Vocabulary Notes from Level 3 Reading Class, The Structure of Government (Plus current events)

The Walkerton Problem

The Queen is a figurehead (she cannot tell us what to do; she is a symbol)

I perform my duties today. I am teaching (that is my duty).

The person is partisan (supports a party). Some people say the Senate is too partisan and should be abolished (closed).

Our voting system is “first past the post”. The one who gets the most votes, will win. Sometimes, the other candidates have twice as many votes as the winner.

I am addicted to caffeine, which is in my coffee. If I don’t drink it, I get a terrible headache. The process of quitting a drug is called “withdrawal”. Withdrawal from caffeine gives many people a headache.

Caffeine is a drug. If you took too much of it, you would die.  Effects of Caffeine on the Human Body

Nicotine is a drug, which is in cigarettes. Nicotine, in high doses, will cause death, also.

A drug is a chemical which affects how our body or brain functions. (some are legal, others are not)

Thalidomide is a drug that caused many birth defects in children during the 50’s. Visit Thalidomide Victims Association of Canada to find out more.

The Queen is a symbol. Her duties are symbolic. She has no real power over us.