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SS 11 – Choosing a Government. Citizenship. Citizenship is the status of being a citizen of a country with all the rights and responsibilities associated with it. Discuss : In what ways can citizens influence their government?. Step 1: Nomination. Voting.
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Citizenship • Citizenship is the status of being a citizen of a country with all the rights and responsibilities associated with it. Discuss: In what ways can citizens influence their government?
Step 1: Nomination Voting • Each political party selects one candidate to run in each electoral district* in the election. • Who chooses the candidates? *Also called a riding.
Step 2: Campaigning • the process of trying to gain the support of Canadian voters: • Conferences • Rallies • television debates • TV and radio commercials • Meetings • Going “door to door” to meet citizens * There are rules about how much money each party can spend campaigning Former Liberal leader Stephane Dion campaigning.
Step 3: Voting • the process of choosing your representative in government. • This is called “casting your ballot”. • The Ballot is the piece of paper with your choice on it.
Vote (Franchise) • Voting is done by ‘secret ballot’.
To Vote in Canada • You must be at least 18 years old • You must be a Canadian citizen • You must register to vote in the district where you live • You cannot vote if you are in prison, or you have lived outside of Canada for 5 or more years in a row. WHY?
A Voting Dilemma • Should I vote for the best candidate in my electoral district or … • Should I vote for the party with the leader I like the best or… • Should I vote the “lesser of two evils”, the party that has the best chance to win, but is not my first choice? Discuss: What would you do?
Public Opinion Polls • During elections, the media constantly surveys the results and reports it to the public. • Political parties usually spend 15% of their election budget on polls. • Polling companies are hired to do research on the public. • Polls sometimes influence the public during an election. For example, someone might not go out to vote if it looks like there is already a winner. • BC votes last in Canada because of the Pacific Time Zone (3 hours behind Ontario)
Step 4: Tabulation • Tabulation is the process of counting all the votes after the ballots have been cast. • The winner in each electoral district is the candidate with the most votes • “first past the post” If
Group Project • Make groups of 4 people • Follow directions to complete all the tasks • This project is out of 60 marks. • Read the instructions carefully! • Projects due Thursday!!
* The group that wins the election will receive a bonus mark as well as receive a free lunch with Mr. Austen at the Western Restaurant! *** I hope you like pizza! ***