Examining the Effectiveness of Canada's Political System

Do Canada's political processes provide for the needs of Canadians?

Synopsis

Many of the specific outcomes supporting General Outcome 9.1—"Students will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of how Canada's political processes impact citizenship and identity in an attempt to meet the needs of all Canadians"—may be addressed by inviting students to assess the degree to which various federal practices and policies serve the interests of Canadians.

Critical Challenges

Students might explore this overarching theme by completing these challenges:

The Branches of Canada's Federal System

Students explore the functioning of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the federal government by creating an illustrated concept map explaining the roles, relationships and tensions between these branches

Holding Them to Task

Students assess the effectiveness of our current federal practices in promoting and holding accountable Members of Parliament (MPs) and Senators, and write a persuasive paragraph in favour of or against the current practices

The Influence of the Party, the Media and Lobby Groups

Students examine the role of political parties, the media and lobby groups in influencing decision making in Canada's federal system by creating a pie chart showing the relative influence of each of these forces in shaping governmental policies

The Intent of the Youth Criminal Justice Act

Students examine the purposes of the Youth Criminal Justice Act by deciding whether or not the needs of Canadian youth and society in general are well served by treating youth differently from adults

Balancing Individual and Collective Rights: The Charter

Students consider the role of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in recognizing and protecting collective and individual rights by assessing the extent to which the Charter has successfully reconciled the needs of the majority with the needs of individuals and collectives (official language and Aboriginal groups)

Legal Roles and Responsibilities

Students explore their responsibilities to the legal system and their role in the judicial system by designing a pamphlet that promotes the five most important legal roles and responsibilities of a Canadian citizen

Help Documents

Embedding Critical Thinking Into Teaching and Learning PDF
This document provides a definition of critical thinking, and discusses how to embed critical thinking into teaching and learning.

Definitions of Terms Used in Overarching Critical Inquiries
This document provides definitions of Overarching Critical Inquiry, Critical Challenge, Modelling the Tools, Support Material, Graphic Organizer, Assessment, and Background Information.

Meeting the Diverse Learning Needs of All Students PDF
This document provides suggestions to help teachers plan for diverse learning needs.

Reference Charts

The following charts provide a quick overview of correlations, references, and summaries for all the Critical Challenges. In the charts, the Critical Challenges are organized according to which Overarching Critical Inquiry they address.

Last updated: July 1, 2014 | (Revision History)
Copyright | Feedback