High School Civics

(CHV20)
Created by
Mike Zietsma1
 Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the course Canadian Civics: Purposeful, Informed and
Active Citizenship. This ebooklet replaces the need for the online textbook, “Civics
Canada Online.”
The following course activities utilize the ebooklet as a resource:

Activities that Utilize this eBooklet

Workbook Page #
Activities Package Activity
(if applicable)

Ideologies and Government 5 15

Canadian Democracy 3 21

Canadian Federalism 8 44

If you have any questions on the materials please do not hesitate to contact me.
I enjoy helping students learn!

Sincerely,

Mike Zietsma

Email: mzietsma@creatinghistory.net Website: creatinghistory.net

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 of Canterbury (highest
T he democratic nations of the Western world position of clergy in
The Growth of Democracy

have all had similar transitions on the road to England). However,

democracy. The rights and freedoms that we their relationship be-
enjoy today are the result of a variety of devel- gan to deteriorate
opments that include peaceful changes in law after Henry II attempt-
and thought, but also violent revolutions that ed to exert more control over the church in
claimed the lives of many. Highlighted below England. Becket refused to comply with the
are a few significant development that have demands of Henry II and in 1170 A.D., knights
helped shape modern democracy. loyal to Henry II, secretly entered Canterbury
and hacked Becket to death at the church altar.
The Absolute Rule of European Monarchs
Elizabeth I (1533—1603) is viewed as one
European governments of the medieval of England’s greatest monarchs. The illegiti-
and early modern periods were quite different mate daughter of Henry VIII, she was originally
for our nation’s own system of government. imprisoned by her predecessor, her sister,
The various lands of Europe were ruled by Mary Tudor (“Bloody Mary”), before she as-
“absolute” monarchs who made all decisions cended to the throne in 1558 A.D.. Under her
regarding their nation. It was believed that leadership England became a world power mil-
these absolute monarchs were divinely ap- itarily and economically. Her defeat of the
pointed by God and, therefore, their decisions Spanish Armada under Philip II of Spain in 1588
could not be questioned. Some absolute mon- allowed England to develop the strongest navy
archs used their powers wisely and are viewed in the world. Economically she developed an
more positively by historians. However, there effective system of taxation and also engi-
are many absolute monarchs who abused their neered key trade relationships with other na-
power and brought hardship to their people. tions. As an absolute monarch she used her
Henry II (1133—1189 A.D.) is often seen powers more wisely then many kings and
as a controversial monarch. Although he ex- queens of England who preceded her.
panded English lands in continental Europe, he The monarch who best epitomized an
will forever be remembered for his conflict absolute monarch was Louis XIV of France
with the Archbishop of (1638—1715). Louis came to the throne at a
Canterbury, Thomas young age and eventually centralized power
Becket. Originally, around himself. Everyone and everything in
Henry II had appointed France was answerable to Louis and, as a re-
Becket as Archbishop sult, he became known as the “Sun King.” His

3
 light shown over all of and the formation of the court system. Most
France penetrating eve- western democracies, including Canada and
ry corner. The most the United States, are based upon this British
defining feature of Lou- model of governing.
is’ reign was the build- The Enlightenment
ing of the extravagant
During the 17th and 18th centuries peo-
The Growth of Democracy

