“Where do we find government?”

“Where do we find government?” EVERYWHERE! • At School (e.g. what you study, how long) • Stores (e.g. harmonized sales tax) • Restaurants (e.g. health regulations) • Streets (e.g. bicycle & driving laws) • Television (e.g. licensing, programming) • Etc, etc, etc.

There are 3 levels of government: • Municipal(e.g. City of Mississauga) • Provincial(e.g. Ontario) • Federal(e.g. Canada)

All levels of government provide… essential services As well as… • Order • Organization • Security • Stability

The nature of government is determined by 2 things: • People(who vote, & who create, maintain & enforce laws) • Power(what people give to the government)

Being a citizenmeans: • Havingrights(e.g. fundamental freedoms, legal rights, equality rights, democratic rights) • Havingresponsibilities(e.g. to be an informed, purposeful & active citizen)

Symbiosis: [sim-bahy-oh-sis] any interdependent or mutually beneficial relationship between two persons, groups, etc.

As citizens, we have a symbiotic relationship with our government – it protects our rights, and in return, we have responsibilities…

Minds on… • How many rights can you think of? • How many responsibilities can you think of?

There are 3 types of citizenship: • Informed Citizenship • Purposeful Citizenship • Active Citizenship

Informed Citizenship • Understand how the government works (its origins, how it operates, its major policies, leaders) • Understand your community needs (local, national & global)

Purposeful Citizenship • Understand your values, and how these values guide your actions • Understand the values of others, and how these values guide others’ actions

Active Citizenship • Understand how to participate in the community • Demand good government so we receive the kind of government we want

Civics: The study of citizenship & government with particular attention given to the role of citizens - as opposed to external factors - in the operation & oversight of government.

Why is it important to study civics?

How to Write a Supported Opinion Paragraph Topic Sentence(1 sentence) • State your opinion • Outline your 3 main points • E.g.: “It is important to study civics because (1), (2) and (3).” Body(6 - 9 sentences) • State at least three (3) reasons that support your opinion • Explain how each reason supports your overall opinion Concluding Sentence(1 sentence) • Retate your 3 main points • Restate your opinion

“Where do we find government?”