Social Studies 11
Unit 2-9
Reading Guide Key
___ / 57
The Structure of Canada’s Government
Resource: Counterpoints: Exploring Canadian Issues, Chapter 9
Introduction
1.
What is government?
The formal system for making decisions about our nation.
2.
What are traditions?
The rules and traditions that have developed to guide the actions of our government.
3.
What are institutions?
The organizations we have developed to carry out our government’s work.
Foundations of Our Government
4.
What is a democracy?
A type of government in which people freely choose who will represent them.
5.
What is meant by the term direct democracy?
A type of democracy in which the people direct the day-to-day affairs of the government.
6.
How is a representative democracy different from a direct democracy?
A type of democracy in which the people select representatives to direct the day-to-day
affairs of the government on their behalf.
7.
What is a constitutional monarchy?
A form of government headed by a king or queen who is subject to the law.
8.
Should Canada have a monarch? Explain.
Opinion.
9.
List the three main parts of Canada’s constitution.

A description of the powers of the provincial and national legislatures as well as their
parts and authority.

A Charter of Rights and Freedoms that outlines the rights and basic responsibilities
of all citizens.

A method for changing the Constitution.
© 2005 Better Classroom Guidebooks
Page 1
10. Complete the following chart.
Federal Responsibilities
Shared Responsibilities
Provincial
Responsibilities
National defense
Immigration
Education
Foreign policy
Agriculture
Charities
Aboriginal affairs
Health care
Health services and
hospitals
Postal services
Natural resources
Licenses
Banking system
Environmental issues
Highways
Marriage and divorce
law
Provincial Court
system
Criminal law
Provincial police and
prisons
Federal prisons
11. Why is a constitution necessary for a complex organization?
Varied.
12. What shared ideas or values hold our country together?
Opinion.
13. What issues separate regions or provinces and pull our country apart?
Opinion.
14. Our government is divided into three branches. Identify each.

legislative

executive

judicial
15. What does our splitting our government into three branches say about our views of leadership
and decision making?
Opinion – tries to keep each balanced by the others …
16. What is a federal system of government?
A form of government with regional governments dealing with local issues and a central or
national government deals with issues of concern to all regions.
17. What are municipal governments?
The governments of towns and cities.
18. Who decides what form municipal governments will take?
The provinces.
© 2005 Better Classroom Guidebooks
Page 2
The Federal Government
19. How often must the Federal Parliament meet?
Once a year.
20. What is the purpose of the question period?
It gives the opposition a chance to raise issues with the government.
21. How often must the federal parliament hold elections?
At least every 5 years.
22. What is a constituency?
An area with a population of approximately 100,000 people; it elects a representative to be a
Member of Parliament.
23.
How many people live in a typical constituency?
100,000
24. How many seats or members of parliament were there in 2001?
2000 – 301 with 178 from Quebec and Ontario; 282 in 1986.
25.
Describe the speaker’s two main roles in parliament.

Controls debates in the House of Commons or a provincial legislature.

Impartially applies the House’s rules to all members.
26. What qualities does the Speaker need in order to do a good job?
Opinions – should center on fair and impartial.
27. What is the role of the opposition in Parliament?
To scrutinize the actions of the government.
28. What is the role of a party’s caucus?
It is a private meeting of a party’s MPs that allows free discussion of concerns and
expressions of opinions, where a party’s leaders explain their positions to supporters.
29. What are the requirements for becoming a Senator?
Be a Canadian citizen; 30 years of age; own $4000 of property.
30. How does someone become a Senator?
Appointed by the Governor General based on recommendations of the Prime Minister.
31. What is the role of the Senate?
Provides a final check on the House of Commons; may also introduce its own legislation;
provides a forum for the debate of regional issues; may investigate issues that the House of
Commons will not or cannot deal with.
32. Explain why you believe Canada should or should not have a Senate.
Opinion.
33. Describe the role of the Governor General.
Gives formal assent to all bills before they become law; acts as an advisor to the government
on constitutional issues.
34. How is the Prime Minister chosen?
The Governor General asks the leader of the largest party in the House of Commons to form
a government.
© 2005 Better Classroom Guidebooks
Page 3
35.
Tell what the Prime Minister does in his role as head of government.