Versailles Palace just outside of Paris. The pal-

ace featured finely manicured gardens, man- ple became tired of the abuses of monarchs
made lakes, water fountains, sculptures and an and the inability of the common person to ad-
opulent palace that contained beautiful vance up the levels of society (the class sys-
paintings and the famous “Hall of Mirrors.” tem). Soon various philosophers began to
Although Louis effectively organized French challenge the traditional structures of society.
society, he also put France into significance These philosophers helped to ignite a move-
debt through his desire for war. He will always ment called, ‘The Enlightenment.” This was a
be remembered as a controversial monarch scientific and social revolution that promoted
who helped bring glory to France and himself, scientific advancement through education and
but also incurred debt and hardship for his na- also the rights and freedoms of every individu-
tion. al in society. This development would lay the
groundwork for many values of our present
The Significance of the Magna Carta society.
The Magna Carta (1215) is often seen as John Locke (1632—1704) was an English
one of the most significant documents that political philosopher who believed in equality
contributed to the development of democracy. and freedom for everyone. He felt that mon-
The document originated during the reign of archs held too much power over the lives of
King John who increased taxes and conflicted his/her subjects. His writings would challenge
with the church and barons of the land. He absolute rule and influence other philosophers
continually disregarded the concerns of these and their thoughts. Furthermore, his ideas
groups and this culminated in the outbreak of were influential in the writing of the American
a civil war. As the war continued, John’s forces Declaration of Independence in 1776. Other
experienced a number of defeats and, fearing Enlightened philosophers would follow such as
complete loss of power, John agreed to the Rousseau, Montesquieu, Voltaire, Hobbes and
peace terms outlined in the Magna Carta. This Descartes. The ideas brought forth by these
document, often seen as the first written con- thinkers would be influential in the develop-
stitution in European history, limited the pow- ment of democracy and various ideologies
er of the King through the establishment of the such as liberalism and conservatism.
“rule of law.” This phrase meant, “No one is
above the law, not event even King.” Although The French Revolution
the treaty was violated very soon after the The powerful
signing, it was reinstated several times France established un-
throughout the following years and served as der the rule of Louis XIV
the basis for the British parliamentary system was beginning to show

4
 cracks. Weak leader- ty is now based on.
ship under Louis XVI Christianity and Democracy
and the new ideas of
the Enlightenment It is interesting to note that those who
were leading the abused their power while in government were
French to question the Christian monarchs. They believed that power
had been given to them by God, but many gov-
The Growth of Democracy

traditional role of gov-

ernment. The onset of famine in 1789 was erned in a manner that did not reflect the gos-
enough for the people of France to start, argu- pel. Their abuse of power indicates that when
ably, the most famous revolution in human his- someone has too much power they can be-
tory—the French Revolution (1789—1799). come corrupt—everyone needs accountability.
The ideas of the Enlightenment attempted to
Louis XVI and his wife, Marie-Antoinette, hold these monarchs accountable and ensure
had lived a life of privilege at Versailles Palace freedom and equality
outside of Paris while the French people expe- for everyone. These
rienced severe hardship and very few individu- themes of freedom and
al rights. The ideas of French Enlightened phi- equality are derived
losophers such as Voltaire, Montesquieu and from the Bible and are
Rousseau resonated with the people of France, the foundation of mod-
especially the lowest class of society—the ern democracy. In both cases, Christianity was
Third Estate. Soon the people began to rise up used to support a particular style of govern-
under the radical leadership of Maximillian ment.
Robespierre who sought to have the King and
Queen executed as well as many others who Conclusion
opposed the new France. This time of incredi- The road to democracy has been an un-
ble bloodshed became known as the “Reign of easy one filled with violence and hardship.
Terror.” Eventually, people became suspicious Many people lived under extreme oppression
of Robespierre himself and he was also execut- and rose up in an attempt to establish a better
ed. From 1794 to 1799 a more stable style of life. The abuse of power by monarchs of the
government with five leaders was established past reveals the need for accountability
known as the “Directory.” However, France’s through clearly defined laws. The Magna Car-
experiment with democracy would not last and ta, Enlightenment and the French Revolution
soon a new authoritarian leader came to pow- were all pivotal in the development of democ-
er who would help France conquer much of racy.
Europe—Napoleon. The French Revolution did
not initially reflect very positively on democra-
cy, but it did emphasize that people could rise
up if their monarch abused his/her power. The
French Revolution opened the door to more
developments in democracy that would even-
tually result the modern form which our socie-

