It is important for students to understand the many different terms that are associated with government. For this activity, students will create a 3 cell storyboard, depicting and describing important vocabulary terms relating to the government of Canada. Students may choose more than 3 words at the teacher's discretion. Below is a list of terms for students to research and define, or teachers may provide their own.
Constitutional Monarchy: A system of government in which a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government.
Democracy: A form of government in which the people have the authority to choose their governing leaders.
Parliament: The legislative branch of the Canadian government. The Parliament consists of the Monarch, the Senate, and the House of Commons.
Federal Government: The central government that serves the whole country. They are responsible for anything that impacts the country as a whole, such as taxes, the military, immigration, and the trading of goods.
Provincial Government: The level of government that serves individual provinces and territories. They are responsible for things such as education, highways, healthcare, and agriculture.
Municipal Government: The level of government that serves individual cities and towns. They are responsible for things such as public parks and libraries, public transportation, garbage removal, and local police and fire services.
Executive Branch: The branch of government that executes and enforces the laws and policies. The members include the Monarch, the Governor General, the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet.
Legislative Branch: The branch of government that makes the laws. The members include the Senate and the House of Commons.
Judicial Branch: The branch of government that interprets the laws and administers justice. This branch consists of Supreme Courts, Federal Courts, Military Courts, and Provincial Courts.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that defines and illustrates terms relating to the Canadian government.
Student Instructions:
Check your students’ grasp of key government vocabulary by using exit tickets or short quizzes at the end of your lesson. This helps you identify concepts that need review and provides immediate feedback for both you and your students.
Boost engagement by organizing vocabulary bingo, matching games, or charades using Canadian government terms. These activities make learning more memorable and encourage participation from all students.
Assign short skits or debates where students must correctly use government terms in context. This builds deeper understanding and helps them see how these words apply outside the classroom.
Create a visual reference by posting key terms and definitions on a designated wall or bulletin board. Encourage students to add examples or drawings that relate to each term, making the vocabulary visible and accessible throughout the unit.
Ask students to find news articles or headlines featuring government terms from your list. Discuss the connections as a class to reinforce the relevance of their vocabulary learning.
Key Canadian government vocabulary terms include constitutional monarchy, democracy, parliament, federal government, provincial government, municipal government, executive branch, legislative branch, and judicial branch. Understanding these helps students grasp how Canada's government is organized and functions.
A visual storyboard activity is an engaging method for teaching Canadian government vocabulary. Students define terms, create illustrations, and organize their learning visually, making abstract concepts more concrete and memorable.
Federal government handles national issues like defense and immigration, provincial government manages areas such as education and healthcare within provinces, and municipal government oversees local services like parks, libraries, and city transportation.
Constitutional monarchy in Canada means that the country recognizes a monarch as the official head of state, but their powers are limited and defined by a constitution. Real governing power is exercised by elected officials within a democratic framework.
Effective activities include storyboard vocabulary boards, matching games with terms and definitions, group discussions, and role-playing branches of government. Visual and interactive methods boost understanding and retention for students.