Civics

Civics in Grade 10 introduces students to the rights and responsibilities of citizens, the structures of government, and the ways people participate in democracy. Learners explore how laws are made, how leaders are chosen, and how individuals can influence public policy. This subject also emphasizes civic values such as justice, equality, and freedom, showing how they shape societies across time and place. Through debates, projects, and research, students learn that Civics is not just about understanding government systems, but about becoming active, informed citizens who can engage in their communities and contribute to solving real-world challenges.

🟢 Starter

• Explore how rules help communities stay organized.
• Investigate why voting is important in a democracy.
• Research how local governments provide services.
• Explore how laws protect citizens’ rights.
• Reflect on why civic responsibility matters.
• Investigate how taxes support public goods.
• Explore how courts settle disputes fairly.
• Research how leaders are elected in your country.
• Explore how freedom of speech protects expression.
• Investigate how symbols like flags represent unity.
• Research how public debates shape decisions.
• Explore how community service strengthens society.
• Investigate why citizens need to follow laws.
• Reflect on what makes a good leader.
• Explore how constitutions organize governments.
• Research how international organizations promote peace.
• Investigate how protests express public opinion.
• Explore how civic participation influences change.
• Research how public policies affect daily life.
• Reflect on why fairness is essential in justice systems.

🟡 Practice

• Analyze how separation of powers prevents abuse.
• Explore how political parties represent different ideas.
• Investigate how checks and balances function in government.
• Research how bills become laws.
• Analyze how elections ensure representation.
• Explore how civic rights differ from civic duties.
• Investigate how the media influences public opinion.
• Research how civil disobedience has shaped history.
• Analyze how courts interpret constitutional rights.
• Explore how freedom of religion protects diversity.
• Investigate how local councils solve community problems.
• Research how lobbying influences legislation.
• Analyze how public opinion polls affect leaders.
• Explore how federal and state powers differ.
• Investigate how interest groups impact decision-making.
• Research how education promotes civic values.
• Analyze how international treaties shape policy.
• Explore how migration raises civic challenges.
• Investigate how social media affects democracy.
• Research how government budgets reflect priorities.

🔴 Challenge

• Debate whether voting should be mandatory.
• Research how human rights are protected globally.
• Analyze how authoritarianism threatens democracy.
• Investigate how corruption damages civic trust.
• Explore how activism shapes government decisions.
• Debate whether young people should vote at 16.
• Research how constitutions adapt to modern challenges.
• Analyze how technology changes elections.
• Investigate how global issues require civic cooperation.
• Explore how whistleblowers impact society.
• Debate whether privacy is more important than security.
• Research how revolutions reshaped civic rights.
• Analyze how inequality threatens civic participation.
• Investigate how freedom of the press protects democracy.
• Research how climate change drives civic action.
• Debate whether political protests should always be legal.
• Analyze how education prevents civic apathy.
• Investigate how international courts enforce justice.
• Research how minorities fight for equal representation.
• Propose how civics education can strengthen democracy.

💡 Reflection Question
How can studying Civics in Grade 10 prepare you to become an informed and responsible citizen who actively contributes to your community and society?

1. Explain how Belgium successfully accommodated its ethnic diversity through its power-sharing model. 
   (Focuses on the structure and principles of Belgium’s system of government). 

2. Define what a constitution is, and describe the characteristics of a flexible constitution. 
   (Tests understanding of foundational terms and types of constitutional systems). 

3. Why is power-sharing considered essential to democracy, and how does it prevent authoritarianism? 
   (Examines the relationship between power-sharing and democratic principles and its preventative role against dictatorships). 

4. Describe the concept of majoritarianism and provide an example of a situation where it can lead to conflict. 
   (Tests the understanding of a political ideology and its potential negative consequences, using examples from Sri Lanka or Belgium). 

5. What are the main differences between horizontal and vertical power sharing in a democracy? 
   (Focuses on the different arrangements for distributing governmental power).