5
 surrounding Lake
Contributors to Democracy

The road to democracy in Canada has, thank- Ontario and Lake

fully, been a relatively peaceful transition. A Erie. Originally,
variety of people groups played an important the Iroquois na-
role in helping Canada’s modern form of de- tion was divided
mocracy develop. Prior to the arrival of Euro- into multiple tribes that often conflicted with
peans on the North American continent, Native each other. Eventually, the different tribes
peoples formed unions and confederacies be- recognized the need for greater co-operation
tween tribes with complex decision making with one another and formed a “Confederacy”
processes. Additionally, the French and British in 1450 to work out differences in a peaceful
also made important contributions to the de- manner. This agreement became known as the
velopment of democracy in Canada. “Great Law of Peace” (an early constitution)
and brought together the following five nations
Native Contributions to Canadian Democracy under one confederacy: Mohawk, Cayuga, Sen-
The Inuit inhabited many of the areas eca, Onondaga and Oneida—the last group to
furthest north in Canada. Early Inuit societies join was the Tuscarora. This new union of
were organized into “bands” which quite often tribes would have a central congress where
revolved around hunting. Leadership was giv- representatives from each tribe would meet to
en to those who possessed wise decision- discuss concerns and make decisions. The rep-
making skills and who excelled at hunting. resentatives from each tribe were elected by
Many of these band leaders consulted band “clan mothers” who could remove a repre-
members, men and women, when difficult de- sentative if poor decisions were made. This
cisions had to be made. Inuit bands also quite complex system of democracy was the first of
often worked together with neighbouring its kind in North America and can be argued
bands in determining hunting grounds. Alt- was more advanced than many European de-
hough they were not officially democratic, mocracies of that era.
their societies contained many elements of de- The Growth of Democracy in New France
mocracy.
The nation of France also made contribu-
The tions to the development of democracy in Can-
Iroquois peo- ada. In 1603 Samuel de Champlain sailed up
ple lived pri- the St. Lawrence River and several years later
marily in the went on to establish a new settlement called,
Southern On- “New France.” Champlain would be the leader
tario region
6
 of this new settlement the governor. The first governor of New
and he governed, not in France was Jean Talon (1663). New France
a democratic manner, would be a royal colony until their defeat at
but in an authoritarian the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in 1759
style. Although he which resulted in the British takeover of French
often consulted advi- lands in North America. It is important to note
Contributors to Democracy

sors in making decisions, that none of the leadership styles of New

he could also be severe, believing that a firm France were democratic, however, they did
hand was needed in order to provide stability contain democratic elements which would be
and structure for the new colony. Champlain foundational to modern democracy in Quebec
also developed key diplomatic and trade rela- (eg. Civil Law).
tions with the natives, most notably, the Hu- Canada’s Rebellion
ron's.
By the mid-1800s Canada had developed
Following the death of Champlain in into a prosperous British colony with legisla-
1635 New France was ruled in an oligarchic tures in both Upper and Lower Canada. How-
manner. An oligarchy is defined as a style of ever, wealthy individuals formed the “Family
leadership in which power is held by several Compact” which heavily influenced the deci-
different leaders. Sometimes oligarchy’s con- sions made by elected representatives, espe-
sider the people while others rule in their own cially in the area of political appointments. As
interest. The oligarchy of New France was a result, the government was often seen more
made up of several different fur trading com- as an oligarchy led by the rich than a true de-
panies, most notably, the “Company of One mocracy. One representative, William Lyon
Hundred Associates.” Montreal served as the Mackenzie, felt that a rebellion was needed in
center of the fur trade industry and these com- order to stop the abuse of power. In 1837,
panies wielded considerable power. They along with supporters, he staged the “Upper
were granted, not only the responsibility of Canada Rebellion.” He and his forces had in-
regulating production and trade of the furs, but tended to take over the government in York
also given the task of recruiting new colonist to (Toronto), but were dispersed by Loyalist Mili-
the region. Their style of leadership was not tia. A similar uprising took place in Lower Can-
democratic, but, just as Champlain, authoritari- ada led by Louis-Joseph Papineau. This rebel-
an. lion, although more violent, was also unsuc-
Eventually, the King of France, Louis XIV, cessful in its immediate objectives.
decided to make New France a royal colony The rebellions in Upper and Lower Cana-
under the leadership of a governor. The gover- da alerted the
nor often consulted his “Sovereign Council” British govern-
made up advisors and clergy when making de- ment in Canada
cisions. The governor was the official repre- to the need for
sentative of the King in New France, however, reform. These
most of the administrative duties were per- rebellions initiat-
formed by the “intendant” - the top advisor to ed the develop-
7
 ment of “Responsible Government” - the gov-
ernment can only rule by the consent of the
people. If the elected government does not
have the confidence of the majority of those
elected then they are compelled to call an elec-
tion. This is now an important feature of de-
Contributors to Democracy