Asks the Governor General to name new judges and Senators.

Decides on the best time to ask the GG to hold an election.

Chooses cabinet ministers.

Has the final say in the policies of the government.
36.
Tell what the Prime Minister does in his role as national leader.

Addresses Canadians on issues of national concern and explains the goals of his
party and government.

Represents Canada with other nations and at international meetings.

Works with the Premiers to coordinate or share responsibilities.
37.
Tell what the Prime Minister does in his role as party leader.

Acts as spokesperson for his party.

Gives out patronage appointments.

Leads his MPs in Parliament.
38. How are cabinet ministers chosen?
They are MPs selected for cabinet roles by the PM.
39. What are the characteristics of an ideal cabinet?
Reflects the cultural, linguistic and social diversity of Canada; reflects both genders and
each region and the major ethnic groups.
40. Why is it important that Cabinet represent all regions and groups in Canada?
Opinion.
41. What is the role of a cabinet minister?
Responsible for his department’s efficient and effective operation and budget; represents the
department in Parliament and to the public.
42. What is the role of a party whip?
To ensure the MPs of a party are present to vote and support the party’s position in
Parliament; to discipline MPs who speak out against party policy.
43. Describe the roles of civil servants.
Permanent employees of the government who perform the on-going functions of government;
senior civil servants advise ministers and help draft new laws.
© 2005 Better Classroom Guidebooks
Page 4
44.
Complete the following chart that outlines how a law is created.
Cabinet minister has an idea for a bill.
1. idea is explained to cabinet
2. cabinet approves the idea
4. cabinet examines the draft bill
3. lawyers draft the bill
5. cabinet and caucus approve the bill
6. bill introduced in the house for 1st
reading
8. house debates and approves the bill in
principle
7. second reading
9. a Parliamentary Committee examines
the bill in more detail
10. the House has an opportunity to
amend the bill
12. House passes the bill
11. 3rd reading – debate and vote
13. Senate examines, debates and amends
the bill
14. bill passes the Senate
Governor General gives formal assent; bill is now law.
45. At which stage does the public have input into the proposed law?
At the committee stages and through letter to the editor, e-mails etc. to MPs, radio talk
shows, protests or demonstration.
46. Why do you think there is such a lengthy process for making a law?
Opinion.
47. Why do you think private members are rarely successful in introducing and having a new law
passed?
Opinion.
Provincial and Territorial Governments
48. List four areas for which Provincial governments are responsible.

