Glossary of Terms and Concepts
The following terms and concepts are contained within the general and specific outcomes in the grade.
The definitions are provided to facilitate a better understanding and more effective application of the social studies concepts presented.
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms Document entrenched in the Constitutional Act, 1982 that lists and describes
the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to Canadians.
consumerism Economic theory concerned specifically with the purchase and/or use of goods and services.
executive branch Government body that ensures the administration of laws and of the country, comprised of the Prime Minister of Canada and the Cabinet.
governance The act, process or power of governing.
Indian Act Law pertaining to the rights and status of Aboriginal peoples; initially enacted in 1876 and amended several times.
judicial branch Government body that ensures the interpretation of laws, comprised of the Supreme Court of Canada.
legislative branch Government body that is authorized to pass federal laws/legislation, comprised of the House of Commons and the Senate. market economy Economic system in which individuals are free to make their own decisions with little or no intervention from the government and where resources are the private property of persons or companies.
mixed economy Economic system in which both the public and the private sectors play a significant role in the economy and where some resources are owned by the private sector and some by the public sector.
social programs Programs established by the government to reduce economic inequalities and to promote the well-being of citizens.
tax base Total amount of taxes paid to the government by citizens and companies used to finance economic and social programs and the functioning of government.
underground Pertaining to secretive economic activities that are not within the law, often
economy referred to as the “black market.”
The definitions are provided to facilitate a better understanding and more effective application of the social studies concepts presented.
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms Document entrenched in the Constitutional Act, 1982 that lists and describes
the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to Canadians.
consumerism Economic theory concerned specifically with the purchase and/or use of goods and services.
executive branch Government body that ensures the administration of laws and of the country, comprised of the Prime Minister of Canada and the Cabinet.
governance The act, process or power of governing.
Indian Act Law pertaining to the rights and status of Aboriginal peoples; initially enacted in 1876 and amended several times.
judicial branch Government body that ensures the interpretation of laws, comprised of the Supreme Court of Canada.
legislative branch Government body that is authorized to pass federal laws/legislation, comprised of the House of Commons and the Senate. market economy Economic system in which individuals are free to make their own decisions with little or no intervention from the government and where resources are the private property of persons or companies.
mixed economy Economic system in which both the public and the private sectors play a significant role in the economy and where some resources are owned by the private sector and some by the public sector.
social programs Programs established by the government to reduce economic inequalities and to promote the well-being of citizens.
tax base Total amount of taxes paid to the government by citizens and companies used to finance economic and social programs and the functioning of government.
underground Pertaining to secretive economic activities that are not within the law, often
economy referred to as the “black market.”