Unit 1: Governance and Justice in Canada
Lesson 1: Federal Political Structure (ch 1)
Three branches work together to govern Canada: the executive, legislative and judicial branches. The executive branch (also called the Government) is the decision-making branch, made up of the Monarch represented by the Governor General, the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet. The legislative branch is the law-making branch, made up of the appointed Senate and the elected House of Commons. The judicial branch is a series of independent courts that interpret the laws passed by the other two branches. Parliament itself is made up of the following three parts: the Monarch, the Senate and the House of Commons. Canada is a constitutional monarchy, which means that we recognize the Queen or King as the Head of State, while the Prime Minister is the Head of Government.
The Parliament System of Canada (youtube video)
Who Serves in the Senate of Canada (youtube video)
Rick Mercer Report Canada explained (youtube video)
One of the questions we explore is: How does a law become law? Check out this link “Legislation at a Glance”, which provides an overview of bills under consideration in either the Senate or the House of Commons. Bills considered during the previous sitting day are highlighted in bold.
Formative Assessment Task:
The Parliament System of Canada (youtube video)
Who Serves in the Senate of Canada (youtube video)
Rick Mercer Report Canada explained (youtube video)
One of the questions we explore is: How does a law become law? Check out this link “Legislation at a Glance”, which provides an overview of bills under consideration in either the Senate or the House of Commons. Bills considered during the previous sitting day are highlighted in bold.
Formative Assessment Task:
- Want to Be a Page? (poster)
Lesson 2: Lobbyists and the Media (Ch 1)
Lobbyists: The youtube video "What a Lobbyist Does", explains what a lobbyist does. Even though they are talking about the UK, lobbyists in Canada perform the same tasks.
Lesson 3: Youth Criminal Justice Act (Ch 2)
YCJA defines the consequences young people face for criminal offenses.
YCJA laws website:
Contains information on specific offences and sentences. Ideas of Items to Include in Sentencing Report
-Witness statements
-Interviews with: accused, victim, parents, teachers, friends, siblings, extended family
-Statement from social worker/parole officer
-Doctor's report stating victim's injuries
-Psychologist/School Counselor report on mental illness
-Police Report
-Letter from lawyer (defence or prosecution)
-History of phone calls/text messages
-Past record
-Letter from employers
-Evidence from the crime scene
-Filmed re-enactment
Formative Assessment Tasks:
YCJA laws website:
Contains information on specific offences and sentences. Ideas of Items to Include in Sentencing Report
-Witness statements
-Interviews with: accused, victim, parents, teachers, friends, siblings, extended family
-Statement from social worker/parole officer
-Doctor's report stating victim's injuries
-Psychologist/School Counselor report on mental illness
-Police Report
-Letter from lawyer (defence or prosecution)
-History of phone calls/text messages
-Past record
-Letter from employers
-Evidence from the crime scene
-Filmed re-enactment
Formative Assessment Tasks:
- Lobbyist: Molding Public Perception (DEBATE, handout Due )
- (written response) Meeting the Needs of Canadians
- Political Cartoon Assignment (3 cartoons with a summary for each, looking for metaphors, symbols, irony, point of view)
Summative Assessments:
- (multiple choice exam in class) Canadian Government Unit Exam
- (multiple choice exam in class) Youth Criminal Justice Act Unit Exam open book
- Describe the process for passing a law in the federal political system.
- Canada's federal political system includes the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. What might be the possible consequences if one of the branches ceased to exist? For example, What would the consequences to the Canadian political system be if the legislative branch ceased to exist?
- Explain how the process for becoming a Member of Parliament is different from the process for becoming a Senator.
- To whom are Members of Parliament and Senators accountable?
- Explain the role of political parties within Canada's federal political system.
- Describe how the media can impact political processes in Canada.
- Explain how lobby groups impact government decision making.
- To what extent do political and legislative processes meet the needs of all Canadians?
Additional Resources:
- Our Country, Our Parliament
- Federal Acts Website http://canadaonline.about.com/od/acts/canadian_Federal_Acts_and_regulations.htm
- Parliment of Canada: www.parl.gc.ca/education
- Textbook: Issues For Canadians by Nelson Chapters 1 & 2
- Federal Legislation
- What is Canada's Political System? This website provides information on Canada’s Federal Political system.
- Political Party.ca You will find basic information on every federally registered political party in Canada whether they currently hold seats in the House of Commons or not.
- Parliamentary Press Gallery
- Canada Gazette
- Youth Criminal Justice Act pamphlet
- Canadian Roles and Responsibilities
- Elizabeth Fry Societies say Conservative bill won't Deter Crime