1. Slide Deck 1: Government and Democracy

2. What is a RIGHT? What are some rights that you have?

3. Rights
A right is a freedom that is protected or something you are entitled to have or receive
Rights are usually fought for and claimed, and less often simply granted
All citizens living in a democracy have guaranteed rights
Examples: the right to express yourself, freedom of religion

4. Who makes these rules and decisions?
What types of rules and decisions are needed for people living in a community?
Who makes these rules and decisions?

5. A government is made up of the people and institutions put in place to lead or manage the affairs of a specific jurisdiction, such as a country, nation, province or community

6. The role of government Create and enforce laws Provide services
Manage land and resources
Make decisions for the benefit of the people living within its borders

7. What would happen if there was no government responsible for creating laws and providing support to citizens?

8. Different types of government
Governments from around the world differ from one another. They can be compared by considering the following questions:
How are decisions made?
How many people have access to power?
c) What rights and
freedoms are given to
citizens?

9. of a type of government and where its used?
Do you know an example
of a type of government and where its used?

10. Autocracy
A type of government where political power is concentrated in the hands of one person who rules without restriction
No rule of law, the leader is supreme
People are not consulted on the decisions and affairs of the country
An autocracy can be a dictatorship or an absolute monarchy

11. Dictatorship A dictatorship = one person is the leader
The dictator often takes control through a military takeover without permission of the people
Political opposition is forbidden
No independent media
Citizens have limited or few rights and freedoms

12. Oligarchy Power rests with a small number of people
These are usually those who are rich and powerful, often due to family lines, wealth or prominent connections
People living under oligarchic rule usually have some rights and freedoms
Similarly, in an aristocracy the power is in the hands of a special class of people
Aristocrats are connected to royal families through family relations

13. Democracy Power is shared by all citizens
Citizens elect political representatives to make decisions on their behalf
Citizens also have access to power, which means they can choose to run for political office
Individual civil and political rights are protected (such as freedom of speech, religion and assembly, free and fair elections)

14. Monarchy
A monarch (king or queen) or royal family holds political power that is inherited and usually lasts until death
There are two main types:
In an absolute monarchy, a monarch (or dictator) has complete political power
In a constitutional monarchy, a monarch’s power is more symbolic and it is limited by a constitution

15. Would you prefer to live in a democracy or a dictatorship?
Why?

16. Constitutional Monarchy
A constitution includes the basic principles and laws of a nation or state that outline the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people
A constitutional monarchy has a democratically elected government with a government leader
The monarch remains the head of state and performs ceremonial duties
Government exercises rule of law

17. Republic A sovereign state, country or government without a monarch
Democratically elected government holds all political power
Government exercises power according to the rule of law
Republics usually have a constitution

18. What are the differences?
What are the similarities between a constitutional monarchy and a republic?
What are the differences?

19. Consensus Democracy
Consensus refers to general agreement in decision-making
Consensus democracy uses a consensus decision-making model to develop laws and policies
The goal is to be more collaborative and inclusive by gathering a broad range of opinions
In a consensus government, elected representatives do not belong to political party (e.g., Nunavut, Northwest Territories)

20. Which government types are used in Canada?

21. Government in Canada
Canada’s system of government is a parliamentary democracy
Elected members represent citizens in the federal parliament and provincial/territorial legislatures
The political party with the most representatives forms government
Canada is also a constitutional monarchy and the Queen is the head of state
Every act of government is done in the name of the Queen
The authority for every act comes from the Canadian people through the Constitution
The Constitution of Canada is the highest legal ruling in the country
The Constitution includes laws, decisions by judges, agreements between federal and provincial governments, traditions and civil and political rights

22. What rights and freedoms do Canadians receive?

23. Rights and Freedoms in Canada
The Canadian Bill of Rights (1960) was the first written expression of human rights law at the national level
Our rights and freedoms are now protected at both the provincial and national level by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, a part of the Canadian Constitution

24. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
The Charter has seven sections that define our rights as Canadians:
Fundamental freedoms
Democratic rights
Mobility rights
Legal rights
Equality rights
Official languages of Canada
Minority language education rights

25. Fundamental Freedoms
freedom of religion (to pray & worship in your own way)
freedom of thought (to form your own opinion)
freedom of expression (to express your opinion freely)
freedom of the press (to report on all matters)
freedom of peaceful assembly (to gather and protest respectfully)
freedom of association (to meet and associate with others)

26. What does living in a democracy mean to you?
Debrief
What does living in a democracy mean to you?