Chapter 1: Shaping Society Together

1. Chapter 1: Shaping Society Together • Why do we have rules? • Where do rules come from? • What might happen if someone suddenly started using different rules? • Can rules ever be changed? • Rules for living in a community are much like rules for a game. It is everyone’s job to learn what the rules are and behave accordingly. Let’s Discuss the Rules! Why is it important for people and government to work together in a democracy?

2. What are Society’s Rules? • In many ways, games are like a society. • In your Social notebook answer the following questions: • Why do we need rules in a society? • Write one rule in your community. • Write three sentences that explain what might happen if this rule did not exist. • Write true of false for the following statements. • 1.People in a society need rules to help them get along with one another.______ • 2.Rules guide how we act in our home, school, community and country. • 3.Rules help us resolve conflicts in a peaceful way. Rules Rock! True or False

3. Who Makes Decisions About Rules? • The basic rules in Canada are in our Constitution. • A Constitution is the supreme, the most important law of the land. • It outlines the structure of the government. • It also describes the powers of the government and the rights of the people. • In a democracy the people have the power to make decisions about laws. • In modern democracies, people vote for government representatives. Governments have the authority to make decisions and pass laws. Take these notes about the Constitution Who Decides?

4. Who are the Members of Canadian Society? • We all have our own identity. • Part of our identity comes from the group we belong to. • We have our own heritage, traditions, and family histories. • We come from varied backgrounds and have different experiences. • When we talk about Canadian Society we are referring to all the people who make up communities across Canada. • Everyone who is born in Canada is a Canadian citizen. • People who move to Canada from other countries must apply for citizenship. • We can all participate and contribute, but citizens are allowed certain rights and responsibilities such as voting. With your elbow partner discuss your identity. Are you a Canadian citizen? Read More About…. on page 13.

5. Why do we need Government? • The purpose of government is to make sure that the people in a society have safe, comfortable lives. • 1.Government provides services. Name three • 2. Government protects rights and freedoms. Name three • 3. Government provides leadership. Name three • In order to make good decisions, governments need to listen to what the people need and want. People have a responsibility to inform the government of what they want and need. They have a responsibility to make their point of view known and to listen and try to understand the points of views of others. Take notes and refer to page 14 to complete notes. We need government!

6. Does Medicine Hat need a new Events Center? • What do you think? • Find your study buddy and answer this question. • Then explain your answer with at least three key points to help convince your classmates. What do you think? Explain your answer!

7. Fact or Opinion • Throughout your book you will encounter many opinions on issues. You will be asked to express your own opinion. You will need to know the difference between a fact and an opinion. • Write the following in your notebook: • Fact-a statement that can be proven to be true. Write three facts. • Opinion-what someone believes. Write three opinions. Fact Opinion

8. Why is it Important to Contribute? • Read page 18 in your textbook and answer why you think it is important to contribute in your community? • Answer: How would you feel if our Mayor imposed a curfew. All children under the age of 16 must be in their homes by 8:00 every night. List at least three pros and three cons to this law. • Read page 19 and write down how Lindsey made a difference. • Identify someone in your community who could be recognized as a good citizen. What are his or her contributions? Curfew Time! Making a difference!

9. Should Cell phones Be Allowed in Class? • Cell phones are very useful, they have also caused problems in some situations. • What problems can you think of? Think and Share • Read the 5 Viewpoints on pages 20 and 21. • Answer Over to You on page 21. • Fill out your Cell phone worksheet. Cell phones are cool! Or are they?????