Lesson 1: Governance and Democracy
What is government? Government is made up of the people and institutions put in place to manage a country, state, province or community. The role of government is to protect its citizens and provide services to support people living within its borders. This includes making decisions and debating new and existing regulations (laws).
How do governments compare? Governments around the world differ from one another and they can be compared by considering the following questions: a) Who holds the power? b) How do those leaders get to be in power? c) What rights and freedoms do citizens have?
Autocracy / Dictatorship Autocracy/Dictatorship = one person is the leader (dictator) The leader has total power over all the people and most aspects of their lives. These rulers often have the support of the military – without the permission of the people. Citizens have few rights and freedoms. Media is restricted on what it can report on. Examples: Syria, North Korea.
Oligarchy Oligarchy (or aristocracy) = several people lead together Power rests in the hands of a small number of people. They usually come to power because of wealth or family lines and connections. Citizens have some rights and freedoms. Examples: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait.
Democracy Democracy = Power is shared by all people All eligible citizens have a say in determining the government and have a voice through their elected representatives. People are meant to participate equally through free and fair elections. They can also run for political office (access power). Citizens have guaranteed rights and freedoms (e.g., the right to vote, freedom of speech and expression). Examples: Canada, the United States, Japan, England.
Theocracy Theocracy = a god or deity is recognized as the main civil ruler. Government policy and leaders are determined by religious leaders who are seen to be directly guided by that god or deity. Laws are interpreted from religious writings by religious authorities and enforced by religious officials. Examples: Iran, Vatican City.
Canada’s Government Canada is a parliamentary democracy, which means we elect people to represent us in our parliament and legislatures. Canada is also a constitutional monarchy, which means that the monarch (the Queen) is our head of state. The powers of the monarchy in Canada are limited by the Constitution. The Queen abides by the decisions of the Canadian Government, but she continues to play important ceremonial and symbolic roles.
Quotes about Democracy “I understand democracy as something that gives the weak the same chance as the strong.” (Mohandas Gandhi) “The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.” (Winston Churchill) “I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” (John G. Diefenbaker)
Final Thoughts What does democracy mean to you? Do you think there is a better form of government? How can democracy fail? Does it fail if citizens do not participate? Does it fail if elected representatives do not effectively represent the people?