Canada’s Democracy

What does democracy mean to you?

What does democracy mean to you? http://www.parl.gc.ca/About/Parliament/Education/OurCountryOurParliament/section1-e.aspx

Canada’s Coat of Arms

Name what you see in the Coat of Arms (1-9) http://www.parl.gc.ca/About/Parliament/Education/OurCountryOurParliament/html_booklet/democracy-defined-e.html

How does the Canadian Government Work? Record in your notes the steps for a bill to be passed.

Steps to Pass a Bill into Law Step 1: A Bill is introduced by a member of the Government or by another MP who is not in the Government. This is known as a Private Members Bill.

Steps to Pass a Bill into Law Step 2: The Bill is voted on by Parliament. If it passes, it moves on to the next step.

Steps to Pass a Bill into Law Step 3: The Bill is looked at by a committee who may recommend some changes.

Steps to Pass a Bill into Law Step 4: The House looks at the revised Bill and Debates it.

Steps to Pass a Bill into Law Step 5: Senate Approval – same reading and committee process as House of Commons

Steps to Pass a Bill into Law Step 6: Royal Assent. The Governor General signs the Bill into Law.

Elements of Democracy There are 8 Elements of Democracy.

Elements of Democracy There are 8 Elements of Democracy. This means there are 8 basic things that all democracies should have.

Rule of Law In a Democracy, everyone must adhere to the same laws including the leaders. (Unless you are the Mayor of Toronto). Laws should be known, predictable and impartial. Even the government is subject to law. http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/11/18/rick-mercer-rob-ford-video_n_4296008.html?utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false (Rick Mercer on Rob Ford)

Political Equality In a democracy, every citizen has the same right to vote and run for office and to speak on public issues.

Common Good Democratic citizens should work towards the common good (what makes the most people safe, secure and happy). The should have a sense of responsibility and caring for others.

Personal Freedoms In a democracy, people enjoy many personal freedoms such as the freedom of religion and freedom of expression.

Human Dignity Democratic citizens should protect and uphold the dignity of all people.

Political Freedoms In a democracy, people can speak freely, form associations, run for office and vote without being intimidated.

Being Informed and Getting Involved Democratic citizens should communicate openly and participate individually and collectively in issues that shape their community, nation and world.

Respect Democratic citizens should respect the rights of others.

Definitions!

Power Is defined as the ability to achieve what you want

Power Is defined as the ability to achieve what you want In a group, power is defined as the ability to get others to do what you want

Power Is defined as the ability to achieve what you want In a group, power is defined as the ability to get others to do what you want What gives a person power? Intelligence, persuasiveness, charisma, money, physical strength, and social status

Power Is defined as the ability to achieve what you want In a group, power is defined as the ability to get others to do what you want What gives a person power? Intelligence, persuasiveness, charisma, money, physical strength, and social status

How can Power be used?

How can Power be used? We use power to achieve personal and shared goals Power is often denied or used against certain groups because of discrimination and inequalities

How can Power be used? We use power to achieve personal and shared goals Power is often denied or used against certain groups because of discrimination and inequalities Can be destructive in the wrong hands

Society Is a community of people who share basic needs and wants

Society Is a community of people who share basic needs and wants The most basic needs of a community are food, shelter, clothing, and fresh water

Society Is a community of people who share basic needs and wants The most basic needs of a community are food, shelter, clothing, and fresh water There are also psychological needs such as the need to feel safe and secure in the community

Conflict Resolution When faced with conflict, how do you choose to solve it? Physical force Verbal persuasion Consensus building

Verbal Conflict Resolution Negotiation

Verbal Conflict Resolution Negotiation Both parties discuss the issues and try to resolve differences, being careful to avoid negative blaming language

Verbal Conflict Resolution Negotiation Both parties discuss the issues and try to resolve differences, being careful to avoid negative blaming language Mediation

Verbal Conflict Resolution Negotiation Both parties discuss the issues and try to resolve differences, being careful to avoid negative blaming language Mediation A third party helps both parties arrive at a solution to the conflict

Verbal Conflict Resolution Negotiation Both parties discuss the issues and try to resolve differences, being careful to avoid negative blaming language Mediation A third party helps both parties arrive at a solution to the conflict Arbitration

Verbal Conflict Resolution Negotiation Both parties discuss the issues and try to resolve differences, being careful to avoid negative blaming language Mediation A third party helps both parties arrive at a solution to the conflict Arbitration A third party is given the power to decide the outcome of the conflict

Decision Making

Decision Making There are 3 main types of decision making: Autocratic, Democratic and Consensual/Collaborative.

Autocratic

Autocratic one person or a small group of people has been given the power to decide for the rest of the group.

Democratic:

Democratic everyone in the group gets to have a say or vote. The decision of the majority is accepted.

Consensual/Collaborative

Consensual/Collaborative everyone in the group must be in agreement before proceeding with the decision. So in other words, you have reached a consensus.

History of Democracy

History of Democracy The word comes from the Greek roots demos (people) and kratos (power or strength)

Magna Carta

Magna Carta The Magna Carta established the concept that everyone including the king must abide by the law. It also made the king responsible to maintain and protect the legal rights of his subjects.

Push Factor

Push Factor Factors that make people want to leave their country such as war, religious persecution etc.

Pull Factor

Pull Factor Factors that attract people to another country such as jobs and freedoms