Social PAT prep Flashcards
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What is the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
A document that guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms to all Canadians, including freedom of expression, religion, assembly, and equality under the law.
What are the three levels of government in Canada?
Federal, provincial, and municipal.
What are the main responsibilities of the Prime Minister in Canada?
Setting government policies and priorities, chairing Cabinet meetings, representing Canada internationally, and overseeing the executive branch.
What are the stages a bill goes through to become law in Canada?
First Reading, Second Reading, Committee Stage, Report Stage, Third Reading, and Royal Assent.
Who represents the monarch in Canada and performs ceremonial duties?
The Governor General.
Who makes up the Cabinet in the Canadian government?
The Prime Minister and ministers responsible for various government departments
How are decisions made in the executive branch?
Decisions are made collectively in Cabinet meetings, led by the Prime Minister, with input from ministers based on their areas of responsibility.
What are the two houses of the Canadian Parliament?
The House of Commons and the Senate
What is the role of committees in the legislative process?
Committees review, amend, and provide detailed examination of bills, hold hearings, gather evidence, and make recommendations.
What is the highest court in Canada?
The Supreme Court of Canada.
Why is judicial independence important?
It ensures that judges can make decisions based on law without political pressure, maintaining the rule of law and fair trials.
How does the judicial branch check the powers of the other branches?
By interpreting laws and the Constitution, ruling on the constitutionality of laws and government actions, and safeguarding individual rights through judicial review.
What is the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
It is a part of the Constitution Act of 1982 that guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms to all Canadians.
What are the fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Charter?
Freedom of conscience and religion, freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of association.
What democratic rights are protected by the Charter?
The right to vote, the right to run for office, and the requirement for regular elections.
What mobility rights are protected by the Charter?
The right to enter and leave Canada, and the right to move and work anywhere in Canada.
What legal rights are guaranteed by the Charter?
Right to life, liberty, and security of the person, right to a fair trial, protection against unreasonable search and seizure, and protection against cruel and unusual punishment.
What equality rights does the Charter protect?
The right to equality before and under the law, and protection against discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability
What are the official languages of Canada as recognized by the Charter?
English and French
What are minority language educational rights under the Charter?
The right to education in one’s first language, whether English or French, where numbers warrant.
How can individuals enforce their Charter rights?
They can apply to a court of law if they believe their Charter rights have been infringed or denied.
What is the significance of Section 1 of the Charter?
It allows for reasonable limits on rights and freedoms if such limitations can be justified in a free and democratic society.
Who is the head of government in Canada?
The Prime Minister.
What is the role of the Cabinet?
The Cabinet assists the Prime Minister in making decisions and oversees various government departments.
How are ministers appointed to the Cabinet?
Ministers are appointed by the Prime Minister and are usually Members of Parliament or Senators.
What are the main functions of the Executive Branch?
Policy making, administration, and representation.
How are decisions made within the Executive Branch?
Decisions are made collectively by the Cabinet, with the Prime Minister providing leadership.
What is the relationship between the Executive Branch and Parliament?
The Executive Branch works closely with Parliament to develop and enact laws, and it is accountable to Parliament.
Who represents Canada internationally?
The Executive Branch, including the Prime Minister and Cabinet, represents Canada internationally.
What is the role of the Prime Minister in decision-making?
The Prime Minister provides leadership and direction to the Cabinet and leads the decision-making process.
What are the two houses of the Legislative Branch in Canada?
The House of Commons and the Senate.
How are members of the House of Commons elected?
Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected by Canadian citizens in federal elections.
How are Senators appointed to the Senate?
Senators are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister
What is the primary function of the Legislative Branch?
To make laws (bills) that govern Canadian society
How does the legislative process work in Canada?
Bills are introduced, debated, and reviewed in both houses of Parliament before receiving Royal Assent and becoming law.
What is the role of committees in the legislative process?
Committees conduct inquiries, studies, and reviews of government activities and legislation to ensure transparency and accountability.
How does the Legislative Branch hold the government accountable?
Through debates, question periods, committee inquiries, and scrutiny of government actions and legislation.
Q: What happens to a bill after it receives Royal Assent?
