Activity One

The River Simulation

What does it mean to be a citizen of a country? John F. Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country". If you were to 'ask' what would the answer be? What can (and does) your country do for you? What are the benefits of citizenship, and what can you do for your country?

The River Exercise is a fun way to get to know your classmates (and teacher) as well as an opportunity to think about the benefits and responsibilities of citizenship, and how these may (or may not) have changed over time.

• RiverExercise.pdf

Textbook Introduction

This exercise is designed to familiarize you with the information and layout of your textbook.

• TextIntro.pdf

Citizenship Terms

• Government

Government provides the essential services that ensure that society functions smoothly and efficiently. It provides organization, stability and security.

• Citizenship Government

Citizenship is not merely being a resident or inhabitant of a country. It involves both rights and responsibilities. You can not have government without citizens, and you cannot have citizens without having a government. In Canada, citizens' rights include legal rights, mobility rights, democratic rights and equality rights. Responsibilities can be broken into three general areas.

• Informed Citizenship "Knowledge"

This involves knowledge of the needs of our community , our region, our nation and our world; knowledge of the workings of our government; knowledge of how it operates and its major policies; knowledge of our leaders, origins, policies, concepts, structures, and processes.

• Purposeful Citizenship "Awareness"

Is the ability to understand our role in and our relationship with our community and government. We need an awareness of and sensitivity towards the values and perspectives that underlie our own and others' actions and decisions.

• Active Citizenship "Application/Action"

Active citizens apply knowledge in a meaningful and constructive manner. We must know how to participate effectively within our communities and how to influence government most effectively and directly.

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