10TH GRADE

CIVICS
___

Notes

Introduction To Civics-Tuesday November 14

Civics is-

● The study of how governments (and public) decisions are made

● The study of public policy (issues that impact the public)
● The study of the rights and responsibilities of citizens

Citizens need to be:

● Informed
● Active
● Purposeful

Democracy is comples and every changing. There are many issues and opinions to consider with
every decision that is made. Even after a decision has been made, there are still considerations
ans alterations that need to be addressed. A “good” citizen becomes involved in this process
and society, helping to shape the future for the better.

Civics Involves:

1. How should we organize government and society? Ideas of human nature.

2. Citizenship
3. Rights and responsibilities
4. Types of government/structure and function of our government
5. Decision making and leadership
6. Issues of importance to the public
If one of the rights or duties fall we lose our freedom

Levels of Citizens:

Infromes- informed citizens have a basic knowledge of:

● Democratic process and decision making

● Structure and process of government
● Rights and responsibilities
● Being responsible on a local, national, and global level

Purposeful-purposeful citizens take their knowledge and involvement to a greater level:

● Investigate different beliefs and values

● Explore personal beliefs and values as well as those of others
● Challenge communities when different values and beliefs exist

Active- Active citizens are engaged in the issues and work towards making a difference

● Actively engaged in issues of civic importance and think critically about issues
● Develop inquiry, research, decision making, and conflict resolution skills
● Participate actively in our communities

Civics Note 2 Wed Nov 15

Level Scope Stakeholders Possible My current Ways I could

(people affected) Solutions role/investment Become
Involved

School Vaping principle close bathrooms the person going ● informing

School board Fear/penalties to washrooms authoritie
Staff Detectors Bystander s
Students Root/Access/Av ● Educate
Vape companies ailability them
Dealers Policy ● Steal
parents Taxes their
Education/aware vapes
ness ● Petition

City Barrie residents constructing Resident ● petition

(Expensive Local business more affordable ● Inform
Housing) Realtors housing units governm
 City government Community ent
Construction partnerships like ● Make a
workers NGO’s NGO
Policy changes

Region Simcoe residents improved transit resident, student petition

County (lack of Local networks Inform
public transport) Businesses Collaboration
Drivers with other towns
Students Building better
Kids roads and
Parents cycling lanes

ontario (gap of residents improving resident petition

healthcare Healthcare technology Inform
between urban providers Funding Volunteer
and rural areas) Government healthcare
authorities initiatives in rural
Phamarcists ares
Making NGO’s
Incentivizing
healthcare
providers to
work in rural
areas

Country Canada first nation reconciliation resident petition

(Bad treatment communities activites Campaign
of Indigenous Government Policy reforms Volunteer
peoples) heads Make us equal
Canadian Ngo initiatives
citizens

international vulnerable emission resident support ngo’s

(climate change) countries and reduction Campaign
residents in Climate adaption Petition
those countries measures Volunteer
Global citizens International
Animal lovers collaboration
Vets
Facotry workers
Government
heads
Fishermen

Civics Note 3 Thurs Nov 16

1. The village of 1000 people only has enough water to support 750 people. How would
you solve this problem? If people are going to die, how will you decide who lives and who
dies?

To solve this problem I would deport 250 people to a different country and or place to live so
the remainder have enough water. To determine this, I would look around, do tests and surveys
to the people who are contributing the least to our society and those are the people getting
deported.

2. A virus has hit your city of 200,000. There are plenty of vaccines but everyone,
including people of a neighboring town of that 50000, want one. How will you ensure
that your city is given priority and vaccinated? Who would you give priority to?

I will ensure that my city is given priority and vaccinated by creating a protest and
petitioning our government. We will be everywhere on social media and the streets pleading for
our cause. I would give priority to the elderly and children because they have weaker immune
systems.

3. The country is a mass producer of wheat but does not have the climate to produce
delicious oranges. In fact, you usually have too much wheat and it often goes unused.
How will you address this issue of too much wheat and not enough oranges.

To address this issue I would trade my remaining wheat for money to import oranges.

4. Two individuals are standing outside your door.

a.

b.

Individual 1 is an educated, skilled trades person. They have money, but no home. They
have offered to help you build your new shed if they can sleep on your couch for a week.

Individual 2 is a poor, uneducated, unemployed person. They have not eaten in days and
are scared to sleep on the street because of the violence at night. They have nothing to
offer you but hope you can keep them safe.

