Civics Origins of Canadian Government

The Roman Empire

509 BCE

The Roman Republic, founded in 509 B.C.E after the last Etruscan king that ruled Rome was overthrown. Rome's next government served as a representative democracy in the form of a republic.

Democracy in Ancient Greece

507 BCE

Ancient Greek democracy was created in Athens in the 5th century B.C.E. It was direct rather than representative. Any adult male over the age of 20 were required to vote. The officials were voted by a large assembly chosen by a lottery called sortition. The democracy in Ancient Greece affected the Canadian Government because they made democracy. Without it we wouldn't be democratic.

Magna Carta

Jun 15, 1215

First document to put into writing the principal that the king and his government is not above the law. Prevents the king from abusing is power. Also guaranteed due process of law, freedom from arbitrary imprisonment, trial by a jury or peers, and other fundamental rights.

Iroquois Confederacy

1570

Brought together Native American Tribes inhabiting the region of the Great Lakes, formed to facilitate peace between them.

Thomas Hobbes

1588

Thomas Hobbes was a politician philosopher who justified wide-ranging government powers on the basis of the self-interested consent of citizens. Hobbes' morals affected the Canadian government because he influenced laws.

Divine Right of Kings

1606

Kings ruled because they were "chosen by god". These kings could do whatever they wanted and expected total obedience from the people they ruled.

John Locke

1632

John Locke is one of the most influential political philosophers. John Locke was a firm defender of the belief that men were free and equal, unlike the claims of god. He believes that people have basic rights, like life, liberty, and property. John Locke influenced the rights of people and believed all were equal. Eventually influenced women's and ethnicity rights.

Revolutionary Ideas (The American Revolution, The French Revolution)

1780

Without these revolutions feudalism might still be a relevant thing in European/North American countries. The North American countries would be more heavily governed and ruled by the British Monarchy/Government. Canada still is somewhat under Britain but after the American Revolution it helped Canada, following in the footsteps of the United States to become its own nation.

British Parliament

Jan 1, 1801

The parliament is a group of politicians or other people who are usually elected. They legislate for the crown. They vote on laws. The parliament is important to Canada because it shaped what we have today.

Social Revolutions (Great Depression, 1960's)

1960

Many social revolutions started some time after The Great Depression, as women and people of colour started to enter the workforce many decided it was time to revolt and protest. This was the start of a big social turn, for gays, people of colour and women alike, all these social groups and movements gained traction and succeeded. This impacted the government heavily, women, gays and POC's got the rights they were missing and we took a major step forward in equality.