Elementary PowerPoint 5: Issues and Perspectives

If you were premier of British Columbia, what would be the first issue or problem that you would want to try to solve?

Issues and Opinions An issue is an important topic or problem for debate or discussion. An opinion is your belief about a particular issue. Opinions are neither right nor wrong, they are personal and subjective.

What shapes your opinions?

Perspectives Our opinions are formed by our values, our knowledge and our perspectives. A perspective is a viewpoint or a way of looking at things. Our perspectives are shaped by who we are and our environment.

What do you see?

Your Values and Worldview Your worldview is your outlook on life and the world, and how you interpret events on a daily basis. Your worldview relates to your values, which are your principles or standards of behaviour and priorities in life.

Which people and experiences do you think have had the largest influence on your worldview?

What is a political ideology? A political ideology is a set of shared ideas or beliefs about the role of government and how society should work. A political ideology is your political worldview.

Which statement do you agree with and why? Society should adapt or change as quickly as possible Change should only occur when it is absolutely needed and it should happen slowly

Which statement do you agree with and why? Government should not interfere in the lives of individuals. People should not rely on the government for help Government has an obligation to help people in need and should be involved in the lives of citizens

What is the political spectrum? The political spectrum provides a way to characterize and distinguish between different beliefs, ideologies, political parties and policy ideas. Left-learning – Favours social equality, government involvement and more social services Right-learning – Favours tradition, individual freedom, less government involvement and lower taxes

Political Spectrum Questions Do you agree or disagree with the following? Companies that pollute our air and water should suffer consequences Canada should not welcome any more refugees The government should spend more money on education People who make more money should pay more in taxes

Elections provide an opportunity for citizens to discuss and debate issues and potential solutions for their community, province or country. The outcome of the election determines the political direction of our government.

Discussion What issue or issues do you want this provincial election to focus on? Do you think you have the same concerns as your parents? Do you think you have the same concerns as students in other parts of the province? How can you learn more about the issues impacting your community or the province?