highest level How do they get their position? Supreme Court Justices: appointed by Prime Minister What does the branch do? 1. Enforce the law 2. Supreme Court reviews (interprets) laws that are challenged by those impacted 3. Supreme Court can overturn UNCONSTITUTIONAL laws  Canada’s Constitution The Constitution is Canada’s foundational law. It sets all the rules for how the government operates, What each branch of government is responsible for, And sets limits on government power. All other laws must fit within the framework created by the Constitution. If they do not, they will be struck down by the Supreme Court.  Focus on the Senate Senators must be 35 years of age and own property Positives of the Senate: - Provide a balance against the House of Commons - Represent regional interests better - Make sure minorities have another way to get their views heard Negatives of the Senate: - They never reject bills -> are they useful? - Appointments have often been made with favoritism Suggestions for the future of the Senate 1. Keep it - it is a part of our system and would be very difficult to change 2. Abolish it - would have to change the constitution to do this (Very difficult) 3. Update it - ideas like less pay/more expectations for Senators, term limits (8 years), hold elections for Senators  Elections in Canada This map shows ridings - divisions of Canada which each elect an individual Member of Parliament to represent the area This map shows ridings - divisions of Canada which each elect an individual Member of Parliament to represent the area Elections in Canada  Elections in Canada At least once every 5 years, Canadians participate in a federal election, where we vote for members of the House of Commons. There are currently 338 MPs and they are based on representation by population. This means that every riding/seat has about the same number of Canadians living in the riding. Candidates run as members of political parties. A political party is an official group that is formed of people with similar values, who want to form the government of Canada. A party will put forward candidates in each riding, hoping that these candidates will receive the most votes in each riding and be elected to the House of Commons as Members of Parliament.  Elections in Canada Whichever party has the most candidates elected forms the government. In the 2021 election, the Liberal Party had the most candidates elected, and therefore formed the government. The leader of the party with the most Members of Parliament elected becomes the Prime Minister. Canada’s current Prime Minister is Justin Trudeau. Majority and minority governments The results of elections - The house of Commons Majority Government Minority Government One party wins more than one half of the seats One party wins less than one half of the seats in the in the House of Commons House of Commons Characteristics: The largest party usually forms the government - Party in power can easily pass any bill Characteristics: they want - Stable - governments last full 5 year term - Party in power must work with other parties to - Prime Minister has a great deal of power pass bills (gives power to smaller parties) - Compromise - Unstable - governments often are toppled in a short time when they cannot pass bills (non-confidence vote) Majority and Minority Governments Is this a majority or minority government?  Issue: electoral reform  first-Past-the-post System What Canada currently uses Country is split into seats, and whoever gets the most votes in each seat wins Simple, but can lead to seats won not matching popular vote Proportional representation System Used in Germany and other European countries Parties have a “list” of their candidates Voters cast ballots for the party, not individual representatives The percentage of votes the party gets is the percentage of their list that gets into office  Ranked ballot System Used by Australia Allows voters to rank candidates Prevents “strategic voting” and allows smaller parties to get candidates elected Passing bills  How a bill becomes a law in canada’s government Bill: a new policy or law proposed into the legislative branch of government Law: a bill that has been passed by the legislative branch and is now in effect We will draw a flowchart of the stages of passing legislation in the space provided  Summary of Key steps: 1. Cabinet Minister proposes bill 2. House of Commons (MPs) vote on bill 3. Senate votes on bill 4. Governor General gives Royal Assent to bill  Role of the judicial branch How do the courts get involved in the passing of new bills? If a new law potentially violates the constitution, it can be challenged by an individual, company, or other government in court The supreme court will decide if the law should be struck down or not accountability Accountability Definition: Answerable to someone else for your actions  AUDITOR GENERAL An officer of parliament Checks on the operations of the government (accountability) Provides independent information and advice on government spending  Who are they accountable to? Members of Parliament: Prime Minister: Voters! Voters - party can lose the next election Party leadership - can be kicked out of the party Their party - can have a leadership vote Cabinet Ministers: Senators: Prime Minister - can be removed from cabinet Kind of no one - they serve until 75 - is this an issue? Media and government Complete questions Use Textbook pgs. 46-49 Lobbyists and interest groups  Lobbyists and interest groups Lobbyists: individuals who are hired by an organization to advocate for that cause These individuals attempt to influence government to pass bills to benefit their cause Lobbyists Lobbyists  Lobbying Positives of Lobbying Negatives of Lobbying - Bring important causes to - More money for lobbyists = the government’s attention more access to government - Provide expertise to - Creates unfairness government officials on - MPs want to please topics lobbyists for their support in - Ensure minorities have elections voices heard Chapter 1 exam coming soon Complete study guide to prepare for the exam  CHAPTER 2 Canada’s Justice System Questions of Justice - Write your answer on a sheet of paper and be prepared to share your thoughts with the class 1. Why do we have prison?  