Download Rules vs Laws

What are the Responsibilities
of Citizenship?
 Becoming and staying informed
- Newspapers, news, radio, education,..
- Local, national, and global events
 Participating in democracy
 Voting
 Consideration of others
 Charitable work, donations,
volunteering,…
 Abiding by Rules
and Laws
What are the Characteristics of an ideal
citizen in a democratic society?
Involvement in
government
Life at home
Approach towards
conflicts
Attitudes towards
others
Rights
Involvement in
the community
Involvement in
politics
Methods of
improving
society
Attitude towards
government
Responsibilities
What are Rules?
 Rules are part of our everyday lives, whether they are
made by institutions, organizations, or schools.
 When we do not have rules there is confusion. There is
no order, and people are not sure what they should do.
 Rules have people modify (change) behaviour or
prohibit (stop) behaviour.
 Apply to those people who agree to follow them.
 Examples – school, home, ..
What are Laws
 Laws are established by the government for the
members of its society to follow and obey.
 Laws are needed in society or country to promote and
keep order.
 Laws continually change to reflect the changing nature
of our society’s views
 Examples – texting while driving, seatbelts,…
 Laws can differ between nations, provinces and cities
 Each generation influences the system and the laws
that are passes reflect the society of that period
For example:
 1960s and 1970s – first national divorce laws, prison
reform/change emphasizing rehabilitation
 1982 – enactment of Charter of Rights and Freedoms to
guarantee the rights of all Canadians regardless of age,
race, gender, religion…
The Need for Law:
 Laws create predictability and structure for a
safe and peaceful society
 Laws protect the rights of individual
citizens, including and especially against the
government
How do Rules and Laws Differ?
 Laws are mandatory; rules may be optional
 Laws apply to all members of society and are
usually made and enforced by the government and
supporting agencies (police, courts)
Law and Morality:
 What is Morality? – what we think is right and wrong,
tends to differ from person to person or country to
country
 Some laws are practical (ex. property rights, traffic).
 Other laws reflect the values of the majority of society
(ex. euthanasia, child pornography, spanking)
 Anytime laws reflect moral values and belief, there will
be controversy
 Why do we need rules and laws?
 When can rules and laws be unjust?
Seatwork
 Handout:
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The Rules People Live By
Complete using textbook pages 4-7