Civics Intro/ Key Terms Flashcards
Introduction to civics including main ideas
Define the word “Civics”
The study of public relations and decisions made for the benefit of society; this includes the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
Define the word “Citizen”
A legally recognized resident of a nation, state, or commonwealth by birth or choice who fulfil the criteria of citizenship.
Define the word “Good citizen”
Individuals that obey the law and expectations of society, take responsibilities, and use their abilities to promote the bettering of their community.
Define the word “Citizenship”
Citizenship is a mutually beneficial relationship given when individuals fulfill citizenship requirements of their country, this is adopted from the understanding that having rights and freedoms comes with honouring your responsibilities/duties as a citizen.
Define the word “Values”
Degree of importance of some thing or action and one’s judgement of what is important in life.
e.g. Integrity (honesty), responsibility, kindness, respect, etc.
Define the word “Government”
The ruling/ governing group of a country, nation, city, state or community.
e.g
Municipal, provincial, federal
Canadian government, Mexican government etc
Liberal party, conservative party, etc.
Define the word “Democracy”
A form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people, therefore responsible of the people.
e.g. The Prime Minister is selected by election.
Define the word “Society”
A group of people who live in a defined space characterized as community and have persistent social interaction or a large social group sharing the same spatial or social territory, typically subject to the same political authority and dominant cultural expectations.
e.g. Cities and villages are types of societies.
Define the word “Human rights”
A right that is inherent to every human regardless of race, gender, sexuality etc. because they are human.
e.g. Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, rights to health and education etc.
Define the word “Responsibilities”
Active participation in the public life of a community in an informed, committed, and constructive manner, with a focus on common good.
e.g. Register yourself as a voter and take part in elections.
Respect and obey the country’s rules and laws.
Take good care of your health and safety.
Pay your taxes on time.
Don’t litter or commit acts of vandalism that harm the environment.
Define the word “Freedoms”
Freedom is the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.
e.g. a person can speak out against the government, political parties, or political figures without the fear of being imprisoned for doing so.
Define the word “Rule of Law”
The same laws apply to everyone, regardless of occupation, level of wealth, sexual orientation, and color.
e.g. if someone commits theft, no matter their occupation, level of wealth, sexual orientation and color, they get arrested and brought to court.
Define the word “Common Good”
Choices that benefit all individuals are called thinking collectively
OR
Choosing the choice that betters ourselves, called thinking individually
The idea that refers to anything that benefits and is shared by all members of a given community. This requires collective action and participation by community members.
e.g. Government passes laws to help people.
Define the word “Influence”
The effect of having an impact on someone’s behaviour, development, or thinking by another’s action or words.
e.g. peer pressure
Example of a country takes care of its citizens by protecting citizens’ rights and freedoms.
Providing rights and freedoms for education, religion, and race.
