What are the Responsibilities of Citizenship?

Becoming and staying informed- Newspapers, news, radio,

education,..- Local, national, and global

events

Participating in democracyVoting

Consideration of othersCharitable work, donations, volunteering,…

Abiding by Rules and Laws

What are the Characteristics of an ideal citizen in a democratic society?

Involvement in government

Approach towards conflicts

Attitudes towards others

Life at home Involvement in the community

Involvement in politics

Attitude towards government

Methods of improving

society

Rights Responsibilities

What are Rules?Rules are part of our everyday lives, whether

they are made by institutions, organizations, or schools.

When we do not have rules there is confusion. There is no order, and people are not sure what they should do.

Rules have people modify (change) behaviour or prohibit (stop) behaviour.

Apply to those people who agree to follow them.Examples – school, home, ..

What are LawsLaws are established by the government for

the members of its society to follow and obey.Laws are needed in society or country to

promote and keep order.Laws continually change to reflect the

changing nature of our society’s viewsExamples – texting while driving, seatbelts,…

Laws can differ between nations, provinces and cities

Each generation influences the system and the laws that are passes reflect the society of that period

For example:1960s and 1970s – first national divorce laws,

prison reform/change emphasizing rehabilitation1982 – enactment of Charter of Rights and

Freedoms to guarantee the rights of all Canadians regardless of age, race, gender, religion…

The Need for Law:Laws create predictability and

structure for a safe and peaceful society

Laws protect the rights of individual citizens, including and especially against the government

How do Rules and Laws Differ?Laws are mandatory; rules may be

optional

Laws apply to all members of society and are usually made and enforced by the government and supporting agencies (police, courts)

Law and Morality:What is Morality? – what we think is right and

wrong, tends to differ from person to person or country to country

Some laws are practical (ex. property rights, traffic).

Other laws reflect the values of the majority of society (ex. euthanasia, child pornography, spanking)

Anytime laws reflect moral values and belief, there will be controversy

Why do we need rules and laws?

When can rules and laws be unjust?

Seatwork

Handout: The Rules People Live By Complete using textbook pages 4-7