Social Studies 2025 PDF

Rights are things that people are entitled to and are protected by laws or rules. They are the basic freedoms and protections that everyone deserves. In the Caribbean, these rights are often guaranteed by the constistution and international agreements like the **Universal Declaration of Human rights...

Rights are things that people are entitled to and are protected by laws or rules. They are the basic freedoms and protections that everyone deserves. In the Caribbean, these rights are often guaranteed by the constistution and international agreements like the **Universal Declaration of Human rights**. **Examples of rights:** **Right to Life**- everyone has the right to live and be safe. **Right the Education**- all children have the right to go to school and learn. **Right to Health**- everyone has the right to health care and medical services. **Freedom of Speech**- all people are equal under the law, regardless of race, gender or background. These rights are protected by governments and people can ask for help if their rights are taken away or abused. **Responsibilities** are things that people are expected to do in order to **help others** and **follow the law.** They are important to keep society peaceful and functioning well. Responsibilities help us enjoy our rights and respect others' rights. **Examples or responsibilities** **Obeying the law**- citizens should follow the laws of the country to ensure safety and order. **Respecting Others' Rights**- we should not take away or harm the rights of others. **Paying taxes**- citizens must contribute money through taxes to help fund government services like schools, hospitals and roads. **Being honest**- people are responsible for telling the truth and being fair to others. **Protecting the environment**- everyone has a responsibility to take care of nature and avoid pollution. Responsibilities help make sure that everyone in society is treated fairly and has the opportunity to live a happy and safe life. **Governance** refers to how a country is **ruled** or **managed**. It includes the systems, laws and leaders that help make decisions for the country. In the Caribbean, many countries are **democratic**, which means that the people have a say in how the country is governed. **Key elements of governance**: **Democracy** -- in a democracy, citizens have the power to elect leaders who represent them. **Government structure**- the government is usually made up of three branches: 1. **Executive**- the government leaders example the Prime Minister and Cabinet who make decisions. 2. **Legislature**- the group of people example Parliament who make laws. 3. **Judicial**- the system of judges and courts that make sure laws are fair and followed. 4. **Elections**-citizens vote in elections to choose leaders who represent them. Elections are an important part of democracy. Governance in the Caribbean is also influenced by **historical factors.** Many Caribbean countries were once colonies of European countries and gained independence in the 20^th^ Century. Since independence, these countries have been building their own systems of governance based on democratic principles. **Key concepts to remember** **Rights** are things that people are entitled to, such as freedom of speech, education and health. **Responsibilities** are duties or tasks that people must perform, such as obeying the law and respecting other's rights. **Governance** is how a country is ruled or managed, often through a democratic where citizens vote for leaders. In the Caribbean, countries have their own **governments,** but they are all shaped by both local traditions and global agreements. **Elections** are a process where people choose their leaders or representatives to make important decisions for the country. In the Caribbean, elections are held regularly so that citizens can have a say in who governs them. **Elections** are important because they give **citizens the power** to choose who they want to lead and make decisions on their behalf. **Democracy-** elections are a key part of a democratic government, where the people have a voice. **Types of Elections in the Caribbean includes:** **General Elections** -- they are held to choose the members of the national **Parliament** or **legislature,** including the **Prime Minister.** In most Caribbean countries, general elections are held every 5 years. **Who votes?** All citizens who are **18 years or older** and registered to vote can participate in general elections. **How people vote?** Voters cast their votes for candidates who registered political parties. The party with the most votes usually forms government. **Political Parties:** In most Caribbean countries, there are political parties. These parties have different ideas about how to run the country and solve problems. The party that wins the most seats in the parliament often form the government. **Voting System:** Most Caribbean countries use a first-past-the-post- system, where the candidate with the most votes wins a seat in the legislature. The leader of the winning party often becomes the **Prime Minister.** **Electoral Process:** **Campaigning:** before elections, candidates and parties campaigning to let people know what they stand for and why they should be elected. **Voting Day:** on election day, people go to polling stations to cast their votes. This can be done by paper ballot or electronically. **Counting Votes**: After voting ends, the votes are counted, and the winners are announced. **Key Concepts to remember:** **Elections** are how people are held to choose national leaders and representatives In a democratic country. **General Elections** are held to choose national leaders like the Prime Minister or President. In most Caribbean counties, elections happen every **4 or 5 years**. Political parties compete right, to win votes and form the government. **Voting** is an important right, and every citizen over 18 can vote if they are registered.