education

environment

health care

social welfare

transportation.
49. How to Provincial governments and the Federal government solve disputes over which has
control over things such as the environment or taxes?
Varied – may include negotiation, reference of a dispute to the Supreme Court.
Local Governments
50. What is the head of a town council or municipal government called?
Mayor, reeve, chairperson, overseer, warden …
© 2005 Better Classroom Guidebooks
Page 5
51. What names are given to other elected members of the municipal government?
Councilors, alderpersons, controllers …
52. What is the role of a council?
They represent their own ward or an area of the municipality.
53. What is the role of the municipality and its various departments?
To provide basic services such as firefighting, police, road maintenance, sewers, water,
parks … becoming increasingly involved in social services and housing.
54. What is the role of a mayor?
Leader of the town council.
55. Why might municipal governments been given so little power when Canada was established
and only one in ten Canadians lived in a city?
Varied.
56. How is this a problem today when over 70% of Canadians live in cities?
Varied – may include: cities such as Toronto and Vancouver have more people than some
provinces and feel they should have more powers to service their areas of responsibility.
57. How are aboriginal band councils different from municipal councils?
Have more dealings with premiers and federal cabinet ministers than most mayors and
councilors.
© 2005 Better Classroom Guidebooks
Page 6
Social Studies 11
Unit 2-10
Reading Guide Key
___ / 35
The Citizen and Government
Resource: Counterpoints: Exploring Canadian Issues, Chapter 10
Choosing the Government
1.
Who can vote in Canadian elections?
Citizens aged 18 or more.
2.
When must provincial and federal elections be held?
At least every five years (4 in BC) on dates determined by the premier or prime minister.
3.
When are local or municipal elections held?
Varies from 2 to 3 years, usually on fixed dates.
4.
When might a Prime Minister or Premier call an election?
Usually toward the end of a term when the PM thinks his government is most popular or
earlier if needed to confirm the public’s support.
5.
Who has to approve this decision?
The governor or lieutenant governor.
6.
What is the role of volunteers in an election?
They support a candidate in the election by doing much of the work.
7.
Why are election campaign expenses limited by law?
To prevent a party with lots of resources from launching a massive campaign against
candidates with fewer resources; to keep the “playing field level”.
8.
Why must contributions or more than $200.00 per year to a political party be made public?
To hold the parties accountable for the money they receive; to prevent large supporters from
having secret influence over candidates or parties.
9.
Why must candidates in an election pay a deposit that is only returned when they submit their
list of election expenses?
To ensure openness with respect to funding etc.
10. What do you think about the fact that candidates who win more than 15% of the votes in an
election being reimbursed for 50% of their expenses?
Opinion.
© 2005 Better Classroom Guidebooks
Page 1
11. What are public opinion polls?
A survey of a cross section of Canadians to give information about what they think and how
they may act.
12. How are the results of these polls used in elections?
To predict what voters will do; to help shape a party’s activities to garner the maximum
public support.
13. Should the publication of opinion polls be allowed during elections? Explain.
Opinion.
14. What is a polling station?
The place where people cast their vote; usually a church or school.
The Electoral System
15. Why do some people object to the first-past the post method of electing candidates?
They say it does not necessarily reflect the wishes of a large number of voters.
16. Describe the advantages of proportional representation as a method for selecting candidates.
More political views are represented.
17. What are some of the potential drawbacks of proportional representation?
Those elected do not always represent a specific area; often results in unstable minority
governments.
Political Parties
18. What is an ideology?
A shared set of beliefs.
19. What ideologies are supported by left wing parties?
Make changes to improve the life of citizens; government should play a larger role in
providing services.
20. What ideologies are supported by right-wing parties?
Changes should be treated with caution; government should have the smallest possible role;
law and order is essential to protect society and its traditions.
21. What ideologies are supported by a centrist party?
Tradition is important but necessary changes are ok; government should play a role only
when it improves the lives of citizens; law and order is important to encourage and protect
the rights of citizens.
22. What are the current parties active in federal politics?
NDP, Liberals, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois.
23. What parties are active in BC politics?
Liberal, NDP, Green Party.
24. Why do people join a political party?
To improve the quality of life in a community, region or nation; they believe strongly in an
ideology or a party’s goals; attracted by power and influence.
© 2005 Better Classroom Guidebooks
Page 2
25. Why do non-governmental organizations attract some people more than a political party
might?
Varied – perhaps because they have a narrower or single focus which appeals more to an
individual.
Influencing Government and Role of the Mass media
26. List several pressure groups and what cause they promote.
Varied – see examples in figure 10-14 on p. 259 of the text.
27. What is the role of a lobbyist in putting pressure on the government?
Varied - know “who” to contact to influence decisions; paid to promote a point of view; are
often former government employees.
28. Some people are concerned that the ownership of the media (e.g. TV, newspapers, radio) is
concentrated in the hands of a few people. How could this affect the workings of
government?
Varied.
Civil Disobedience
29. List the three principles of civil disobedience.

should not involve violence.

must be directed against laws that are seriously harmful.

