Aware Citizen Flashcards
What is the definition of ‘politics’?
How societies are governed; How public policy is developed; How power is distributed
What is the definition of ‘civics’?
Rights and responsibilities associated with citizenship; Role of governments; How people can get involved
What is the political thinking ideal: Political Significance?
Determined by the impact of the government on citizens and vice versa. Importance of government policies, issues, events, or developments
What is the political thinking ideal: Objectives and Results?
The factors that lead to events, policies, decisions, and/or plans. Important to distinguish between intended and unintended results
What is the political thinking ideal: Stability and Change?
Analysis of how and why political institutions and governments change over time or remain the same.
What is the political thinking ideal: Political Perspective?
Analysis of beliefs and values of various groups.
What is Authoritarian Decision Making?
one person or a small group holds all the power
What is Democratic Decision Making?
all group members have a vote
What is Collective/Consensus Decision Making?
group decision reached through discussion to which all members agree
Describe Authoritarian Governments
One ruler (centralized power). Rule in ruler’s interest (sometimes people). By using military control, fear, one political party (no real democracy).
Describe Democratic Governments
People elect representatives and a leader by majority vote. Rule in people’s interest. The government must be elected and follow the country’s constitution.
What is Direct Democracy?
People vote directly on each issue rather than have representatives vote for them
What is Representative Democracy?
People vote representatives into power who will make decisions on their behalf
What is Constitutional Monarchy?
Type of democracy that supports the main points of a representative democracy, but still has a monarch as the official head of state (but doesn’t have real power)
Describe Greece and Democracy
Importance of the “polis” - direct democracy
Describe Roman Empire and Democracy
Concept of citizenship
Describe Iroquois Confederacy and Democracy
Consensus decision making
Describe Magna Carta and Democracy
King’s absolute power is limited by law
Describe American Revolution and Democracy
“All Men are Created Equal”
Describe French Revolution and Democracy
The people overthrow the absolute monarch and establish a republic; revolution spreads across Europe
Describe Arab Spring and Democracy
uprisings against repressive regimes in many (Arab) countries
Examples of who had to fight for the vote?
Women - 1919; Japanese and Chinese Canadians - 1948; Aboriginal People - 1960
What are the elements of Democracy?
- Democratic decisions are made for the good of most people, most of the time
- Democracy emphasizes legal and political equality
- Democracy protects minorities
- Democracy encourages peace, respect, and tolerance in citizens
What are obstacles to Democracy?
- Ethnic differences and conflicts
- A large gap between rich and poor
- A low literacy rate
What is citizenship?
Membership in a political community, such as a country, including rights, duties, and responsibilities
Who is eligible to be a Canadian Citizen?
- 18 years old (or older). Parents can apply on behalf of minor children
- A permanent resident lawfully admitted
- Someone who has lived in Canada for 3 of the last 5 years
- Someone who speaks English or French
- Pass the citizenship test
Who is NOT eligible to be a Canadian Citizen?
- if you have committed a crime in or outside of Canada (not eligible for a period of time)
- Time in prison or on parole does not count as time your have lived in Canada (or probation if convicted of a crime)
What kinds of questions are on the citizenship test?
- The responsibilities and privileges of Citizenship
- Canadian social and cultural history
- Canadian political history
- Canadian physical and political geography
Which three groups of people make up Canadians?
- Aboriginal Peoples
- Two founding peoples: French and English
- Immigrants
What is the purpose of the Assembly of First Nations?
They seek to resolve some of the issues facing Aboriginal peoples in Canada today. (Despite equal rights - still tend to have a lower standard of living than the rest of Canadians)
How do we see French language, religious, and legal rights being upheld?
- Bilingual money (1937)
- Translation of debates in the House of Commons (1959)
- Bilingual labelling on products (1974)
- Official languages Act (1969/1988)
- Unique legal system
What did Bill 101 (Language rights) accomplish?
Made French the official language in Quebec and required immigrant children in Quebec to attend French schools.
What is the Goal of Bill 101 (Language rights)?
To protect a minority language in an English dominated country/continent