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Social 30 Portfolio #2 Assignment /62 Marks 1. Listed below are ten characteristics of a Liberal Democracy. Briefly explain each characteristic- in your own words Give an example that applies/applied to Canada. /10 marks a. Rule of Law: This means that everyone, including the government, is subject to the law. It ensures fairness and equality. In Canada, the rule of law is evident in the fact that even top government officials can be taken to court if they break the law. b. Political parties: Liberal democracies have multiple parties competing in elections, offering different policy options. In Canada, there are several political parties, including the Liberal Party, Conservative Party, and New Democratic Party (NDP). c. Majority rule: Decisions are made by a majority of the people. In Canada, this is seen in the electoral system, where the party with the majority of seats forms the government. For example, if the Liberal Party wins the most seats, it lead the government. d. Citizen participation: Citizens have the right to participate in the political process through voting, activism, and other means. In Canada, citizens regularly participate in elections and engage in various forms of civic participation, such as protests or community organizing. e. Accountability of government: Government officials are responsible for their actions, and mechanisms exist to hold them accountable. In Canada, this is demonstrated through parliamentary processes where government officials answer questions and are held accountable for their decisions. f. Minority rights: Protection of the rights of individuals or groups that are not part of the majority. In Canada, there are legal protections for minority rights, ensuring that even if a group is in the minority, their rights are respected and protected. g. Responsibilities of citizens: Citizens have certain duties and responsibilities to the state, such as paying taxes and following the law. In Canada, citizens are expected to fulfill their civic duties, contributing to the overall well-being of society. h. Guarantee of rights: Citizens have fundamental rights and freedoms protected by law. In Canada, this is enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees various rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and equality.
i. Opposition: A political party or parties that are not in power but play a critical role in holding the government accountable. In Canada, the official opposition is the party with the second-highest number of seats in the House of Commons. j. Limits on dissent: While freedom of speech is valued, there are limits to preventing harm to individuals or society. In Canada, laws against hate speech balance free expression with the need to prevent harm and maintain social harmony. 2. There are countries that do not practice the characteristics of liberal democracies that you explained in question one. There are also liberal democracies that sometimes do not/ have not practiced the characteristics. When this happens, the country is called illiberal. Select five of the characteristics from question ONE and provide an example of a country that does not practice the characteristic- or when a liberal country has been illiberal. EXAMPLE: Minority rights- In Russia, same sex marriage is illegal; the minority does not have this right protected as is the case in Canada Characteristic Country Explanation /10 Marks Rule Of Law Turkey Turkey has faced criticism for the erosion of the rule of law, with concerns about the independence of its judiciary. The government's actions, especially following events like the 2016 coup attempt, have raised questions about the proper application of the rule of law. Citizen Participation Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia restricts citizen participation in the political process. The country is an absolute monarchy, and political activities challenging the ruling monarchy are not tolerated. There are no elections for national leadership positions, limiting citizens' opportunities for direct involvement in shaping the government. Accountability of government: Venezuela Venezuela has faced difficulties upholding its government's accountability. Human rights violations and accusations of corruption have been made, and questions concerning the efficacy of accountability systems have been raised by the government's control over institutions. Guarantee of rights: China China has been criticized for its human rights record, including restrictions on freedom of speech, assembly,
and religious practice. The government's tight control over various aspects of life raises questions about the full guarantee of rights for its citizens. Limits on dissent: Egypt Egypt has faced accusations of limiting dissent through restrictive laws and practices. Political opposition, activists, and journalists have faced arrests, and there are concerns about the government's intolerance towards criticism and opposition voices. 3. Developing critical thinking skills is an important part of the Social Studies curriculum. This next question involves watching a video and picking out key information. You therefore must watch the video to complete the chart; do not go to GOOGLE! Video: Under the Umbrella of Liberalism . /6 Task: Watch the video and then provide an example and explanation for each of the following: Explanation Example Liberal economic value They refer to beliefs about how goods and services should be produced and delivered. More extensive government regulation of the industry Support for labor groups Government ownership of companies Universal health care Expanded welfare programs Progressive taxation Conservative economic value They are the complete opposite of liberal economic values Government de- regulation of industry Limiting the power of labor organization Very limited
