LESSON 3 THE CHARTER OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

LESSON 3: THE CHARTER OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

CONFLICT RESOLUTION • Just like in school, or at home, conflict appears in our communities. Living in pluralistic societies brings together many people with varying backgrounds, values, and beliefs. No matter what decisions are made, it can’t satisfy everyone. Usually, decisions are made for the Common Good with the majority of people in agreement. • If problems can’t be resolved between parties (consensus, agreement) then it’s time for: • mediation – neutral third party who helps participants work things out • arbitration – neutral third party who listens to both sides and makes a judgment based on the information provided

PILLARS OF DEMOCRACY (CREPP) • These are the common themes of modern democracy: • 1. Common Good • 2. Respect • 3. Equality • 4. Participation • 5. Privacy

TWO TYPES OF DEMOCRACY: • 1. Direct Democracy: • A democratic system in which every citizen participates directly in decision making. • For example, in Ancient Greece, every eligible person participated directly in making every major political decision.

• 2. Representative (Indirect) Democracy: • A democratic system in which citizens vote for representatives who are empowered to make decisions on their behalf. • For example, Canadians elect a representative to make decisions on their behalf.

RULE OF LAW • Democracies are governed by the rule of law. • This means that there are laws that apply to everyone equally, including those in the position to power. • Protects the rights of all citizens. • On the other hand, laws carry consequences if they are disobeyed. • For example: speeding tickets.

THE COMMON GOOD • The greatest good for the greatest number of people. • Therefore, government representatives need to listen carefully to what the people they represent have to say. • Example: when there are labour disputes, when companies strike.

WHAT IS A CONSTITUTION? • It is the supreme law of the land. • It outlines the government structure for a nation and defines and limits government power.

THE CANADIAN CONSTITUTION: • It was called the British North America Act (BNA Act). • Written in 1867 by John A. Macdonald (and others) called the Fathers of Confederation. • This was considered the “creation of Canada. ”

• Until 1982, any changes to Canada’s constitution had to be approved by the British Parliament. • In 1982, our constitution was brought home. This means the Canadian government was given the power to amend its own constitution under specified rules. • The Charter of Rights and Freedoms was also created in 1982.

THE CHARTER OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS • Your basic freedoms and rights are preserved in the Charter. • Political and civil rights are enjoyed equally by all members of society. • Women are now included, as well as many minority groups who were excluded in the past.

• Some examples of these rights and freedoms include: • Right to education • Right to vote • Freedom of religion • Freedom of thought, belief, opinion or expression