2. Chapter 1: Me, a Citizen?
CHV2O

3. Course Info Mr Nyman michael.nyman@tcdsb.org mrnyman.wikispaces.com
@MrNym4n
CHV2O1

4. Learning Goals Understand the purpose of the civics course
Learn terminology including democracy, autocracy, majority rights, values, etc.
Begin to look at rights and limitations of rights

5. Why do I have to take this course?
introduces the skills, beliefs and knowledge that help us become informed, purposeful and active citizens
learn how decisions are made on issues important to the public
learn how our government works and what process it uses to make decisions
identify our personal beliefs and values about how we participate in society

6. Why do I have to take this course?
practice basic citizenship skills, examine challenges of participating in communities in which people often hold different views
think about what active and responsible citizenship means to you

7. What are the most important characteristics of a responsible citizen?

8. Citizenship Government decision making system
makes laws, directs the interactions of groups of people
decides how to spend taxes
How are citizens involved with
the government?

9. Citizenship Values Civics is the study of
beliefs about what is important in life
Civics is the study of
rights and responsibilities
how public decisions are made
issues that are important to the citizens

10. Citizenship Civil Society Groups Timeline of Democracy
Voluntary organizations that work to make a difference on important public issues
Timeline of Democracy
Democracy:
Canada’s democratic constitution:
Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
Consensus Decision making:

11. Citizenship Majority Rule Minority Rights Consensus Decision Making
the opinion of the greater number should prevail
Minority Rights
the rights of the minority must be safeguarded
Consensus Decision Making
a collective decision to which all parties must agree

12. Citizenship
Create a chart like the one below on a piece of paper (there will be more rows)
Right
Example of Right
Possible Limits of Right
The right to express one’s opinion publicly
A person who disagrees with the ideas of the mayor of a city makes a presentation to the city council
Can’t create a public disturbance at the council meeting
A thirteen year old wants to vote in a national election

13. Citizenship Right Example of Right Possible Limits of Right
An employee tells a coworker that he/she “looks hot”
A group of protesters outside an abortion clinic try to stop people from entering the clinic

14. Citizenship Rights equality before the law liberty of person
freedom of speech, thought and religion
right to own property
right to participate in elections
right to run for an hold office
right to vote
right to participate fully in society
right to a certain standard of economic and social well-being

15. Protected from government if it tries to:
oppress my speech
keep me from voting *
prevent me from practicing my religion
steal my property
prevent me from running for office
I expect the government to provide:
clean water
health care
roads
national defence
opportunities for me to participate in democracy

16. Citizenship Pluralist society ideology Rule of law
made up of many groups and in which we accept a range of opinions and values
ideology
set of beliefs on how society should be organized and what is important
Rule of law
no one is above the law

17. Citizenship Do people or government set out ideology?
Who should have authority to make decisions for a society?
What process should be used to make decisions?
How should citizens be involved in decision making?

18. Citizenship Democracy Examples: Plus: Minus: Interesting: Canada
America
Ireland
Athens
Plus:
majority rule
citizens control the vote
leaders are elected by citizens
we are given rights and freedoms
Minus:
slow
relies on citizens knowing what’s best
not everyone is in agreement
Interesting:
jury duty uses democracy
people are expected to be involved

19. Citizenship Autocracy Examples: Plus: Minus: Interesting: North Korea
China
Cuba
Plus:
Quick to make decisions
Don’t have to worry about pleasing everyone
Minus:
Citizens have no say
Rights and freedoms are limited
citizens can’t openly criticize their government
Interesting:
leaders often use force to gain control

20. Citizenship Consensus Examples: Plus: Minus: Interesting:
Iroquois nations
Quakers
Plus:
Everyone is in agreement
Leader’s are usually elected
Minus:
Very slow, can be difficult to come to decision
Interesting: