Lesson 13: Power and Authority in Different Societies

1. Introduction: What are Power and Authority?

Power and authority are two important concepts that shape how societies function. Power is the ability to influence or control the actions of others. For example, a teacher has the power to set rules in the classroom, and a government has the power to create laws that people must follow. Authority, on the other hand, is the recognized right to use power. People agree that certain individuals or groups have the authority to make decisions, like elected officials or traditional leaders in Indigenous communities.

Understanding how power and authority work is important because they help explain how societies are organized and why people follow rules. In any society, different groups have varying levels of power and authority, which can impact people's everyday lives. For example, in some societies, a single person like a king or dictator might have all the power. In others, like in Canada, power is shared through a system of government where citizens get a say in how the country is run.

Different systems of government manage power and authority in their own ways. Some allow for more participation from citizens, while others limit who can make decisions. By learning about these systems, we can better understand the role of government in shaping our worldviews, values, and daily lives. This lesson will explore several types of government, including democracies like Canada, monarchies, and dictatorships, using both modern and historical examples to show how these systems have worked in different societies.

2. Types of Government Systems

There are many ways that societies organize their governments, and each system handles power and authority differently. Some systems allow people to participate in decision-making, while others keep most of the power in the hands of a few. In this section, we’ll explore three main types of government: democracy, monarchy, and dictatorship. For each type, we'll look at how power is distributed and the effect this has on the people living under these systems, using both modern and historical examples.

2.1 Democracy

A democracy is a system of government where the people have the power to make decisions about how they are governed. In a democracy, citizens can vote to choose their leaders and influence important issues. Democracies are often described as either direct or representative.

In a direct democracy, every citizen has a direct say in making decisions. A famous example of this was Ancient Athens in Greece. There, male citizens would gather to vote on laws and policies. This system gave people a lot of control over their government, but it only worked in small communities where it was possible for everyone to participate.

Most modern democracies are representative democracies, where citizens vote for leaders who make decisions on their behalf. Canada is an example of a representative democracy. In Canada, people vote in elections to choose members of Parliament, who then make decisions about laws and policies. Although not everyone votes directly on every issue, they have the power to influence government by choosing who represents them. This system is more practical for large populations and allows citizens to still have a voice in how they are governed.

Both types of democracy are based on the idea that the government’s power comes from the people, and that the government exists to serve its citizens.

2.2 Monarchy 

A monarchy is a system of government where power is held by a king, queen, or emperor. Monarchies can be divided into two types: absolute monarchy and constitutional monarchy.

In an absolute monarchy, the ruler has complete control over the government and its people. They make decisions without needing approval from anyone else, and their authority is often believed to come from a higher power, such as God. Saudi Arabia is an example of a modern absolute monarchy. In Saudi Arabia, the king has full control over the country’s laws, and citizens have very little say in how they are governed.

A constitutional monarchy is a system where the monarch’s powers are limited by laws or a constitution. In this system, the monarch is more of a symbolic figure, while elected officials make most of the decisions. Canada is a constitutional monarchy, as it recognizes the British monarch as the official head of state, but the real power lies with Parliament and the Prime Minister. This system allows Canada to balance tradition with modern democratic principles, giving citizens a say in government through elections, while maintaining the monarch as a cultural symbol.

2.3 Dictatorship

A dictatorship is a system of government where one person or a small group has all the power, and the citizens have little to no role in decision-making. Dictators often gain power through force or manipulation, and they maintain control by limiting freedoms, using propaganda, and punishing those who oppose them.

One modern example of a dictatorship is North Korea. The country is ruled by Kim Jong-un, who inherited power from his father. In North Korea, the government controls nearly every part of citizens’ lives, from what they can say to where they can work. Elections exist, but they are not free or fair, and Kim Jong-un’s family has held power for decades.

A historical example is Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler. Hitler became the dictator of Germany in the 1930s, using fear and violence to suppress opposition. Under his rule, the government took away people’s basic freedoms and used propaganda to control how people thought. Dictatorships like these can be very dangerous because the people in power are not held accountable, and citizens have no way to change their leaders.

3. Hybrid Systems: Canada’s Constitutional Monarchy

Canada’s system of government is unique because it combines two key elements: democracy and monarchy. This makes Canada a constitutional monarchy. In a constitutional monarchy, the country recognizes a monarch (a king or queen) as the official head of state, but the real power to govern lies in the hands of elected officials. While the monarch holds an important symbolic role, the laws and decisions that affect people’s everyday lives are made by politicians chosen by the citizens.

In Canada’s case, the monarch is the King or Queen of the United Kingdom, currently King Charles III. However, the King does not live in Canada or make decisions about how the country is run. Instead, he is represented by the Governor General, who performs ceremonial duties, such as signing bills into law or attending official events. The Governor General does not have the power to govern independently; they act based on the advice of the Prime Minister and the elected members of Parliament.

The real political power in Canada lies with the Prime Minister and Parliament. Canada’s Parliament has two houses: the House of Commons and the Senate. Members of the House of Commons are elected by the people during federal elections, while senators are appointed. The Prime Minister is the leader of the party that wins the most seats in the House of Commons. This system ensures that the government is accountable to the people, as citizens can vote to elect new representatives if they are unhappy with the decisions being made.

