LESSON PLAN

Subject: Social Studies Grade: 7 Date: March 26

Critical Inquiry Question: Why did the people of British North America want a more
democratic government?
Lesson: Colonial Government Time: 70 mins
GLO 7.1 Toward Confederation
Students will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the distinct roles of, and
the relationships among, the Aboriginal, French and British peoples in forging the
foundations of Canadian Confederation.

SLO 7.1.6 assess, critically, how political, economic and military events contributed
to the foundations of Canada by exploring and reflecting upon the following
questions and issues:
● How was the Act of Union of 1840 an attempt to resolve the issues raised by the
1837 and 1838 Rebellions in Lower Canada and Upper Canada? (PADM, LPP, I,
TCC)

Instructional Objectives:
Knowledge:
● Students will understand the values of a democratic government by simulating a
colonial government structure

Skill:
● Students will gain an appreciation for the ability to vote and democracy in Canada

Key Questions:
Focus Questions
- Why did peoples of British North America want a more democratic government?
-What was democracy like for British North America in a colonial government?

Related Questions
-Who had power in British North America?
-How did democracy work in colonial government?

Materials:
-Chromebooks
-Index Cards or post it notes
-

Preparation:
-Slides
-Groups
Adaptations:
-Students will be in pairs or groups

Lesson Procedure:

Introduction
1. Review the structure of the colonial government
a. Draw the chart of power on the board. Have students identify directions of
power
b. discuss the distinctions
c. Who has power? who is responsible?

Body
What was democracy like for British North America in a colonial government?
1. Recall that most of the structure of the colonial government is appointed
a. What is problem with this?
b. How would it feel to be a colonist
c. Cartoon: Relevant since colonial democracy was dictatorship
2. Colonial Government Role Play
a. Most of the roles are appointed
Governor:
Executive:
Legislative:
b. Governor will decide who is on council
c. Students will vote from remaining students who will make up the
assembly
d. Every remaining student is a voter within the colony
3. Creation of bills
a. Each council will create a bill for the colony in their own interest
b. The Assembly will also create a bill by consulting with the voters
i. Review Draft Bill as an example
4. Voting on the bills
a. Bill #1, 2, 3
b. Students bills
c. Students will be presented with the bill
Conclusion
Why did the people of British North America was a more democratic government?
5. Have students debrief the activity by considering with their groups the following
questions:
a. What was the problem with this system?
b. What did each role do?
c. What was the response?
d. Were you happy with the results?