A: It becomes law and is known as an Act of Parliament.
Q: What is the highest court in Canada?
A: The Supreme Court of Canada.
Q: How are judges appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada?
A: They are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Q: What types of cases does the Federal Court handle?
A: Cases involving federal laws, government decisions, and disputes between individuals and the federal government.
Q: What is the role of provincial and territorial courts?
A: They handle a wide range of civil, criminal, and family law matters within their jurisdiction.
Q: Why is judicial independence important?
A: It ensures impartiality, fairness, and adherence to the rule of law in the legal system.
Q: What is the significance of the Supreme Court of Canada?
A: It is the final arbiter of legal disputes and constitutional matters in Canada, with its decisions setting precedents for lower courts.
Q: How do judges interpret the law?
A: They interpret laws, statutes, and regulations to determine their meaning and application in specific cases, relying on legal principles and precedents.
Q: What is the role of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law?
A: The judiciary ensures that laws are applied fairly, consistently, and impartially, regardless of individual or government interests.
Q: What is media bias?
A: Media bias refers to partiality or prejudice in the presentation of news and information by media outlets.
Q: What are the different types of media bias?
A: Political bias, ideological bias, sensationalism, and cultural bias.
Q: How does political bias manifest in media coverage?
A: Through selective coverage, framing, or language that reflects a particular political perspective.
Q: What is sensationalism in media reporting?
A: Prioritizing dramatic or attention-grabbing stories over factual accuracy or context.
Q: How does cultural bias affect media portrayals?
A: By perpetuating stereotypes, prejudices, and assumptions about certain groups or communities.
Q: What impact can media bias have on society?
A: Influencing public perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors, contributing to polarization and misinformation.
Q: How can media bias be addressed?
A: Through media literacy education, adherence to journalistic standards, and promoting diverse representation and perspectives.
Q: Why is media literacy important in combating bias?
A: It helps individuals critically evaluate media content, recognize bias, and discern credible sources.
Q: What is the primary role of a lobbyist?
A: To influence government decision-makers on behalf of a particular interest group or cause.
Q: How do lobbyists advocate for their clients’ interests?
A: By meeting with politicians, government officials, and stakeholders to present arguments, provide information, and suggest policy changes.
Q: What type of information do lobbyists provide to government officials?
A: Research, data, expert opinions, and analyses.
Q: Why is relationship building important for lobbyists?
A: Trust, credibility, and ongoing communication are essential for effective lobbying.
Q: Who are in-house lobbyists?
A: Employees of a corporation, organization, or association who lobby on behalf of their employer.
Q: Who are consultant lobbyists?
A: Independent professionals or firms hired by clients to lobby on their behalf.
Q: How are lobbying activities regulated in Canada?
A: Lobbyists must register with the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying and disclose their activities.
Q: What are the concerns related to lobbying?
A: Unequal access and the potential for disproportionate influence by wealthy or well-connected interests.
Q: What are individual rights?
A: Inherent rights of all human beings, protecting them from abuse and discrimination.
Q: Why are individual rights important?
A: They are fundamental to human dignity and ensure freedom of expression and belief.
Q: Can you provide examples of individual rights?
A: Examples include freedom of speech, religion, and fair trial, among others.
Q: What is the significance of understanding individual rights?
A: Essential for fostering respect, tolerance, and equality in society, and provide a framework for resolving conflicts and protecting minorities.
Q: What is the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
A: It’s a special set of rules that protects the rights and freedoms of people in Canada.
Q: What rights are protected by the Charter?
A: The Charter protects things like freedom of speech, religion, and the right to be treated equally.
Q: How does the Charter protect individual rights?
A: It lets people challenge unfair rules or actions, and courts can cancel those rules if they’re not fair.
Q: What does the Charter do for Canadian society?
A: The Charter helps make Canada fairer by promoting equality, fairness, and respect for everyone.
Q: Can individual rights be restricted?
A: Yes, individual rights may be subject to restrictions to balance with the broader public interest and the rights of others.
Q: What are some reasons for restricting rights?
A: Reasons include protecting public safety, order, and health, as well as preventing harm to others and maintaining social harmony.
