Social Studies 9
Government
Agenda
►
►
a.
b.
c.
d.
Current Affairs
Questions about:
Newspaper assignment
Exploring Canadian Government
Cartoons!
Discussion Questions: Rights and
Responsibilities!
Current Affairs Journal
► Time
to share 
What is Government?
1. Why do we have government?
2. Why is government necessary?
3. In Canada, what type of government do we
have?
4. What are some of the important things in a
democracy? Upon what is democracy based?
5. What rights do you think you have? List 10 of
the rights you think you have as grade 9 students
at RVLC.
Responsibilities…
As a citizen, you have the following
responsibilities…..
How effectively Does Canada's federal political system
govern Canada for all Canadians?
1. As prime minister, how could you use cabinet
positions to respond to issues about government
that concern Canadians?
2. What qualities must a person have to become a
minister? How do these qualities help the
government meet the needs of all Canadians?
3. What is a political party? How do political
parties help Canadian citizens influence the
political system?
4. To what extent do you feel the prime minister
should work with the opposition.
5. Does the current electoral process adequately meet the
needs of all Canadians, or does it require changes?
6. What impact does the popular vote have on the results
of an election?
7. In your opinion, which system represents voters more
effectively - regional representation OR representation by
popular vote? Explain.
8. How does the structure of the Senate represent
Canadians in a different way than the House of Commons?
How does this structure help the Senate act in the interests
of regions and minority groups?
9. How does the judicial branch connect to peace,
order and good government for all Canadians?
10. How does the Federal Accountability Act
contribute to good government for all Canadians?
11. How does the process of passing a law create
opportunities to build Canada as a society where
people of many perspectives and views belong?
What challenges does this process create, in your
opinion?
12 a. Brainstorm some ideas for a new law and create one
you feel would make it all the way through the stages to
receive Royal Assent. Your law should be practical and
logical and focus on making Canada's federal political
system more effective for all Canadians. Remember, to
become law, a bill must first be introduced in either the
Senate or the House of Commons. It must then pass
through various stages in each House: first, second and
third reading. Finally, it must receive Royal Assent. How
will your law do? Read through the notes on how a bill
becomes law.
i. Why is your proposed law needed?
ii. How would it improve the quality of life of Canadians?
iii. What groups might support it? What groups might
oppose it?
Lesson 2 Lobby Groups and Media
OR
12b. Assess the effectiveness of our current
federal practices in promoting and holding
accountable elected and nonelected (Members of
Parliament (MPs) and Senators) government
officials. Write a persuasive paragraph arguing in
favour of or against the effectiveness of Canada's
current processes for selecting government
officials. Read through the notes on Senators and
MP's.
Coming up….
1.
2.
3.
The break
Working hard on Lesson 2
Ready to present in tutorial after the break
Any questions???