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government involvement in the economy Privately funded healthcare Liberal political value refer to ideas about how the government should operate and its role in society A larger government is capable of taking on a larger role in providing services to the population. Support for legal measures to control and limit gun ownership Conservative political values They are the complete opposite of liberal political values A smaller government that relies on private citizens and private businesses to manage more of their affairs. Support for a strong military and a greater willingness to use military options to contend with international problems Liberal Social values They refer to beliefs about how people should conduct themselves within a society Secular humanism The promotion of extreme abortion rights An emphasis on the rehabilitation of criminals A greater acceptance of nontraditional family structure
A rejection of capital punishment Conservative Social value They are the complete opposite of liberal social values A belief that religious doctrine should inform and influence government policies Board limits or a total ban on access to abortion An emphasis on the punishment of criminals Support for capital punishment for serious crimes More extreme government regulation of morality 4. After watching the video “Under the Umbrella of Liberalism”, you hope fully can answer the following: Do you see yourself as more of a liberal or a conservative? Provide at least three examples of why you would categorize yourself this way. You may choose to describe yourself as a combination, such as economic conservative and a social and political liberal. Be sure your examples justify your description. /6 TO ANSWER THE QUESTION- make sure you first answer the question- and then provide an example and explanation. For example- I see myself as a liberal. First, I am an economic liberal because I support labor groups, such as teacher’s union, since they promote the collective interest. Next, I am a political liberal because…… If I had to pick, I would probably take a more liberal position. First of all, I support equality
and individual liberties, which makes me a social liberal. My support for criminal justice reform is one indication of my social liberalism. For the criminal justice system to be fair and treat everyone equally, regardless of background, I think systemic problems must be addressed. Second, I identify as a political liberal because I think government intervention in social issues is crucial. In my opinion, the government should contribute to the safety net it offers its people by providing access to things like healthcare and education. 5. Describe the difference between capitalism and mercantilism, and how capitalism reflects the ideas of classical liberalism. (Hint: Which of the value(s) of liberalism does capitalism promote? PLEASE DO NOT MERELY DEFINE EACH TERM . /2 Opposite to mercantilism, capitalism upholds the ideas of classical liberalism by placing a strong emphasis on individual autonomy and economic freedom. Under capitalism, people are free to make decisions based on their preferences and self-interest, with the emphasis being on free-market competition and minimal government intervention. Encouraging voluntary transactions and market competition is consistent with the liberal value of individual liberty and promotes innovation and economic growth. 6. Read pages 102 - 113 in your textbook, Perspective on Ideology , and watch the video, Rock Talk , to discover how the great Enlightenment thinkers of the Age of Reason promoted the principles of classical liberalism. Use the chart that follows to record the information. /1 2 Enlightenment Thinkers Thinkers Fundamental Beliefs that relate to Classical Liberalism For example: David Ricardo- believed in spreading wealth around and argued against landlords gaining wealth at the expense of laborers SPECIFIC Evidence that their ideas affected Classical Liberalism and brought about change. Example: Ricardo’s ideas saw Britain embrace the ideas of laissez faire and promoted internationalism . Hobbes His ideas influenced classical liberalism but leaned toward a stronger central authority unlike later classical liberals who emphasized limited government. He influenced classical liberalism by promoting individual freedoms, limited government, free-market capitalism, utilitarian ethics, the rule of law, and the concept of a social contract, shaping the development of liberal democracies and constitutional principles.
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Locke John Locke's foundational beliefs for Classical Liberalism centered on natural rights, particularly life, liberty, and property, emphasizing individual freedoms and limited government. The impact of influential thinkers like Locke, on Classical Liberalism is evident in the transformation of political, economic, and social landscapes, seen through the establishment of liberal democracies, the prioritization of individual rights, the adoption of market-oriented economies, and the influence of liberal principles in shaping constitutional frameworks globally. Montesquieu He was the one who thought of separating government authority into three major branches: Executive, legislative, and Judicial. Montesquieu's advocacy for the separation of powers significantly influenced Classical Liberalism, shaping the principles of limited government and checks and balances in liberal democracies. Smith He wanted a better economy and more service. Smith's ideas, particularly his advocacy for free-market capitalism and the invisible hand, profoundly influenced Classical Liberalism, shaping economic policies that prioritize individual initiative and voluntary exchange. Mill Mill's fundamental beliefs for Classical Liberalism revolved around the paramount importance of individual liberty, emphasizing personal freedoms and the pursuit of happiness within a framework that ensures societal well-being. Mill's advocacy for individual liberties, utilitarian ethics, and representative government significantly influenced Classical Liberalism, contributing to the development of liberal democracies that prioritize personal freedoms and societal well-being. Dickens Charles Dickens, through his novels, indirectly echoed the principles of social justice associated with classical liberalism and contributed to the awareness and reforms of his time . Dickens's portrayal of social injustices in his novels contributed to public awareness and discussions, potentially influencing sentiments that fueled social reforms aligned with Classical Liberalism in 19th- century Britain.