mocracy in Canada. If the government loses a

vote on an important piece of legislation (eg.
Budget) then they are forced, by tradition, to
call an election.
Conclusions
The road to democracy in Canada has
been influenced by many people groups and
developments. This transition to democracy
was not immediate, but rather the result of
conflicts, like the rebellions in Upper and Low-
er Canada, and the contributions of various
leaderships styles and structures from the
French, British and Natives.

8
 Canada’s legal system is designed after the Principle Description

British model of governing. There are three When the trial of an accused starts,
Canadian Legal System

Presumption the court functions on the premise

branches of government in Canada: executive,
of Innocence that the accused is innocent until
legislative and judicial (court system). Each of
proven guilty.
these branches are a check on the power of
the other branch. The role of the judicial sys- There must be overwhelming evi-
Burden dence against the accused in order
tems is to interpret laws and determine the
of Proof for him/her to be convicted of the
appropriate punishment if the individual is
crime.
found guilty. This system was designed to
avoid abuses of power which had existed in Many different crimes have been
centuries past under monarchical leadership committed before. The judge must
look at previous court decisions that
(eg. Kings and Queens). Precedent
are similar in nature when giving a
The Role of the Judicial Branch verdict. This principle is also known
as, “Common Law,”
As discussed in the first unit, many mon-
archs of the past abused their power and made The Magna Carta in 1215 dictated
life very difficult for their people. If a person that no one is above the above the
was accused of a particular crime, the trial, if law, not even the king. Everyone is
Equality Before
one existed, was often brief and poorly struc- equal in the court system and must
the Law
given the same access to justice
tured. As a result, many innocent people were
regardless of their status within so-
convicted and jailed, or even executed, simply
ciety.
because the trial process lacked a defined and
The accused can not be imprisoned
balanced process. The nobles were often
for an indefinite period of time
those who administered justice on behalf of
without knowledge of what he or
the King and their decisions could rarely be
Fair and she has been charged with. Within
questioned. Canada’s system of justice has Speedy Trial 48 hours the accused must be in-
evolved from the injustices of the past to a well formed of the charges and a trial
-defined and balanced system that allows for must be given within a reasonable
those accused to be given a fair trial that re- amount of time.
volves around sound evidence. Also derived from the Magna Carta,
Foundations of the Canadian Course System there must be sufficient evidence to
Habeas Corpus arrest someone of a crime. If there
The Canadian Court System revolves is no evidence the person can not
around a number of important principles: be imprisoned.
9
 Court of Appeals convicted of murder and spent 23 years in jail
Canada’s legal system before new evidence presented in an appeals
has many different lay- case overturned the original decision. The ap-
ers that help administer peals branch of the court system is a very im-
portant element of the judicial branch that
justice. The system
helps ensure justice.
can seem confusing
and overwhelming, but is intended to ensure Conclusions
that decisions made are well-informed and The judicial branch of government serves
Canadian Legal System

based on proven evidence and a defined pro- a very important role in ensuring justice within
cess. In the event that a convicted individual Canada. The many layers and processes that
feels they have been wrongly convicted they must be completed and consulted with during
may appeal the decision. This means they can a court case ensure that the rights of individu-
ask the court to review the evidence and start als are protected.
a new trial. The appeals division of the court
system will review the case and determine if
there is enough evidence to “re-do” the case.
This ensures that there is a way to change
court decisions if a wrongful conviction has
been made. For example, David Milgaard was

10