Social final exam (long) Flashcards
know when canada was established as a country and when charter of rights and freedoms was established and alberta
canada established- 1867
when was charter established- 1982
when alberta was established- 1905
What are the three levels of government in Canada?
local- provincial - federal
What does the Constitution of Canada do?
they set out important institutions + different roles of government (charter is included in constitution)
What is the role of the Governor General?
represents the queen and is part of both the executive and legislative branch and huge royal assent to bills passed
What is the role of the Executive Branch?
they’re responsible for putting laws into action
Who makes up the Executive Branch?
the Prime minister and the cabinet
What three things have to happen before a person can become the Prime Minister?
- must be elected as the leader of a party,
- elected as a member of the parliament, and
- must win the most number of seats
Who are the Cabinet?
the cabinet includes the people with responsibilities for different government departments such as health, finance and environment. the PM decides what portfolios to include in the cabinet
How is the Cabinet selected?
By the Prime minister
What is the role of the Legislative Branch?
makes laws + debate on them
What are the three parts of the Legislative Branch?
house of commons, the senate and the governor general
What is the House of Commons?
they’re the major law-making body in canada. they make laws and propose laws
How are MPs selected?
they’re voted in by their riding (by canadians)
What do MPs represent?
Their constituents
How do MPs help determine the government of Canada?
the party in power is the party with the most votes.
the candidate with the most votes wins their constituency
What is the role of the opposition parties?
to create debate, acts as a watch dog and speak for canadians views
What is the difference between a Majority government and a Minority government?
if a political party wins the majority of seats in the HOC, it always forms government. if the party wins the most seats but not the majority, it usually forms government. to stay in power, they would need to negotiate for 50% or more MPs to vote for government proposals
What are the two roles of MPs?
being a legislator and being a voice for you constituents
What are constituents?
someone who lives in a riding and is represented by an MP
How is the number of ridings determined in a province?
based on population
How are senators selected?
they’re appointed by the PM, and they give a sober second thought, they can propose laws but they usually only consider bills passed first by the HOC and a bill cannot become a law unless the senate passes it
Does the Senate have the right to reject a bill?
Yes
What is the role of the judicial branch?
they interpret and apply laws for making legal judgement, they make sure Canadians rights are respected
How are the members on the Supreme Court selected?
the executive branch will nominate judge. MPs and PM will select one of the shortlisted
What is Royal Assent?
the approval of a bill from the governor general for it to become a law
What is bias?
an opinion based on unchallenged assumptions
What is a lobbyist?
someone hired by a group to influence MPs and gov officials, they voice the views of groups on issues that affect members or all canadians. they provide different perspectives on many issues.
How media connects citizens to government
the media inform citizens about government ideas, actions, and decisions. The media is very powerful and adept at influencing citizens perspectives and beliefs about government or politics. The media may put a “spin” on a certain issue which can influence how the audience will perceive the issue. They’re like watchdogs who hold the gov accountable
Aboriginal viewpoints on governance
hhh
Steps a bill goes through to become a law
IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS: the bill is proposed (first
reading), then they study the bill (second reading), then it goes through the committee stage (meetings are held, recommend changes to the bill), the report stage (MPs vote on the recommended changes), third reading. GIVEN TO THE SENATE: first reading, second reading, committee stage, report stage, third reading, BACK TO HOC: Debate and vote (debate and vote on the recommended changes made by senate), BACK TO SENATE: Debate and vote on the HOC’s decisions, ROYAL ASSENT: the bill becomes a law after the governor general gives the bill royal assent (short form: a prosposed bill —> goes through mps/house of commons —> senators —> governor general —> the bill has become law)
Three branches of Government, roles, responsibilities, structure
hh
Governance
the action or manner of governing.
Cause and Effect
Cause and effect is a relationship between events or things, where one is the result of the other or others. This is a combination of action and reaction.
Consensus
The definition of consensus is an agreement made by a group. An example of consensus is when Republicans and Democrats agree on language for a bill. An opinion held by all or most.
Advocacy groups
They try to solve the underlying reasons for crime and provide education on the justice system. They stand up for the rights of youth and adults. They work with youths and adults who have broken the law to help them return to their communities.
Govern
to make decisions as a government and put decisions into action
Constitution
A special set of laws that establish a framework of governance.
Slogan
a phrase repeatedly used by politicians or marketers
Law
Law is a set of rules decided by a particular place or authority meant for the purpose of keeping the peace and security of society.
Define fair and equitable
governed by rules that apply to everyone, taking into account individual needs and circumstances
What are four rights you are entitled to when you get arrested?
- to remain silent
- to speak to a lawyer, parent or guardian
- to have your parents with you during questioning
- to have a lawyer if you go to court
What is the YCJA and when was it passed?
it was passed in 2003, it stands for youth criminal justice act. The Youth Criminal Justice Act is the law that governs Canada’s youth justice system. Some offenders under the YCJA face counselling and community service. Adult sentences are given to youth over 14 and have committed more serious crimes. Protects the privacy of the offender (name cannot be published). Avoids a criminal record.
What ages does the YCJA deal with?
12-17
What is community service?
help in the community performed as part of a sentence, such as assisting with a community clean-up
What is a sentence?
a consequence for a crime
What is the minimum age that someone can face an adult sentence?
14
What does rehabilitate mean?
to instill positive behaviours and attitudes
What does reintegrate mean?
to make part of again
How old must a young offender be in order to be tried by a judge and jury?
14
How many members serve on a jury?
12
How many jurors have to agree before a decision is reached?
all 12
Defence
includes the evidence that supports the innocence of a person accused of crime. In a courtroom, the lawyer who represents an accused person presents the defence. The defence can include witnesses, and physical evidence such as DNA samples and objects.
Define Prosecution
The prosecution includes the evidence that supports the guilt of an accused person.
Define Sequester
To sequester means to remove from contact. Juries are sequestered to ensure they consider only the evidence presented in the courtroom.
What are sentencing circles? (elders take part in this)
Traditional aboriginal process where the community takes on the responsibility for resolving the situation. They have experience and knowledge and they act in the best interests of their entire community. They help people who have taken part in a crime to reintegrate into society.
what is a youth justice committee
A Youth Justice Committee is a small group made up of community volunteers who work collaboratively with the youth and his or her guardian to determine appropriate sanctions to make amends. (THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF AN EXTRA JUDICIAL MEASURE)
What is the charter of rights and freedoms? What are the two types of rights that are included in the Charter?
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms sets out those rights and freedoms that Canadians believe are necessary in a free and democratic society. Individual rights and rights for groups in society
How CCRF reflects Canadian values , past and present
hh
How CCRF affects passage/application of law
hh
Case Studies- Female Suffrage, Age Discrimination, Pay Equity
hh
What are the five Individual Rights in the Charter?
freedom of speech, the right to a fair and public trial, the right to due process, the right to vote freely, and the right to worship freely.
What are the two rights that only apply to Canadian citizens?
mobility rights and democratic rights.
How did the Indian Act restrict the rights and freedoms of First Nations people?
-Required First Nations people to obtain government permission to wear traditional clothing
-Banned traditional ceremonies, such as the Sundance of the Siksika
-Prevented First Nations from taking political action
Now, the Indian acts purpose is to protect the collective rights of the First Nation people and administer Treaty rights.