CHV2O

Chapter 1: Me, a Citizen?

Course Info

Mr Nymanmichael.nyman@tcdsb.orgmrnyman.wikispaces.com@MrNym4nCHV2O1

Learning Goals

Understand the purpose of the civics courseLearn terminology including democracy,

autocracy, majority rights, values, etc.Begin to look at rights and limitations of

rights

Why do I have to take this course?

introduces the skills, beliefs and knowledge that help us become informed, purposeful and active citizens

learn how decisions are made on issues important to the public

learn how our government works and what process it uses to make decisions

identify our personal beliefs and values about how we participate in society

Why do I have to take this course?

practice basic citizenship skills, examine challenges of participating in communities in which people often hold different views

think about what active and responsible citizenship means to you

What are the most important characteristics of a responsible citizen?

Citizenship

Government decision making system makes laws, directs the

interactions of groups of people decides how to spend taxes

How are citizens involved withthe government?

Citizenship

Values beliefs about what is important in life

Civics is the study of rights and responsibilities how public decisions are made issues that are important to the citizens

Citizenship

Civil Society Groups Voluntary organizations that work to make a

difference on important public issues Timeline of Democracy

Democracy: Canada’s democratic constitution: Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Consensus Decision making:

Citizenship

Majority Rule the opinion of the greater number should prevail

Minority Rights the rights of the minority must be safeguarded

Consensus Decision Making a collective decision to which all parties must agree

Citizenship

Right Example of Right Possible Limits of Right

The right to express one’s opinion publicly

A person who disagrees with the ideas of the mayor of a city makes a presentation to the city council

Can’t create a public disturbance at the council meeting

A thirteen year old wants to vote in a national election

Create a chart like the one below on a piece of paper (there will be more rows)

Citizenship

Right Example of Right Possible Limits of Right

An employee tells a coworker that he/she “looks hot”

A group of protesters outside an abortion clinic try to stop people from entering the clinic

Citizenship

Rights equality before the law liberty of person freedom of speech, thought and religion right to own property right to participate in elections right to run for an hold office right to vote right to participate fully in society right to a certain standard of economic and social

well-being

Protected from government if it tries to: oppress my speech keep me from voting * prevent me from practicing my religion steal my property prevent me from running for office

I expect the government to provide: clean water health care roads national defence opportunities for me to participate in democracy

Citizenship

Pluralist society made up of many groups and in which we accept a

range of opinions and valuesideology

set of beliefs on how society should be organized and what is important

Rule of law no one is above the law

Citizenship

Do people or government set out ideology?Who should have authority to make decisions

for a society?What process should be used to make

decisions?How should citizens be involved in decision

making?

Citizenship

Democracy Examples:

Canada America Ireland Athens

Plus: majority rule citizens control the vote leaders are elected by citizens we are given rights and freedoms

Minus: slow relies on citizens knowing what’s best not everyone is in agreement

Interesting: jury duty uses democracy people are expected to be involved

Citizenship

Autocracy Examples:

North Korea China Cuba

Plus: Quick to make decisions Don’t have to worry about pleasing everyone

Minus: Citizens have no say Rights and freedoms are limited citizens can’t openly criticize their government

Interesting: leaders often use force to gain control

Citizenship

Consensus Examples:

Iroquois nations Quakers

Plus: Everyone is in agreement Leader’s are usually elected

Minus: Very slow, can be difficult to come to decision

Interesting: