Read and discuss Genesis 6: 5-13 Lesson 1: Introduction 1. Why was God's heart deeply troubled? 2. Why did Noah find favour in the eyes of God? 3. What would your life be like if you could decide for yourself what was right and wrong? Read Genesis 9: 1-17 4. What special instructions did God give Noah after the Flood? 5. What instructions has God provided to help us understand how to live right? Read Romans 13: 1-4 6. According to this verse, everyone must submit to governing authorities. Name some governing authorities in your life. 7. What does this verse tell us about God's purpose for government?
Lesson 2: What is Government? Read "What is Government" on pages 2 and 3 of Discovering Canada's Government 1. How do government (public) services impact our lives? 2. What is our role in government? 3. What form of government does Canada have?
Lesson 3: Origins of Government Go online to Confederation for Kids (www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/confederation/kids/index- e.html) and read the following sections and discuss the questions: How Canada was Formed 1. Describe three reasons the British colonies wanted to join together. 2. What was the name of the document that officially made Canada a country? What date did this happen? 3. Name two groups who were not given the chance to participate in Confederation talks. Do you feel this was fair? Provinces 4. How many provinces did Canada have in 1867? 5. Briefly explain when and why other provinces joined Confederation.
Lesson 4: Highest Law in Canada Read "The Constitution on pages 33 to 36 of Discovering Canada's Government 1. What is the Constitution? 2. Why does Canada need a constitution? 3. What big change was made to the Constitution in 1982? Review the list of rights on page 34 that are part of the Charter of Rights & Freedoms 4. Why do we have a charter of rights & freedoms? 5. Are these rights & freedoms important to you? 6. What does the Bible say about our individual rights & responsibilities to those around us (ie. The 10 Commandments, The Beatitudes, the story of the Good Samarian, etc.)? How should this affect you as a Christian Canadian?
Lesson 5: Levels of Government Read "Levels of Government" on pages 37-41 of Discovering Canada's Government 1. Describe the three levels of government. Do you remember some of the responsibilities for each level? 2. Do you think it is helpful to have three levels of government in Canada? Why or why not? Read "Governments Working Together" on pages 42-43 of Discovering Canada's Government 3. Identify how each level of government responded to the Great Ice Storm of 1998.
Lesson 6: Democracy in Action Read "Elections" on pages 4 and 5 of "Discovering Canada's Government" 1. Why do we have elections? 2. Do you know the name of the elected officials in your community? Read "Joining the Party" on pages 6 to 8 of "Discovering Canada's Government" 3. What are political parties, and why do people form them?. 4. Do you think it is helpful for Canada to have a multi-party system of government? Read "Voting Day" on pages 9 to 12 of Discovering Canada's Government 5. Who has the right to vote in Canadian elections? 6. During voting, what steps are taken to ensure that each vote counts?
Lesson 7: Parliamentary Government Read "Parliament" on pages 13 to 15 of Discovering Canada's Government. 1. In the French language parler means "to speak. Why do you think the group responsible for making laws in Canada is called Parliament? 2. Where do the Members of Parliament meet in Ottawa? 3. Name the three branches of Parliament.
Lesson 8: Looking at the Parliament Buildings Read "Buildings and Symbols" on pages 16 to 18 of Discovering Canada's Government. Take an interactive tour of Parliament Hill in Ottawa: http://www.parliamenthill.gc.ca/index-eng.html View images of various types of symbols found at Parliament in this pdf document: http://www.parl.gc.ca/about/parliament/education/canadiansymbols/printall_e.pdf) 1. Name 3 symbols that caught your eye. What do they represent? 2. Why do you think there are so many symbols on the Parliament Buildings? 3. What impact might these symbols have on our government?
Lesson 9: Institutions of the Federal Government Read "The Crown in Canada" on pages 19 to 20 of Discovering Canada's Government. 1. What role does Queen Elizabeth II have in Canadian affairs? 2. Can you name the roles and responsibilities of the Governor General? Read "The Prime Minister and Cabinet" on pages 21 to 23 of Discovering Canada's Government. 3. What are the duties of the Prime Minister? The Cabinet Ministers? 4. How does the Prime Minister ensure that every province has a voice in making important decisions? Read "The Senate" on pages 24 to 25 of Discovering Canada's Government. 5. Compare the process of becoming a Senator with that of becoming a Member of Parliament. 6. What is the role of the Senate? Why is there some debate over having a Senate?
Lesson 10: Making a Law Read Making a Law on pages 26 to 27 of Discovering Canada's Government. 1. Why are laws necessary? 2. Why do you think it's important for Members of Parliament to understand issues that affect the citizens of Canada? 3. Who approves laws in Canada?
Lesson 11: Working & Paying for Government Read Working for Government on pages 44 to 45 of Discovering Canada's Government. 1. Who are some of the public servants you recognize in your community? Who do they work for? 2. How does their work contribute to a safe and orderly society? Read "Paying for Government" on pages 47 to 48 of Discovering Canada's Government. 3. Describe how government obtains money to provide public services. 4. Do you think this is a fair system?
Lesson 12: Aboriginal Government Read Aboriginal Government on pages 57 to 59 of Discovering Canada's Government. 1. How were leaders selected in Aboriginal cultures? 2. Describe how decisions were made by Aboriginal peoples? 3. What does it mean to be 'self-governing'?
Lesson 13: Famous Canadians Read A Political Gallery on pages 60 to 62 of Discovering Canada's Government. 1. What qualities do you think make a good political leader? Read "Honouring Achievement" on pages 71 to 72 of Discovering Canada's Government. 2. What is the Order of Canada? 3. Can you think of other ways to recognize our Canadian heroes?
Lesson 14: Becoming a Canadian Read Immigrants to Canada on pages 67 to 69 of Discovering Canada's Government. 1. Name some of the cultural groups who contribute to our Canadian identity. Do you see evidence of their culture in your community? 2. Why do you think people are attracted to Canada? Read "Citizenship" on pages 65 to 66 of Discovering Canada's Government. 3. What are the benefits of becoming a citizen? 4. What is the process of becoming a Canadian citizen?
Lesson 15: Getting Involved Read Influencing Government on pages 73 to 74 of Discovering Canada's Government. 1. Name some ways Canadians let their leaders know what they are thinking. 2. Who might Canadians contact when they have a complaint about the government? Read "Being an Activist" on pages 75 to 77 of Discovering Canada's Government. 3. Identify steps described in becoming an activist. 4. Do you think it is important for Christians to try to change their community? What types of changes do you feel would benefit your town?