You only have space for 1 person. Which one do you let into your home, person 1 or 2?
Explain why
 I would let in person A due to the fact that he is actually offering me something. He will build
me a shed and he might be able to educate me on something. Person B is a parasitic relationship
where he is just taking without giving anything which is a horrible experience.

5. The city is dealing with gun violence. Crimes involving guns and deaths due to gun
violence are way up. Your city has a small police force of 25 officers. Currently there are
20+ stores that sell firearms. There have been protests demanding action for the past 5
nights. These protests are becoming violent.

To solve this problem I would close the stores selling guns and make having guns without a
license illegal.

All of these scenarios are issues that government’s, both domestic and international,
deal with on a regular basis. Based on these scenarios and your actions, what do you
think it means to govern.

In my opinion, to govern means to make the best decision to benefit your country and your
people.

Compare your idea of govern to the definition of govern in a dictionary.

conduct the policy, actions, and affairs of (a state, organization, or people).

How might your ability to “govern” change if you had to work with a partner when
making decisions?

My abilty to govern will change if I had to work with a partner when making decisions because
we might have different goals. If he is more committed to morals and trying to please everyone
then we will disagree on a lot of things causing a delay in solutions.

How might your ability to “govern” change if you had to work with every member in our
class to come up with a decision that satisfied everyone.

Like I said, because of the contrasting viewpoints making decisions will be way more difficult
and lengthy however the solutions might even be better due to the many opinions.

Q&A

Scavenger Hunt: Origins of Government

With the aid of the the internet, complete each of the following questions to gain a better
understanding of government and its origins.
1. Define the origins of the word “government”.

Government​, the political system by which a country or community is administered and

regulated.

2. Define the origins of the word “democracy”.

a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically
through elected representatives.

3. What is the oldest government in the world and when was it established?

Ancient Mesopotamia ​c.4500 - c.1900 BCE

4. Explain the role Athens has in the origins of government and democracy.

The term democracy first appeared in ancient Greek political and philosophical thought in the
city-state of Athens during classical antiquity. ... Led by Cleisthenes, Athenians established
what is generally held as the first democracy in 508–507 BC. Cleisthenes is referred to as "the
father of Athenian democracy".

5. Explain a monarch and how an individual achieves power.

Monarch is a royal family and power is achieved through being born into the bloodline of the
family (Heredity)

6. Name one monarch family that still exists in the world today.

Answers vary

7. Describe how your rights and responsibilities as a citizen would have changed from early
Athens to the Roman Empire, to the monarchy.

8. What is the significance of the magna carta?

Magna Carta​, which means 'The Great Charter', is one of the most ​important​documents in
history as it established the principle that everyone is subject to the law, even the king, and
guarantees the rights of individuals, the right to justice and the right to a fair trial.

9. Compare Thomas Hobbes’ view of citizenship and government to that of John Locke’s.
Hobbs- people are selfish by nature and should surrender their freedom for government order
and control
Locke - needs of the individual should come before needs of the government

10. In your opinion, whose view of citizenship and government is more correct, Hobbes’ or
Locke’s.

11. Define the term revolution.

a forcible overthrow of a government or social order, in favor of a new system.

12. Identify 3 examples of revolutions that have altered the relationship between government
and citizenship.

Answers vary

13. Name 1 revolution that has taken place in the past 5 years.

Answers vary

14. Based on the origins of the two words, government and democracy, do you feel these two
words accurately fit the group of people who “sit” in Ottawa.

Answers vary

Civics Note 4 Mon Nov 20

Authoritarian Leadership: 24

Democratic Leadership: 18

Laissez Faire Leadership: 12

Civics Note 5 Tue Nov 20 Forms Of Government

Form/Style Explanation and Benefits Drawbacks

Example

Dictatorship ● tells everyone ● Organized and Limited individual

what to do. controlled rights
● One person ● •Efficient •Usually dependent
has all the (sometimes on support of
power ruthlessly so) military
 ● Connected ● •No public •No debate or
with military protests, riots discussion
because of ● •United •Dependent on single
intimidation (people may individual
● Efficient and be loyal since •No free press; no
final there is no opposition parties
● People have competition) •People’s opinions
no rights are ignored
● Military is •Any laws can be
main focus created
● No free media •Ideas are limited to
one person