Q: How are restrictions on rights determined?
A: Restrictions are outlined in laws, regulations, and constitutional provisions and interpreted by courts to ensure they are reasonable and justified.
Q: What is the scope of restrictions on rights?
A: Restrictions must be proportionate to the objective being pursued and should not unreasonably limit individual rights or discriminate against specific groups.
Q: What was the Magna Carta?
A: It was a historic document that limited the power of the monarchy and influenced the development of constitutional rights in Canada.
Q: What was the British North America Act?
A: It laid the foundation for Canadian Confederation and established the division of powers between the federal and provincial governments.
Q: What was the Canadian Bill of Rights?
A: It was the first federal law to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in Canada, although its scope was limited.
Q: What is the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
A: It’s part of the Constitution Act, 1982, and it enshrines fundamental rights and freedoms in Canada’s highest law.
Q: How has the history of Canadian rights evolved over time?
A: It reflects Canada’s commitment to equality, justice, and the rule of law, with legal challenges and social movements playing a crucial role in expanding rights.
Q: What are collective rights?
A: Rights held by groups rather than individuals, often associated with indigenous peoples, linguistic communities, and minorities.
Q: What is the historical basis of collective rights?
A: Stemming from historical agreements, treaties, or recognition of group identities and territories.
Q: What do collective rights protect?
A: Cultural, linguistic, and spiritual heritage, as well as traditional lands and self-government.
Q: How are collective rights implemented?
A: Through legal recognition in constitutions, international agreements, or domestic legislation, with governments responsible for upholding them.
Q: What challenges are associated with collective rights?
A: Balancing them with individual rights and societal interests, and addressing conflicts and controversies.
Q: What are Metis collective rights?
A: Specific rights recognized for the Metis people in Canada, acknowledging their unique cultural heritage and historical contributions.
Q: What do Metis cultural rights include?
A: Protection and promotion of Metis culture, language, and traditions, and support for Metis educational institutions and cultural organizations.
Q: What are Metis political rights?
A: Recognition of Metis governance structures and participation in political processes affecting Metis communities.
Q: What are Metis land and resource rights?
A: Access to and control over traditional lands and resources, and negotiations for land claims and resource management.
Q: What do Metis hunting, fishing, and harvesting rights entail?
A: Rights to hunt, fish, and harvest according to Metis customs and practices, with legal protections for traditional subsistence activities.
Q: How are Metis rights recognized legally?
A: The Constitution Act, 1982 recognizes Metis rights as Aboriginal rights under Section 35, and Supreme Court rulings affirm these rights.
Q: What challenges do the Metis face regarding their rights?
A: Ongoing negotiations for land claims and resource rights, and balancing Metis rights with provincial and federal regulations.
Q: When did Metis communities form along fur trade routes?
A: 1800s
Q: What was the Red River Rebellion, and when did it occur?
A: An 1869-1870 uprising led by Louis Riel that resulted in the Manitoba Act, promising land rights to the Metis.
Q: What significant Metis event occurred in the 1930s?
A: Establishment of Metis settlements in Alberta.
Q: What does the Constitution Act, 1982 recognize regarding Metis rights?
A: It recognizes Metis rights as Aboriginal rights under Section 35.
Q: What was the significance of the 2003 Powley decision?
A: The Supreme Court affirmed Metis hunting rights.
Q: What have been ongoing issues for the Metis in the 2000s?
A: Negotiations and legal battles for land claims and self-government.
Q: What are Francophone collective rights?
A: Rights of French-speaking communities in Canada to preserve and promote their language and culture.
Q: What does official bilingualism in Canada mean?
A: French and English are the official languages of Canada.
Q: What language rights do Francophones have?
A: The right to receive federal government services in both languages and French language education rights in minority settings.
Q: What are Francophone cultural rights?
A: Support for Francophone cultural institutions and media, and preservation of French-Canadian heritage and traditions.
Q: What does the Official Languages Act of 1969 establish?
A: It establishes French and English as the official languages of Canada.
Q: What guarantees does the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms provide for Francophones?
A: It guarantees language rights and education rights for French-speaking minorities.
