Introduction to grade 6 Social Studies What is democracy? Introduction to grade 6 Social Studies

Which of the following sounds like Canada to you? Is is this one... 1. One leader has all the power and authority in the society. He or she chooses people to help govern. The main goal of the leader and the government is to hold onto power. No opposition is allowed. Citizens have few rights and freedoms.

Which one? Is it this one?... 2. Citizens have the right to choose the people who run the government. Citizens are able to participate in the decisions made by the government. The rights and freedoms of citizens are protected by law.

Which one? Is it this one?... 3. A small group of people controls the government. These leaders have power because of their wealth, family, or military strength. Certain other groups in society have special rights. The citizens have no part in making decisions.

Why do you think it was number 2? Explain.

Democracy means... citizens participation voting in elections protection of rights and freedoms majority rule equality decisions made by elected representatives freedom to disagree

Democracy also means... Government of the people, for the people, by the people

Why do you think we have elections every couple of years? Discuss with your elbow partner(s) Some people might like the representatives so they want them in power for a while, and the opposite, if some people don’t like the representatives, then they won’t be in power for too long More people get a chance to be in the government Change the representatives to bring in fresh ideas If we had elections every year, it would be expensive Nothing would get done if you had elections every year People might get sick of the person in power, this would also not be good if the person in power was bad