Monarchy ● -government ● stable ● No criteria

by a single ● Controlled (other than
ruler ● Traditional birth) for
(king/queen, ● Unifying ruling
emperor) ● •Expensive
● •-inherited (pomp and
power ceremony)
● •-decision-ma ● •Removed
king is mostly from everyday
by the ruler experiences
rather than ● •Lack of
the people choice for
● •-no people
protection for ● •Not
the people for representative
corrupt rulers of all
● Constitution society/comm
al Monarchy: unity
● The ruler is ●
the head of
state but
his/her power
is symbolic.
The
parliament/pr
ime minister
makes/admini
sters
decisions for
the country.
(Canada)
 ● •Traditional
Monarchy:
● The ruler is
the head of
state and
makes all the
decisions for
his/her state.
●

Oligarchy ● Government ● Stable ● Limited access

by few ● •Organized to power
persons ● •Controlled ● •Limited
● •These people ● •decision-mak rights for
could be ing can be people
distinguished quick ● •Questionable
by royalty, ● •in theory, transition of
wealth, family intelligent power
ties, people ● •Needs of the
education, ● •all members lower classes
corporate, or work together are often
military ignored
control ● •Similar to
● dictatorship
●

Aristocracy ● A government ● organized ● Restricted

in which ● Controlled criteria for
power is ● Efficient rule (most
vested in a often birth in
minority a particular
consisting of social group)
those believed ● •Rule by a
to be best limited small
qualified group
(privileged ● •Limited
upper class) individual
rights
●

Representative ● •“Government ● Protects ● Takes more

Democracy of the people, individual time to make
by the people, rights decisions
for the ● •Input from ● •More costly
people” many sources ● •Elected
into Representativ
 (Abraham government es may not
Lincoln) decisions support/like
● •-decision-ma ● •People are the prime
king is done the minister
by elected government ●
representative ● •Peoples
s voices are
● heard
● •Elected
representative
s understand
they need to
be re-elected
● •Diverse
representative
s
●

Theocracy ● Government ● Similar ideas ● Can lead to

by God ● •Traditions conflict
● •government are upheld ● •Minorities
by religious ● •Leader is are ignored
leaders usually ● •Extremism:
● •religious adored not in
laws may ● accordance
replace with religious
modern laws doctrine
● ●

Anarchy absence of any people do not have to Standard of living

political authority disagree or dislike the drops
(government) government (they are •Political disorder
•political disorder on their own) •lawless
and confusion

Communism government owns equal ● possibility Of

everything and is •similar ideals Corruption
shared equally •all ● No
•state plans and resources/property individually
controls economy are shared equally ●
•distribution of all
goods is controlled by
the government
 •in theory, everyone
is equal (classless
society)

Wed Nov 22 Civics Note 6

A political spectrum is a tool used to visually compare different political positions by placing
the positions on one or more axes.

left right

More government intervention Less government intervention

Gradual to rapid change in government Little to no change in status quo

Alright, let's categorize these topics into left, right, and undecided political orientations based
on common associations.

Left:

- Environmental protection

- Tax Increase

- LGBTQ+

- Pro Abortion

- Retirement Plans

- Workers Rights

- Civil Rights

- Government Projects

- United Nations

- Liberal
- Pro Immigration

- Free Education

- Welfare

Right:

- Military

-CDN Traditions

- Gun Control

- Prisons

- Private Healthcare

- Tax Decrease

- Free Market

- Less Government

- Conservative

- One class Society

- Tariffs

- Foreign Affairs

- Private Profit/Wealth

- Exploit Natural Resources

- NDP

- Private Education

Undecided:
- Private Enterprise

- Minimum Wage

- Legalize Drugs

Thurs Nov 23 Civics Note 8-Elements Of Democracy

1. Separation And Balance Of Power

Three branches of a democratic government legislative (Senate), Executive (P.M) Judiciary

(Courts) one person should not have more than one.

2. Independence Of The Judiciary

Everybody shall be entitled to a fair and public hearing by a competent, independent and
impartial court established by law

3. A Pluralist System Of Political Parties And Organizations

Pluralism indicates that a party system should not only consist of a multitude of parties, but it
should also include parties that represent genuinely alternative policy choices.

4. The Rule Of Law

Guaranteeing no private, public, or individual institution is above the law

5. Accountability And Transparency

Entitles the public right of access to information about the activities of government, the right to
petition government and to seek redress through impartial administrative and judicial
mechanisms

6. Freedom Of The Media

Media sector plays an essential role in guaranteeing the freedom of expression and freedom of
information, both of which are necessary for facilitating the effective participation of citizens in
democratic processes.

