Mr. Erickson’s IB History Class

On Wed., Nov. 7, we will be having a quiz on the Canadian Legal System & the Charter of Rights & Freedoms.

It will cover:

-Sources of Law

-The Rule of Law

-Criminal vs. Civil Law

-The Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Key Sections (you don't have to memorize every tiny point)

     -The Notwithstanding Clause: what it is, it's advantages and disadvantages

-Case Study: Charter Rights & Challenges

On Tuesday, Oct.16, we will be having the first of our two unit tests on the Canadian Government.

This test will include multiple choice, matching, and written questions on:

-Political Ideologies

-Political Parties

-Division of Powers

-Branches (& Functions) of Government:

     -Legislative Branch

     -Executive Branch

-Legislative Process

Your assignment is to create a clever ANALOGY/EXPLANATION to present the Legislative Process. Humour, creativity and sarcasm are encouraged...just make sure you keep it PG/School Appropriate. Use your imagination and remember...governmental functions and processes are fun!

Due: Tuesday, Oct. 16

Your assignment is to assess the current Cabinet of the federal government. You are to evaluate the composition of Prime Minister Harper's cabinet based on the criteria discussed today in class: qualifications, regional representation, gender, ethnic diversity, French representation, appropriate selections for Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, etc.

Bios & Information for the current Cabinet Team can be found online on the Prime Minister/Government of Canada's website at:

You are to submit a grading sheet/report card for the current cabinet. Provide a standard letter grade for the job Prime Minister Harper has done in creating his Cabinet Team (A+, B, C-, etc.) and provide a paragraph explaining why he has been assessed this grade. Try to identify the strengths, weaknesses, and areas for for further improvement.