2. How long should you spend in prison for committing? - Murder? - Stealing a car? - Breaking and entering into a home? - Stealing pain medication from a store? - Stealing a loaf of bread to feed yourself? - Speeding 50km/h over the limit? - Attacking someone who insulted you and breaking their nose? 3. Other than prison, what other consequences should an offender face for their crime? 4. If a 13-year old and an adult commit the same crime, should they receive the same consequence? Why do you think that? Youth Crime in Canada: An Overview Respond to True/False statements in your package  Individual Questions Using textbook pgs. 56-70, answer the questions in your notes package Video: A Chance for Change Comparing the YCJA and Criminal Code YCJA: Criminal Code: - Deals with ages 12-17 - Deals with ages 18+ - Offender’s name not published - Identity of offender is published - No permanent public criminal when charged record - Permanent public criminal record - Sentences usually do not include - Jail is a more common sentence jail - Court and trials are common - Offenders often avoid court and trials, Youth Justice Committee instead Comparing the YCJA and Criminal Code Both YCJA and Criminal Code: - Ages 14-17 can be tried under the criminal code - Consequences can include: community service, probation, restitution - Deals with consequences of committing crimes Read Comic Pg 61 - 63 in textbook Factors that Determine Consequences for Young Offenders These are choices made by police / prosecutors / judges 1. The seriousness of the crime 2. The history of the offender (are they a repeat offender?) 3. The attitude of the youth (repentant, arrogant, doesn’t care) 4. Circumstances of the youth (poverty, lack of role models drugs, alcohol)  Flowchart of Consequences Youth Face We will draw the process that youth who have been accused of committing a crime go through under the YCJA on the board Objectives of the YCJA What is the YCJA attempting to accomplish? 1. Address the underlying causes of crime a. Why is the youth committing a crime? How to stop them. 2. Rehabilitate (fix issues youth is facing) a. Reintegrate (get them back into normal behaviour) 3. Ensure meaningful consequences a. Youth learns their lesson, society is protected 4. Separate youth/adult justice system a. Different levels of maturity and brain development Cartoon/Graph Analysis Activity Cartoon #1 Cartoon #2 Cartoon #3 Cartoon #4 Graphs Youth Crime Scenarios Group Project Involving Determining Consequences of Crimes  Youth Crime Scenario Project Overview: Working together with your group, you will create a presentation about a case study where a youth has committed a crime. Your group will decide on consequences for the youth that align with the intentions and purpose of the YCJA. For each case, some details are given. You are free to fill in additional details about the youth’s history, attitude, etc. as you see fit. Just be sure to include what you create in your presentation. Jury Duty Juries Read pg. 79-81 in textbook Juries are a way that all Canadian citizens are expected to participate in the justice system. Juries Jury: A group of citizens who determine the guilt or innocence of a person accused of a crime. Under the YCJA, anyone 14 years or older may be tried by a judge and jury for serious offences. Juries There are 12 people in a jury. The verdict (guilty or not guilty) must be unanimous. This means that everyone on the jury agrees. Anyone 18 or older who is a Canadian citizen is eligible to serve on a jury.  Key Terms Defense: the lawyer who represents an accused person  Key Terms Prosecution: the lawyer who represents the Crown and presents evidence against the accused person  Key Terms Sequester: to remove from outside contact. Jurors are sequestered during the deliberation of the verdict. Responsibilities of Jurors: If you are summoned to jury duty, you must attend. Employers are required to give you time off, but they do not have to pay you. You may be excused from jury duty if you demonstrate that serving would cause you undue hardship. Jurors take an oath to use only evidence and the law to reach a verdict. Juries Would you want to be selected for jury duty? Why or why not? Do you think all citizens should be required to serve on a jury? Why or why not? Justice Advocacy Groups Justice Advocacy Groups Read pgs. 82-83 in textbook Justice advocacy groups are an optional way for Canadians to get involved in the justice system. Citizen-led organizations - no government involvement Justice Advocacy Groups Work to improve the justice system in several ways: 1. Solve underlying causes of crime 2. Provide public education about the justice system 3. Work with offenders to reintegrate into society Housing, job skills, education, counselling, etc. 4. Stand up for rights of offenders 5. Call for measures to improve the quality of the justice system Justice Advocacy Groups John Howard Society - Works with all Canadians / any offender Justice Advocacy Groups Elizabeth Fry Society - Works with women / female offenders Justice Advocacy Groups are not free lawyers!!! The Role of Elders Elders in the Justice System Indigenous practice of sentencing circles to deal with crime are reflected in YCJA Youth Justice Committees Breaking the law affects the entire community, so the community should deal with it and be involved in solutions to reintegrate the offender Elders are respected members of the community who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience Elders in the Justice System Sentencing circles involving Elders start with a smudging ceremony to represent truth, peace, and understanding and get the process started in the right direction Negative influences can lead to a loss of balance and result in criminal behaviour Sentencing circles are an expression of traditional Indigenous culture and values Graph Interpretation Activity Study Guide Chapter 2 Exam Coming Soon Chapter 3 - Individual Rights The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms What is the Charter? A part of Canada’s Constitution, the framework for how Canada is governed. Established in 1982. Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms Prior to the Charter, Canadians still had rights. These were prescribed by different federal and provincial laws. The Charter ENTRENCHED the same rights for all Canadians. This means our rights and freedoms cannot be easily taken away. Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms Prior to the Charter, Canadians still had rights. These were prescribed by different federal and provincial laws. The Charter ENTRENCHED the same rights for all Canadians. This means our rights and freedoms cannot be easily taken away. Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms Under the Charter, our rights and freedoms can still be suspended if necessary to maintain Canada as a free and democratic society. What might be a recent example of a time certain rights and freedoms must be suspended? Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms Hint: Videos on Rights and Freedoms Categories of Rights and Freedoms  In Simple Terms: Fundamental Freedoms Canadians are free to do as they please, as long as they do not harm others Key Components: Responsibilities of Canadians: Freedom of: Respect all different groups, races, faiths, etc. Do not force your beliefs onto others. Do not harm others with - Expression your protesting. - Religion - Peaceful assembly Images: - Association  In Simple Terms: Democratic Rights Canadian citizens have a right to a democratic society where we choose our leaders regularly Key Components: Responsibilities of Canadians: - Vote every 5 years Vote! Be informed of what candidates and parties stand - Vote for federal and for provincial representatives (MPs Images: and MLAs) - Can run for office  In Simple Terms: Mobility Rights Canadian citizens can work or travel as they please Non-citizens can move around Canada for work Key Components: Responsibilities of Canadians: - Free to go anywhere in Carry your proper documentation (Passports, work Canada and work VISA), know travel advisories for certain places there - Enter, stay in, and Images: leave Canada as you wish (citizens only)  In Simple Terms: Legal Rights The legal system must be transparent and treat everyone fairly Key Components: Responsibilities of Canadians: - Right to a quick, fair, Do not break the law, be informed of the law, perform public trial jury duty when summoned - Free from unreasonable search Images: and seizure  In Simple Terms: Equality Rights The government cannot discriminate against any group of people in its policies Key Components: Responsibilities of Canadians: - Free from Respect difference, challenge government injustices discrimination based on: race, religion, age, Images: gender, ethnic origin, disability Quiz on Charter Specifics Google Forms Locker Search Debate Directions: 1. Read Cartoon on Pg. 93-95 in text 2. Formulate your position for a debate in one of four categories a. Strongly agree locker searches should be allowed b. Somewhat agree locker searches should be allowed c. Strongly agree locker searches should be banned d. Somewhat agree locker searches should be banned 3. We will have a 4-corners debate, all students will have to express their opinion 4. Read the students’ responses on the link provided. Explain which student you agree with the most, and which you disagree with the most, explaining why for each. Turn in your response to the Google Classroom. Locker Search Debate Link: https://faze.ca/random-locker-searches/ The Charter and Canada’s Past Note Taking Activity Pg. 100-103 & 137 in text The Charter and Canada’s Past - Videos The Indian Act Women’s Right to Vote Ukrainian Internment Italian Internment Japanese Internment Japanese Internment Primary Source Assignment in Google Classroom The Charter and Modern Law Making in Canada Read pgs. 105-107 in text and answer questions Video on Restrictions on Flying Modern Charter Issues: Trucker Convoy Exploration Modern Charter Issues: Trucker Convoy Complete Assignment posted in Google Classroom The Charter and Workplace Labour Unions Labour Union: An organization that works to advance workers’ rights and interests Eg. Higher pay, better benefits, less hours of work, more vacation, safer working conditions, pensions, etc. Strike of School Employees in Ontario Labour Unions Collective Bargaining: Workers negotiating as a union to have more power in dealing with their employer Positives and Negative of Unions for Workers Positives: Negatives: - Increase wages and other benefits - Union fees are often expensive - Give workers more power to - Workers must go along with the negotiate with large, wealthy majority decision of the union organizations - Higher wages can possibly “price - Increases middle class success in an workers out of jobs” by making the economy business unprofitable Employers Generally do not want Unions - Unions increase wages and make running a business more expensive - Unions reduce competition for jobs - It is much harder to dismiss an employee who is in a union Unions and the Charter The Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects unions and guarantees collective bargaining rights. Freedom of Association means workers can associate with other workers in a union. Other Workplace Issues The Charter does not allow pay discrimination based on gender, race, etc. This is because of Equality Rights. A company cannot force retirement based on age (this is discrimination). *Unless a retirement age was agreed upon at the start of employment The Issue of Freedom vs. Security Freedom Security Anarchy Police State Charter of Rights and Freedoms Emergencies Act No-Fly Lists Freedom vs. Security In a democratic society, there is a constant tension between INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM and COLLECTIVE SECURITY. Examples: Gun Rights vs. School Safety Vaccination Mandates vs. Individual Medical Choice Fines for not buckling up vs. Freedom to not wear a seatbelt Freedom vs. Security With changes in world events, different governments and their new priorities, new technologies, etc., societies adjust their positions on the continuum. Study Guide will be done as a review prior to Chapter 3 and 4 Exam