Democracy & Canada's Foundations
What is the Magna Carta?
A document that limited the power of the king and influenced modern democracy.
What is a treaty?
An agreement between Indigenous peoples, province/territory, and the Crown/government.
What is the difference between a right and a responsibility?
A right is something you are entitled to; a responsibility is something you are expected to do.
Who has the right to vote in a provincial election in Ontario?
A Canadian citizen who is at least 18 years old and a resident of Ontario.
What is a social issue?
A problem that creates barriers to people having what they need for a healthy and independent life.
What did the Fathers of Confederation do?
They negotiated and created Confederation, leading to the formation of Canada.
What is a Wampum Belt?
A belt made of shells used to record agreements and relationships.
Name one document that protects Canadians' rights.
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms or the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Which level of government is responsible for garbage collection?
Municipal government.
What is a refugee?
A person forced to flee their country because of war, persecution, or danger.
Name one Principle of Democracy.
Examples include Equality, Rule of Law, Participation, Rights and Freedoms, and Representation.
Why was the Indian Act created?
To control and assimilate Indigenous peoples and their communities.
Who does the Charter of Rights and Freedoms apply to?
Any person in Canada – whether they are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident or a newcomer – has the rights and freedoms contained in the Charter.
Why might a province have different laws regarding education and health care than another province?
Education and health care are provincial responsibilities, so each province can create its own laws and policies in those areas.
Define grassroots.
Action started and led by ordinary people in a community.
Name and briefly explain one form of government.
Examples include democracy, monarchy, dictatorship, and oligarchy.
Describe Pre-Contact Indigenous Governance.
Indigenous nations governed themselves through their own leadership systems and laws before European contact.
Name one category of Charter Rights.
Fundamental Freedoms, Democratic Rights, Mobility Rights, Legal Rights, Equality Rights, or Language Rights.
What is the difference between a majority and a minority government?
A majority government has more than half the seats; a minority government has less than half.
What do the letters UDHR stand for?
Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
What is the difference between left-wing and right-wing politics?
Left-wing generally supports more government involvement and social programs; right-wing generally supports less government involvement and more traditional values.
Why is the Indian Act significant?
It has had a major impact on Indigenous rights, governance, and daily life.
A student is prevented from expressing their religion at school. Which Charter right may be affected?
Fundamental Freedoms (freedom of religion).
A bill has been approved by the House of Commons and the Senate. What is the final step before it officially becomes a law in Canada, and who grants it?
Royal Assent, granted by the Governor General.
What is the United Nations, when was it created, and why was it created?
An international organization created in 1945 after World War II to promote peace and cooperation among countries.