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The Rise of Responsible Government

An essay using the Canada in the Making site

Teacher Guide

"Responsible government" is the cornerstone of parliamentary democracy in Canada. It became a rallying cry in Canada in the first half of the 19th century as more and more citizens became disturbed by the power structures in Canada. Ultimately, the push for Responsible Government was one of the motives behind the 1837 and 1838 rebellions. This essay will give students the opportunity to learn how Canada moved toward responsible government during the turbulent period from 1774 to 1849.

Subject/Grade
Social Studies (History) and Language Arts; Ages 16 and up

Overview

This is an essay requiring that students research information online, as well as become familiar with several documents relevant to responsible government's emergence in Canada. It can be an independent or group/paired activity for the purposes of gathering information and will require four to five sessions online to complete.

Note that the sources used in ECO can be printed from the browser and then photocopied.

Outcomes (WCP, APEF); Expectations (ON); Objectives (QC)
Table of Curricular Relevance by Course and Province
Alberta
British Columbia and Yukon Territory
Manitoba
Ontario
Québec
Saskatchewan
APEF
WCP

Materials/Resources Required
Computers with Internet access.
(Extension) Coloured card/paper for timeline, and paper backing.
Student Work Sheet
Suggested Rubric

Links
Early Canadiana Online: Canada in the Making
http://www.canadiana.org/
Essay writing resources can be found in the Writing An Essay unit on ECO:
URL: http://www.canadiana.org/eco/lesson_plans/ topictoconc.htm
Other links can be found in the Student Work Sheet.

Previous Knowledge
Students will need

An understanding of Web navigation symbols, tools and terminology, particularly the tools used in ECO.
Familiarity with basic essay writing skills.
To understand the basic shape of Canadian history.

Lesson Opener

Ask students what they think is the most important factor in a healthy democracy. Some ideas might include freedom of speech, the right to vote, etc. Ask them whether they think such freedoms were won easily, and how they were achieved.

Procedure

Step 1
Hand out Student Work Sheets and introduce students to the ECO Canada In the Making Web site. Read the assignment and discuss.

Step 2
Students search for the required information from the Canada in the Making Web site (and other sources, if desired). They should try to make balanced observations and anticipate opposing arguments. It may be efficient for individuals to conduct research together. Extra credit could be given for comments about the documents not specifically identified on the Student Work Sheet.

Summary

Discussion: Do we have responsible government today? Are there problems in our current system that limit how responsible government is today?

Evaluation
See the Suggested Rubric.

Homework/Extension
Individuals or groups could prepare a summary of key documents in the move toward responsible government, possibly using a timeline and different presentation media.