Even though the monarch’s role is mostly symbolic, having a constitutional monarchy means that Canada values its historical connection to the British monarchy. This reflects the country’s past as part of the British Empire, while also maintaining a modern, democratic system where citizens have a strong voice in how they are governed.

Canada shares this type of government with other countries like Australia and the United Kingdom, which also recognize the British monarch as their head of state but have elected officials who manage the actual running of the country. This system allows countries like Canada to balance their traditions with the democratic values of freedom, equality, and political participation.

For many Indigenous communities in Canada, the constitutional monarchy represents both the positive and challenging aspects of Canada’s history. Some see the connection to the Crown as a link to historical treaties and agreements, while others view it as part of the colonial legacy. Understanding this hybrid system allows us to recognize how history and governance shape our present-day society.

4. How Government Systems Shape Worldview

The type of government a society has affects more than just its laws and policies—it also influences how people see the world and their place in it. A government’s structure can shape values, priorities, and how citizens interact with each other and with the rest of the world. In this section, we’ll explore how different government systems—democracy, monarchy, and dictatorship—shape the worldview of the people living under them.

4.1 Democracy and Worldview 

In democratic societies, the government is based on the idea that power comes from the people. This belief shapes a worldview that values individual freedom, equality, and participation. In democracies, citizens are encouraged to express their opinions, vote, and engage in public life. The idea is that everyone should have a say in how they are governed, which fosters a sense of responsibility and empowerment.

In countries like Canada, democracy influences values such as human rights, multiculturalism, and fairness. For example, Canada is known for its commitment to equality and inclusion, which is reflected in policies that protect the rights of Indigenous peoples, immigrants, and minority groups. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees fundamental rights such as freedom of speech and religion, which further shape the worldview that everyone deserves respect and opportunities, regardless of their background.

This democratic worldview also affects how Canadians see their role in the global community. Because democracy promotes the idea of cooperation and equality, countries like Canada often advocate for international peace, humanitarian aid, and diplomatic solutions to global problems. These values shape Canada’s actions on the world stage, from peacekeeping missions to international trade agreements that emphasize fair treatment for all.

4.2 Monarchy and Worldview 

In monarchies, the worldview is often shaped by tradition, hierarchy, and a strong sense of national identity. Monarchies tend to emphasize the continuity of leadership and the idea that the monarch represents the history and unity of the nation. This is especially true in constitutional monarchies like Canada, where the monarch plays a symbolic role that links the country to its past.

Countries with absolute monarchies like Saudi Arabia often have worldviews that focus on loyalty to the ruler and the importance of stability. In these societies, change happens slowly, and citizens may see the monarch as a protector of the nation’s culture and values. The government’s control over laws and religious practices influences how people view their relationship to authority. In Saudi Arabia, for example, the worldview is deeply shaped by Islamic law and the belief that the monarch has been chosen by God to lead.

In contrast, constitutional monarchies like Canada view the monarch as a figurehead who represents the country’s heritage but has little direct influence on daily governance. This allows citizens to focus more on democratic values while still honoring traditions that have been passed down through generations.

4.3 Dictatorship and Worldview 

In a dictatorship, power is concentrated in the hands of one person or a small group, and citizens have little to no influence on how they are governed. This creates a worldview where obedience, control, and fear are dominant. Citizens living under dictatorships often have limited freedom to express their opinions, and the government tightly controls information through censorship and propaganda.

For example, in North Korea, the government uses propaganda to create a worldview where loyalty to the leader is the most important value. The state controls education, media, and even daily conversations to ensure that people support the regime. Citizens are taught to see the leader as a heroic figure who must be obeyed without question. This makes it difficult for people to think critically or challenge the government.

Historically, dictatorships like Nazi Germany used similar tactics to create a sense of national pride and superiority, often at the expense of other groups. The worldview in such societies becomes focused on maintaining the power of the dictator and suppressing any opposition. This can lead to widespread fear and oppression, where people are afraid to speak out against the government.

4.4 How Canada’s Government Shapes Its Worldview 

Canada’s constitutional monarchy and democratic system shape a unique worldview that combines respect for tradition with a commitment to modern values like equality, diversity, and human rights. Because the monarchy is mostly symbolic, Canadians can celebrate their history while still maintaining a forward-looking perspective focused on freedom and fairness.

One key value in Canada is multiculturalism, which is the idea that different cultures should be recognized and celebrated. This value is reflected in Canada’s laws and policies, which protect the rights of Indigenous peoples and encourage the inclusion of immigrants. Canada’s democratic system allows people from many different backgrounds to participate in government and have their voices heard. This helps shape a worldview that values cooperation, respect for differences, and peaceful conflict resolution.

For Indigenous communities, Canada’s democratic system provides opportunities for self-governance and recognition of treaty rights, though challenges remain. The Treaty relationships between Indigenous nations and the Crown influence how Indigenous peoples in Saskatchewan and across Canada view their place within the broader political system. Understanding this unique relationship helps students see how historical agreements shape modern governance and societal values.