United States & Canada Today

United States & Canada Today

​North America's Cultural Diversity

​The opportunities and freedoms offered in the United States and Canada have attracted a diverse population.

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​Both countries have a diverse mix of races, languages, religions, and nationalities.

​Diversity in the United States

​Early cultures: Indigenous

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​Immigration Waves:

​-1600s: European Colonists

​-1820 - 1870s: Ireland, Germany, China

​-1880s: Southern & Eastern Europe

​-1960s: Asia & The Caribbean

​-Today: Mexico, China, The Phillipines, and India

​Diversity in Canada

​1600s - 1700s: British & French Colonies

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​After WW II: Europeans who lost their homes.

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​Late 1900s: Asia and Latin America

Open Ended

Why are the cultures of the United States and Canada so diverse?

​The Media Culture

​Mass Media: Communication that reaches large audiences.

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​Print Media: Newspapers (1800s), Magazines

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​Electronic Media: Radio (1920s), Television (1950s), Cell Phones / Internet (1990s)

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​Media Technology encourages a culture that is global. Most technology is now mobile.

Multiple Choice

According to the map, what is the general usage level around major cities?

• Over 95%

• 75% - 95%

• 50% - 74%

• Under 50%

​The Changing Economy

​The economies of the United States and Canada are changing due to new technology and worldwide trends.

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​Early 1800s: Most worked in the Primary Sector.

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​Mid-1800s: Industrial Revolution brought in the Secondary Sector.

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​1950s: Expansion of service industry (Tertiary Sector)

​The Information Economy

​U.S. and Canadian Economies are both Dynamic, (change quickly).

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-New technological advancements

​-More jobs in information industry

​-Faster communication

​-Support a global economy

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​Recession: A slowdown in economic growth.

Multiple Choice

How has communication changed because of methods like text messaging?

• More Formal

• More Factual

• Longer

• Faster

• M

​Finding New Energy Sources

​The growing demand for nonrenewable fossil fuels for energy has led to exploration into renewable, alternative energy sources.

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​Nonrenewable: Petroleum (Oil) - Provides 1/3 of the energy needed to run the United States.

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​Renewable: Nuclear, Ethanol, Solar, Wind Power - each has its own issues.

Poll

Which alternative energy source do you think is the most promising?

• Nuclear

• Ethanol

• Wind

• Solar

Government Structures

US and Canada both have 3 branches with specific powers.

US President elected by the people - Canadian Prime Minister appointed by Parliament.

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​Citizens' Rights & Responsibilities

​Citizens of both countries are guaranteed basic rights and freedoms.

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​With rights comes responsibilities:

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​Right to Vote = Vote Fairly

​Legal Rights = Obey Laws, Serve on a Jury

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​Treat each other fairly and accept one another's differences.

Multiple Choice

What responsibility helps citizens exercise the right to vote?

• Serving on juries

• Participating in formal elections

• Being tolerant

• Serving in the military