7. Think about the principles of classical liberalism. ( Think PRICES-what you learned about in Module 1- Private property, R…….I…….C…..E…..S…….). Which of these helped the development of the Industrial Revolution? Choose the one that you feel had the greatest impact and explain why. /2 Private property played a pivotal role in the development of the Industrial Revolution, providing individuals with the incentive to invest, innovate, and accumulate wealth, fostering the economic conditions necessary for industrialization. 8. Using the chart below, evaluate FOUR of the different responses to Classical Liberalism. For each of the movements listed, in point form summarize their ideas/actions and indicate if they supported or criticized Classical Liberalism. Then identify the positive and negative aspects of adopting these ideas for Britain during the Industrial Revolution /12 Positive and Negative Aspects for Britain During the Industrial Revolution: Luddism : Positive: Highlighted worker grievances, leading to labor reforms. Negative: Disruption to industrial progress, the potential for violence. Chartism : Positive: Pushed for democratic reforms that later became crucial for modern political systems. Negative: Initial resistance to political changes, potential for social unrest. Utopian Socialism : Positive: Advocated for improved living conditions and social equality. Negative: Impractical in the face of industrial realities, lacked widespread support. Communism : Positive: Paved the way for discussions on workers' rights and social equality. Negative: Implementation challenges, and ideological clashes. Classical Conservatism : Positive: Aimed at maintaining stability during a period of rapid change. Negative: Resistance to progressive reforms, potential for social inequality.
Summary of main ideas- Point form Leader of movement Key goals o Reasons for movement Did the movement Support or criticize Classical Liberalism C o n s f o r B r i t i s h P o p u l a t i o n Luddism Main Ideas: Destruction of machinery to protest job losses and harsh working conditions. Leader: No central leader; collective movement. Key Goals: Opposition to industrialization's impact on skilled labor. Reasons for Movement: Concerns about unemployment and adverse working conditions. Support or Criticize Classical Liberalism: Criticize. Luddism opposed laissez-faire principles.
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Summary of main ideas- Point form Leader of movement Key goals o Reasons for movement Did the movement Support or criticize Classical Liberalism C o n s f o r B r i t i s h P o p u l a t i o n Chartism Main Ideas: Universal suffrage, secret ballots, equal electoral districts for political reforms. Leader: Various leaders, including Feargus O'Connor and William Lovett. Key Goals: Political representation and social reforms for the working class. Reasons for Movement: Economic hardships, poor working conditions, and lack of political power for the working class. Support or Criticize Classical Liberalism: Support. Chartism sought democratic reforms within the existing political framework.
Summary of main ideas- Point form Leader of movement Key goals o Reasons for movement Did the movement Support or criticize Classical Liberalism C o n s f o r B r i t i s h P o p u l a t i o n Utopian Socialism Main Ideas: Establishing cooperative communities to address social inequalities. Leader: Robert Owen. Key Goals: Social equality and improved living conditions through communal living. Reasons for Movement: Reaction to the harsh conditions of early industrial capitalism. Support or Criticize Classical Liberalism: Criticize. Utopian Socialism rejected capitalist competition. Communism Main Ideas: Abolition of private property, classless society. Leader: Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. Key Goals: Overthrow of capitalist systems, and establishment of a classless society. Reasons for Movement: Critique of economic disparities and exploitation in capitalism. Support or Criticize Classical Liberalism: Criticize. Communism sought the overthrow of capitalist structures.
Summary of main ideas- Point form Leader of movement Key goals o Reasons for movement Did the movement Support or criticize Classical Liberalism C o n s f o r B r i t i s h P o p u l a t i o n Classical Conservatism Main Ideas: Support for traditional institutions, hierarchical social structures. Leader: Various leaders, including Edmund Burke. Key Goals: Preservation of traditional values, opposition to radical change. Reasons for Movement: Reaction against the disruptions caused by industrialization. Support or Criticize Classical Liberalism: Criticize. Classical Conservatism opposed liberal ideas and preferred traditional authority.
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9. If you were a factory worker in Britain during the Industrial Revolution which of the groups from the chart in question #9 do you think you might support. Provide specific and concrete reasons why you would support this group over the others. / 3 If I were a factory worker in Britain during the Industrial Revolution, I might find myself supporting the Chartists. The reason for this is that as a factory worker facing harsh working conditions, long hours, and low wages, I would likely resonate with the Chartists' demands for political reform and better working conditions. The Chartists advocated for universal suffrage, seeking to extend voting rights to all adult males. This aligns with my desire for a political voice and representation in decisions that directly affect my life. Additionally, their focus on issues like shorter working hours and improved conditions in the workplace directly addresses the challenges and hardships faced by factory workers during that time. By supporting the Chartists, I hope to be part of a movement that seeks to bring about tangible improvements in both political representation and the quality of working conditions, ultimately aiming for a better and fairer life for factory workers like myself.