7. Respect For Political Rights

You need the freedom of political debate and assembly.

You need the right to vote and participate in elections.

You need the right to be politically active.

Election Results Thu Dec 7

Majority governments.

Advantages Disadvantages

Great for party in power and makes their 49% people’s opinions are disregarded
decisions final

Gets what’s done quickly and efficiently

Minority Government

Pro’s Con’s

Needs other parties to pass bills so input of unstable

other parties are considered and represents
more canadians

takes a long time

Civics Fri Dec 8 Budget

A budget makes projections about the money you will receive and spend for a specific time
period in the future
Provincial budget of ontario = April 1-March 31

Plans how the money will be spent next year

Balanced budget: when revenue and expenses are equal

Surplus: Excess, when revenues exceed expenses positive balance

Deficit: deficiency when expenses exceed revenues, negative balance.

Debt: money you owe on borrowing

Interest: penalty you have to pay when you borrow

Government gets money from other governments and countries.

Charter Of Rights And Freedoms-Mon Dec 11

Constitutions of canada

Charter of rights and freedom these documents rights for canadians

Every law must t respect the charter of rights

1982 signed

Drafted after 10 years

Charter give fundamental rights, democratic rights, mobility rights, legal rights, language
rights,

Demands equality for all people

Government must protect these rights

You are free to express and act on your belief

Bring case to court if disrespected

Rights and responsibilities in a democracy

What is the constitution of canada?

•Provides the fundamental rules and principles that govern our country.
•It is the supreme law in the country, which means it overrides any laws that are inconsistent
with it.

What Is A Right?

A right is freedom something that entitles you to act in a certain way

Rights are fought for and not given

The Canadian Bill of Rights (1960) was the first written document of human rights at the
national level

•Our rights and freedoms are now protected at both the provincial and national level by the
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, a part of the Canadian Constitution

The Charter has seven categories that define our rights as Canadians:

•Fundamental freedoms

•Mobility rights

•Legal rights

•Equality rights

•Official languages of Canada

•Minority language education rights

•Democratic rights

Fundamental Freedoms

● You can be whatever religion, have opinions, express opinions, free media, hold rallies,
choose friends

Mobility Rights

● Live and work in any province or territory in Canada

● You can leave and come back to Canada whenever you want

Legal Rights

● If arrested you must be told of your option to see a lawyer

 ● Must be taken to court within a reasonable amount of time

● Innocent until proven guilty

Equality Rights

You cannot be treated unfairly for many reasons. This includes your race, national or ethnic
origin, religion, gender, age, or mental and physical ability

Official Languages Of Canada

● You can talk or write to the federal government in French or English.

Minority Language Education Rights

● The right of French or english minorities in Canada to be educated in their own

language.

Democratic rights

● If citizen and 18+ Can Vote and run for public office
● Government must have election every 5 years or less
● Elected representatives must meet once a year.

Universal suffrage gave the right for all adult citizens to vote.

Fri Dec 15 Rule Of The Roads

Don’t drink and drive ⭐️

Signal before turning

Stop at stop signs

Don’t go at red lights

Stay within the speed limit

Not drinking and driving exists because if someone is under the influence of alcohol their
vision, mental cognity, and reaction speed all get decreased which can hurt people.

The punishment is getting fined and if done repeatedly getting your license taken away
Yes I think that punishment is appropriate because it’s not too serious but makes sure people
don’t put themselves or others in harm's way again.

Canadian Law

Canada has a civil and criminal law system

Civil law deals with disputes between people. Involves taking one complaint of another to court
and having a judge rule on the case

Ex. Connor and Nick are neighbors, Connor cuts down Nick's favorite tree. He won’t involve the
police because it’s just a simple dispute. Nick would get a lawyer and go to court.

Each province has its own civil law and is constantly changing

Criminal law deals with actions that are considered crimes against society. The government, on
behalf of the victim, persecutes these crimes

Since the Federal government is in charge of criminal law the law is the same all across canada.

These laws are recorded in the Criminal Code Of Canada.

Crime against member of society is a crime against all society ex a drunk driver affects
insurance, other families, and doctors.