Requires taking responsibility for one’s actions – a willingness to face punishment
shows the strength of one’s beliefs.
30. Why did Henry Thoreau develop this concept?
He felt that the actions of the majority did not necessarily equate to “rightness”, just their
numbers; he felt that citizens were obligated to oppose unjust government actions.
31. (Research and) describe how Mohandas Gandhi used civil disobedience in India.
Varied.
32. (Research and) describe how Martin Luther King used civil disobedience in the United
States.
Varied.
33. When did men such as King and Gandhi believe it was proper to use civil disobedience?
Varied.
34. In May 2005 a person protesting how courts decide issues of custody and financial support in
cases of marriage breakdown in favor of women secretly released 200 crickets as a protest.
Explain why this would / would not be a valid instance of civil disobedience according to
King and Gandhi.
Opinion.
35. Describe the Clayoquot Sound protest of 1993 and discuss how it was a good/bad example of
civil disobedience.
Varied.
© 2005 Better Classroom Guidebooks
Page 3
Social Studies 11
Unit 2-11
Reading Guide Key
___ / 46
Canada’s Legal system
Resource: Counterpoints: Exploring Canadian Issues, Chapter 11
Introduction
1.
What is the purpose of law?
Varied.
The Rule of Law
2.
What does the term rule of law mean?
Where all people are subject to the law – with no exceptions.
3.
What does the Magna Carta symbolize?
The guarantee of the rights of citizens (to trial by jury and habeas corpus).
4.
What is the role of the Constitution of Canada in our legal system?
It defines and limits the legal powers of law makers.
5.
What is the purpose of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in our legal system?
It protects citizens’ freedoms and guarantees their democratic, mobility, legal, equality and
language rights.
The Main Categories of Law
6.
What is the difference between civil and criminal law?
Civil law deals with relationships between individuals or groups; criminal law deals with
matters that affect society as a whole.
7.
List three areas covered by civil law:

Contracts.

Property.

Personal relationships.
8.
What was the Neudorf versus McLachlan case about?
A dispute over who wrote a song and who had a right to the proceeds of the song.
© 2005 Better Classroom Guidebooks
Page 1
9.
Why does only the federal government make criminal laws?
Varied.
10. Identify and describe the three basic elements of criminal law in Canada.

Presumption of innocence.

Need to prove the defendant committed an illegal act.

Show that the accused intended to commit an illegal act.
11. What is the basis of English Canada’s common law?
Decisions of judges in England’s royal courts.
12. What is the basis of statutory law?
Acts of Parliament.
13. How is civil law in Quebec different from that of English Canada?
It is based on French traditions of “Roman Law” in which all laws are codified in a single
book which is used as a guide.
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms
14. List the three legal rights protected by section 7 to 14 of the Charter that you think are the
most important. Explain your choices.
Varied opinions based on figure 11-7 on page 276 in the text.
15. Why was the appeal of the Regina versus Oakes case successful?
The Charter states that a defendant is innocent until proven guilty – the Narcotics Act forced
Oakes to prove his innocence instead of the prosecution proving his guilt.
16. In what areas have the powers of the police been restricted since the introduction of the
Charter?
The right to know the reasons for arrest; to have a judge decide if one is being legally
detained; to contact a lawyer; to speedy trial.
17. What is your response to those who argue that these restrictions interfere with the ability of
law enforcement officers to carry out their duty?
Varied.
The Court System
18. What type of cases are held in BC’s Supreme Court?
Civil and criminal jury and non-jury cases.
19. What type of cases are held in BC’s Provincial Courts?
Criminal, family youth, traffic and by-law matters as well as small claims.
20. Why is it important that people convicted of an offence can appeal their conviction?
Varied.
21. On what basis are appeals made?
Usually that an error of law was made in the trial.
22. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of a jury trial?
Opinion.
© 2005 Better Classroom Guidebooks
Page 2
23. Why do you think juries are rarely used for less serious crimes?
Opinion.
24. What is the role of the Supreme Court of Canada?
It decides constitutional issues; is the final appeal for criminal cases.
25. Why is it considered important that members of the Supreme Court of Canada come from
each region of Canada?
Varied – may include: to reflect regional issues and concerns.
26. Who is Beverly McLachlin?
She was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in 2000.
27. What do Supreme Court of Canada judges consider when they make their decisions?

Whether or not a law applies to a case.

Whether or not there is a wrong that needs correcting.

Whether or not changes in a law must be made.
The Penal System
28. List five options a judge has when sentencing a person convicted of a crime.

Fines to the court.

Restitution to the victim.

Community service.

Time in prison.

