Grade 9 · Social Studies · Unit 2 of 6
Rights & Responsibilities
The Charter, human rights and justice
What your child practises
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the limits on rights, the Alberta Human Rights Act, the role of the courts, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
Alberta Curriculum learning outcome: 9.1 · the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, human rights, responsibilities of citizens and the justice system
Sample questions
A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.
Question 1
The Youth Criminal Justice Act applies to young people aged 12 to 17. Why does Canada have a separate system for youth?
- Young people have less maturity, so the focus is on accountability and rehabilitation
- Because youth cannot be accused
- Because adults do not need laws
- Because youth never break laws
Show answer
Young people have less maturity, so the focus is on accountability and rehabilitation
Hint: The aim is to hold young people accountable in a way that fits their age and helps them avoid reoffending.
Question 2
What does the Alberta Human Rights Act do?
- gives Alberta its own army
- sets the price of rent
- protects people in Alberta from discrimination in areas like work and housing
- creates the Charter
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protects people in Alberta from discrimination in areas like work and housing
Hint: Each province has its own human rights law, and the Alberta Human Rights Commission handles complaints.
Question 3
A student wears a religious symbol to school. Which Charter freedom protects this?
- freedom of conscience and religion
- democratic rights
- language rights
- mobility rights
Show answer
freedom of conscience and religion
Hint: Freedom of religion includes practising and showing one's beliefs, within reasonable limits.
Question 4
What does the notwithstanding clause (section 33) allow?
- a citizen to ignore any law
- a legislature to pass a law that applies despite certain Charter rights, for up to five years at a time
- judges to write laws
- the Charter to be erased
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a legislature to pass a law that applies despite certain Charter rights, for up to five years at a time
Hint: Section 33 can be used by Parliament or a provincial legislature and must be renewed every five years.
Question 5
Which Charter right allows citizens to vote and run for office?
- legal rights
- democratic rights
- mobility rights
- language rights
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democratic rights
Hint: Democratic rights are about taking part in elections.
Question 6
Which group of Alberta women, known as the Famous Five, fought to have women recognized as "persons" under the law?
- five Alberta premiers
- five chiefs of Treaty 7
- the first five Prime Ministers
- Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney and Henrietta Muir Edwards
Show answer
Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney and Henrietta Muir Edwards
Hint: In 1929 the Privy Council in England ruled that women are persons who can be appointed to the Senate.