All arrested by police and prosecuted by crown

3 criteria in order to be a crime

1. Against the criminal code of canada

2. Person had to intend to commit crime
3. Able to understand and appreciate what they did

If one of these is not true than that person is innocent

There are three categories for Criminal Law

● Summary offenses
● Minor/ less serious
● Charged people grt a summons to go to court
● Maximum $2000 fine/ 6 months in jail.
 ● Indictable Offenses
● More Serious Crimes
● Usually preliminary hearing which decides whether or not enough info to go on with
trial
● Can have trial by jury or judge

● Hybrid Offenses
● Can be either summary or indictable. It is up to the crown on how to proceed.

Legal Fundamentals

● Presumption of innocence
● Burden of proof
● Habeas Corpus
● Fair and speedy trial
● Equality before the law
● British common law

Presumption Of Innocence

● Anyone charged with a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty

● Responsibility of the crown to prove he is guilty
● Vote by jury has to be unanimous or else hung trial/mistrial person is retried
● For warrants and arrests, reasonable evidence is needed

Habeas Corpus

● Comes from latin it means to have the body

● You can’t be imprisoned without reason or proof

The right to a fair and speedy trial

● Fair means jury of your peers

● Knowledgeable and unbiased judge
● Strict rules for evidence/appeal
● Speedy means: can’t keep someone in jail without seeing a judge within a reasonable
time.

Equality before the law

 ● No one will be judged by evidence in case and only evidence no matter if your rich poor
ethnic
● No one is above the law

British Common Law

1. Canada's legal system is based on British law

2. Key components
3. Right to be judged by ones peers
4. Protection against self incrimination
5. Protection from being tried for the same offense twice
6. Use of precedent ie using past cases to guide how a current case will be tried and the
kind of punishment rendered in a guilty verdict

Lady Justice

Lady Justice, often depicted holding scales, represents fairness and impartiality in the legal
system. The scales symbolize the weighing of evidence and arguments to make a fair judgment.

The blindfold symbolizes impartiality, indicating that justice should be dispensed objectively,
without influence or bias based on identity, wealth, or power.

The sword represents authority and having the power to punish incriminating individuals.

Canadian Criminal Trial Procedure Dec 18

Laws outlined in criminal code of canada

Many ppl are involved in fair trial with same procedure

Charge of courtroom is judge who is impartial and bases only on evidence

The accused and the crown are two groups in group

Accused person who was charged with the offense

Defense lawyer protects him and raises doubt

Beyond a reasonable doubt prosecutor must have such a strong case the judge and jury will have
no question

Jury made up of 12 canadian adults

Jury based on evidence determines whether a person is guilty

Public gallery area where the public may watch the proceeding

Prosecutor presents case first

Then accused and lawyer the accused committed the crime

Crown must prove the accused intended to do the crime

All aspects of the crime itself must have occured

Evidence eis only allowed if collected by the law

Physical evidence, Real evidence, mikes fingerprints, murder weapon, DNA, hair strand

Testimonial evidence someone who saw the crime or analyzed the outcome of the crime,
witness statements,

Documentary evidence, evidence in some form of document, journal, newspaper, social media,
video

Demonstrative evidence, used to illustrate a witness perspective

If accused convicted they receive their sentence depending on character

Aqquited. means they are free to go

Crimes and Punishments - Dec 20

Once a gulity verdict has been determined, the judge must determine a punishment that fits the
crime

The following considerations must be taken into account when determining a punishment

● Protect society- remove the threat of a dangerous violent offender by removing them
from society until they are no longer a threat
● Punishing the offender-must fit the crime and express society’s disapproval of the act
● Rehabilitating the offender- offender must be given skills and abilities to change their
ways and become a contributing member of society again.
● Issue a deterrent- demonstrate and dissuade others that this type of act is unacceptable
in the future
Types Of Punishment

● Suspended sentence-No actual punishment imposed provided the officer remains out of
trouble for a period of time. Usually a minor offense/first time offense-a warning. Ex. If
you do it again i’m calling your parents
● Probation-offenders must live under certain conditions for a specific period of time.
Officer must report to a parole officer regularly Fine-Payment of money to the court
(society) for the offense committed
● Restitution and community service- to compensate the victim of the crime somehow
maybe through financial means , repairs, and services to the community.
● Imprisonment- remove person from society 2 years less than a day provincial minimal
medium security 2 years plus a day.
● Faint hope clause-offenders serving a life sentence without parole for more than 15
years can apply for a reduction in the number of year before eligible parole. Eligible after
serving 15 years.
● Young criminal justice act-implemented in 2003, age 12-17 at the time of the offense
will be tried under the YJCA. If the offense is serious enough, the accused may be tried
as an adult.