Probation.
29. What is the longest sentence a judge can impose?
Life (25 years before eligible for parole).
30. What is a dangerous offender?
A person convicted of serious crimes who shows no evidence of remorse.
31. What is the goal of our corrections system?
To protect society; to rehabilitate offenders.
32. Define the term rehabilitation.
A belief that inmates can be brought back to society as useful citizens by providing
educational, vocational and counseling programs.
33. What aspects of our correctional system do some people criticize?
It is felt by some that prisons are too comfortable and don’t punish offenders enough.
34. Explain why you think the correctional system should be easier or harder on people.
Opinion.
35. What is the cost of keeping someone in jail for a year?
$60,000 per year.
36. How does Canada’s rates of incarceration compare to other countries?
One of the highest in the world; in 1998 Canada imprisoned 128 individuals per 100,000
people compared to Norway’s 53.
37. How does restorative justice work?
Instead of focusing on punishment it focuses on repairing the damage caused.
© 2005 Better Classroom Guidebooks
Page 3
38. What would be your response if you were offered this as a sentencing option?
Opinion.
Youth and the Law
39. Complete the following chart giving the main characteristics of how Canada treated young
offenders at different times in our past.
Characteristics
1892
ear
Minimum age was 7; a person under 14 had to know their actions were
wrong
1893
Youth were separated from adults.
1908
Youths treated as “misdirected and misguided children and not as criminals.
1929
16-18 could now be treated as youths instead of adults.
1984
YOA now applied to 12-18 year olds; jail more lenient with maximum
sentences of 3 years.
1985
Dangerous youths could be named.
1992
Maximum sentence for murder was raised to 5 years.
2000
YCJA treats violent crimes mere harshly; more efforts made to rehabilitate.
40. Discuss any circumstances in which you think young offenders should be treated the same as
adults.
Varied.
41. At what age do you think a youth should automatically be treated as an adult?
Opinion.
42. What rights and responsibilities do you think a youth should have (compared to an adult)?
Opinion.
43. List six types of dispositions a judge can make in cases involving young offenders.

Absolute discharge.

Conditional discharge.

Fines up to $1000.

Payment of the costs of the crime and up to 250 hours of community service.

Probation for up to 2 years.

Open or secure custody for up to 5 years.
© 2005 Better Classroom Guidebooks
Page 4
Information Technologies and the Law
44. How have inventions such as photocopiers and the internet affected copyright laws?
Varied.
45. What problems do law enforcement officials face in combating criminal activities such as
fraud and the distribution of pornography via the internet?
Varied.
46. Internet chat rooms can be used by predators to take advantage of children. How do you
think society should control misuse the internet?
Varied.
© 2005 Better Classroom Guidebooks
Page 5
Social Studies 11
Unit 2-12
Reading Guide Key
___ / 29
The Era of Human Rights
Resource: Counterpoints: Exploring Canadian Issues, Chapter 12
What Are Human Rights?
1.
Many people believe that some moral values are, or should be, universal and form the
foundation for human rights around the world. Explain why you do or do not agree with this
statement.
Varied.
2.
Give your own definition of human rights.
Varied – will refer to freedom of speech, thought, expression, religion, legal protections …
3.
List the major points in the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

No slavery.

No torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.

Recognition of a person before the law.

No one should be subject to arbitrary arrest or detention.

Right to a fair and impartial trial.

