Types of Representation

Review: What is government?

O Government is a ruling power in a political society. It has the authority to make laws, resolve disputes, and make decisions to of how society acts and lives their lives.

O Society: people in society share the same government and the same rules and laws. A society may also be a group that shares the same interests or culture.

Review: Definition of Democracy

Democracy:O means “rule by the

people”. It comes from two greek words: “demos” meaning “the people” and “cratos” meaning “power”.

O In a democracy, the people have voice in how they are governed.

Review: FREJ

O What does FREJ stand for?

O Why is FREJ an important concept in democracy?

How is this democracy?

How is this democracy?

How is this democracy?

How is this democracy?

How is this democracy?

How is this democracy?Dear Electronics R Us Manager,

On November 10th I went to the store in Shawnessy to buy a toaster. When I approached a customer service representative for assistance, they refused to help me. The employee was occupied talking on her cell phone. I am very disappointed in the service, and will no longer be shopping at your location.

Sincerely,

Ted Evergreen

Democracy typesO There are four pillars of democracy (FREJ). However,

people have voice in democracy in different ways. Can you tell the difference between how the citizens have voice in democracy in the examples below?

Example 1) The Mountain Park School Parent Council decides on the theme for our December Assembly.

Example 2 ) Your family is planning a vacation. Everyone sits down together to offer suggestions and help decide where to go.

What are the similarities and differences between these two decision making processes?

More examplesO Example #1) The league you play hockey in is

considering some rule changes. Each team is invited to send one person to speak on behalf of your team.

O Example #2) Your teacher agrees to postpone a test to a future date. There are three possible dates for the test. He invites all students to vote for the day that best suits them. Students agree to use the date that receives the most votes.

O What’s the difference between these two examples?

More examplesO Example #1) Parents on your block are

concerned about increased traffic on the streets. They ask your parents to take their concerns to a town council meeting.

O Example #2) Your hockey team selects a captain by inviting all the players to vote for the person they believe has the strongest leadership skills.

O What’s the difference between these two examples?

Representative Democracy

O In a representative democracy, citizens elect people to represent them in government. These people make informed decisions based on behalf of the citizens.

O The representatives have a responsibility to listen to the needs of all citizens.

O They make informed decisions, based on the voice and concerns of the electorate.

Direct Democracy

O In direct democracy, people vote directly to make decisions rather than having representatives.

O Every member has equal voice, and represents themselves by either stating their opinion or voting.

Our Societal StructureO What type of democracy do we have

at the Federal, Provincial and Municipal levels of government? Why?

O What type of democracy do we have in the classroom? Why?

You’re the Expert!O Look at the following examples. Decide which

type of democracy would be best for each in full sentences. Be sure to include specific criteria like; O Which will allow decisions to be made in a timely

and affordable manner?O Which leads to informed decision making by

citizens?O Which reflects a range of perspectives and points

of view?O Which encourages thoughtful decision making?O Which reflects the principles of democracy—

justice, equity, freedoms, and representation?