Individual Rights
Give a short definition of the term "individual rights."
Rights held by each person individually (e.g., freedom of expression, freedom from arbitrary detention).
Give a short definition of the term "collective rights.
Rights held by groups as groups (e.g., language or treaty rights for a cultural group).
Name three rights or freedoms listed in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Examples: freedom of expression; freedom of assembly; democratic rights (vote); legal rights (fair trial); mobility rights.
Define the term "bias" in one sentence
Bias: a tendency to favor one perspective, person, or group unfairly
True or False: Individual rights apply to each person personally, regardless of group membership.
True. Individual rights apply to each person personally; they protect individuals regardless of group membership.
Name the three groups commonly recognized as having collective rights in Canada
Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Inuit, Métis), official-language minority communities (Anglophones and Francophones)
Define "representative democracy" in one sentence.
Representative democracy: citizens elect representatives who make laws on their behalf.
What was important about the Magna Carta? Give a short explanation (one or two sentences).
Magna Carta: It limited the power of the monarch and established early principles that rulers must follow the law, influencing later legal rights.
Provide two examples of individual rights from the Charter
Freedom of expression, mobility rights, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, democratic rights
Explain one reason why collective rights exist for a particular group (pick one of the three groups and give a short explanation)
Example: Indigenous collective rights exist to preserve culture, languages, and treaty-based land rights because history and treaties created special relationships requiring group protections. Anglophones and Francophones rooted in the colonialism of Canada
Define Direct Democracy
Representative democracy: citizens elect representatives who make laws on their behalf
Define "the rule of law" in one sentence.
The rule of law: Everyone, including rulers and the government, must follow the law and can be held accountable under it.
Name one right that only Canadian citizens have (not permanent residents or other residents).
Example: Only citizens can run for certain public offices or hold a Canadian passport; only citizens can vote in some federal or provincial elections (note: in Canada, voting is generally for citizens; permanent residents do not have federal voting rights).
Does Canada use a model of direct democracy or representative democracy to make new laws?
Representative Democracy
What is an "accommodation" (in the context of rights and freedoms)? Give a brief example.
Accommodation: Adjustments or changes (often by institutions or employers) to allow people to exercise their rights or participate equally — e.g., providing a sign-language interpreter for a Deaf student so they can access education.