Freedom of movement and residence.
4.
Read the example described in this chapter’s Introduction. Which of the couple’s human
rights were violated according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
Varied opinion.
5.
Why did the United Nations feel it was necessary to proclaim its Universal Declaration of
Human Rights?
Varied examples.
6.
What problems does the UN face when it comes to enforcing its Universal Declaration of
Human Rights?
It has no capacity to act unilaterally to impose change; can only rely on “public” pressure in
most cases.
© 2005 Better Classroom Guidebooks
Page 1
Human Rights Legislation in Canada
7.
Describe how Canada may have violated the human rights of Canadians of Native or Asian
descent in the years after World War II?
Varied – may include lack of voting rights for Asian and Aboriginal Canadian; restrictions
on where Japanese Canadians could live.
8.
What actions did John Diefenbaker take to change this when he became Prime Minister?
Passed a Bill of Rights.
9.
What problems did his legislation face?
Like any act of Parliament it could be easily changed; it did not override provincial laws.
10. How was this remedied?
When the constitution was repatriated, it included a Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
11. Read about the Eldridge Case on p. 300. Why did the Supreme Court decide in their favor?
It ruled that effective communication was necessary for effective medical treatment and
failure to provide interpreters denied deaf people access to benefits and was discrimination.
12. What is the notwithstanding clause?
A clause in the Constitution that allows governments to pass a law overriding the Charter
valid for five years and requiring renewal.
13. Comment on the following parts of the BC Human Rights Code.
Varied responses for employment, tenancy accommodation and hate propaganda – see p.
303 of the text.
14. What problems might arise if the restriction on age discrimination between 19 and 65 were
removed from our Charter of Rights?
Varied – may include references to voting rights, ownership, retirement …
© 2005 Better Classroom Guidebooks
Page 2
15. Determine which of the following situations contain human rights violations and under which
category the might fall in the BC Human Rights Code.
Situation
A person in a wheelchair is denied access to a
sporting event because the wheelchair can’t fit in the
space designated for wheelchairs.
Violation Category
Physical disability
A woman working on an all-male crew is annoyed
by suggestive remarks made by her co-workers.
Sexual harassment
A landlord refuses to rent a suite to a group of young
people aged 16 to 18 years of age because he is
afraid they will cause damage and make too much
noise.
Age
A group puts up posters for a dance that include
some racist remarks from the songs that will be
played.
Race, hatred
A woman is refused an interview for a job as a
security guard in a mall because the company says it
finds men are more effective at controlling groups of
young people.
Gender
An advertisement for a house rental says that only
non-smoking women need apply.
Gender
16. Do you think the notwithstanding clause is a good idea? Explain.
Varied – opinion.
Aboriginal Rights
17. Why did Canadian Aboriginal leaders take a complaint to the United Nations in 2000?
To protest living conditions on reserves; lack of title to land.
18. Describe the Lavell versus Regina case.
Jeanette Corbiere lost her “status” when she married a non-aboriginal – she argued
discrimination based on gender. Appeal to the Supreme Court ruled she was treated the
same as other women and didn’t rule on the gender issue.
19. What impact did the Charter of Rights and Freedoms have on Jeanette Lavell’s case?
The Charter forbids discrimination based on gender – she got her status back.
Gender Equity in the Workplace
20. What problems have women faced when entering the work force?
Lower pay rates, less access to promotion …
© 2005 Better Classroom Guidebooks
Page 3
21. Why are there problems addressing the issue of equal pay for work of equal value?
(Compare the work of a plumber who might get paid $30.00 per hour to a secretary in a
school office making $20.00 per hour.)
Opinion.
22. What are the intents of preferential hiring policies?
To achieve proportional representation of all groups in an institution’s staff mix.
23. Why do some people oppose them?
They claim it is a form of discrimination and unfair to qualified individuals not is a
“disadvantaged” group.
24. Summarize Tawney Meiorin’s case.
She had been a fire fighter for three years when she was required to do a physical fitness test
to re-qualify for the job. She couldn’t meet the running standard set for the men and was not
rehired. The Supreme Court ruled that the physical tests did not represent a legitimate job
standard and she should be rehired.
25. What occupations do you think would be justified in imposing discriminatory hiring
standards?
Varied – opinion.
Children’s Rights
26. What rights does the UN’s Convention on the Rights of Children say children should have?
Freedom of expression, thought, conscience and religion subject to appropriate parental
guidance; should not be separated from parents unless in the child’s best interests; access to
the highest attainable standard of health; right to an education.
27. How does Statistics Canada define child poverty?
When a family spends more than 55% of its income on food, shelter and clothing – one in five
children live in poverty in Canada by this definition.
28. What would you do to eliminate child poverty in Canada.
Opinion.
29. Explain why you do or do not think child poverty is a human rights issue.
Opinion.
© 2005 Better Classroom Guidebooks
Page 4