Activity 7

Political Power Play

Objectives

To become familiar with:

• the hierarchy and interrelationships of power in Canada's system of government;
• the branches of government, the names and faces of important roles in governing Canada, its provinces and territories; and
• the multiple functions and sub-groups of some elements of government, such as the Prime Minister and the House of Commons.

Directions

This activity enhances users' familiarity with the functions of various elements of government. Use the Power Grid activity sheet which is similar to a deck of cards or as a preliminary list for a larger research project. A further grid, similar in style to the Power Grid, could also be created to examine the responsibilities of various individuals and elements of government.

1. Card Game
   
   Using the Power Grid activity sheet, create a deck of cards. Use these cards in a variety of ways (using one approach or a combination of several, depending on time and suitability) to reinforce the functions and/or responsibilities of various elements of government. Suggestions:

   • Individuals can quiz each other, e.g. ask “Who is the Head of State?” “What is the difference between the executive and the legislative branches of government?”
   • Remove the answers from either the Elements or the Functions columns from the Power Grid. Without access to the cards, how much of the empty column can users complete?
   • Scan or download photos of the current Governor General, Prime Minister, and other prominent figures and ask users to match them to the correct cards.
   • If any of the group are talented artists or caricaturists, encourage them to produce original illustrations for their deck.
   
   
   

2. Mini-Research Assignment
   
   Ask individuals or groups of users (depending on time or level of users) to become “experts” on any of these given areas and make a presentation to the class (posters, presentations, role playing). While listening, the rest of the group can elaborate on the Power Grid.

Suggested Sources:

The Guide to the Canadian House of Commons online at: http://www.parl.gc.ca/information/about/process/house/guide/guide-e.htm ;

The Senate Today; Info Boxes, reproduced pages from this guide;

The Canadian Encyclopedia;

Web sites in the Additional Resources section of this guide;

Provincial and territorial government Web sites;

Commissioners of the Territories at http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ps/nap/comm_e.html ;

and Lieutenant Governor Web sites.

Activity Sheet

THE POWER GRID