Chapter 1 Objectives for Student Learning

After reading this chapter, students should be able to:

• Understand the various definitions of politics.
• Discuss the role of coercion, influence, and authority in the relationship between citizens and the state.
• Understand the various definitions of the state.
• Differentiate between the state and government and understand the notion of legitimacy.
• Understand the various definitions of democracy and the role of social capital.
• Differentiate between representative and direct democracy and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each model.
• Understand the effects of democratic principles on the public and private spheres.
• Discuss the basic characteristics of democratic states including the rule of law, constitutions, rights and freedoms, etc.
• Understand the importance of political, cultural, and social identity in democratic states.
• Understand the development of national identity and the effects of nationalism in democratic states.
• Comprehend the effects of Canada’s colonial roots, regionalism, American pressure, and globalization on the development of a Canadian identity.
• Compose one or two paragraphs that use as many key concepts (listed below) as possible.