Exploros | Canada: Government and Economy

Canada: Government and Economy

Students are introduced to Canada Day and watch a celebration. They explore what defines a limited, constitutional monarchy. Then they compare the differences between the Canadian and U.S. federal governments. Finally, they focus on what they have learned by developing a quiz for classmates.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Overview

In this experience, students are introduced to Canada Day and watch a celebration. They explore what defines a limited, constitutional monarchy. Then they compare the differences between the Canadian and U.S. federal governments. Finally, they focus on what they have learned by developing a quiz for classmates.

Students will collaborate in small groups for scene 4.

Objectives:

Identify Canada’s government as a limited, constitutional monarchy.
Describe the elements of the Canadian parliament.
Compare the Canadian and U.S. federal governments.

On July 1 every year, Canadians celebrate Canada Day in honor of the Constitution Act in 1867, which created the Canadian federal government, making it an independent dominion of Great Britain. In this experience, you will explore the government of Canada that was established as a result of that act.

Objectives:

Identify Canada’s government as a limited, constitutional monarchy.
Describe the elements of the Canadian parliament.
Compare the Canadian and U.S. federal governments.

In most countries, when someone is naturalized and becomes a citizen there is a special ceremony at which they must recite an oath of allegiance to their new country. In Canada, many citizens participate in formal reaffirmation ceremonies at which they repeat the oath of citizenship to express their commitment to Canada. Read the oath:

I reaffirm
That I will be faithful
And bear true allegiance
To His Majesty
King Charles the Third
King of Canada
His Heirs and Successors
And that I will faithfully observe
The laws of Canada
Including the Constitution
Which recognizes and affirms
The Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples And fulfill my duties
As a Canadian citizen.

Why do you think Canadians celebrate their country and say an oath of citizenship? What is the equivalent in the United States?

Post your answer

Guide students in discussing national allegiance as a concept. For some, this may be a nuanced concept, as they may not feel any real loyalty or patriotism to a country. Remind them that in the United States, July 4^th is the day we celebrate our nation.

When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.