Chapter: What is social studies?
You have personal and social problems, personal is when it is a problem of your own. Social studies is about
social problems. Social problems are problems that lots of people in your society have.
1. When it has consequences for large groups of people in a society
(it often extend far beyond national borders; child labour/ economic crises/climate change)
2. When it is caused by social developments
(better medical care = more older people)
3. When it has to do with conflicting interests
(between different people but also between one and the same person → than it is a dilemma)
4. When it demands a social solution
(Solving social problems always means drawing up new regulations and laws → political problems)
Values: basic principles that people consider important (honesty / independence / creative freedom)
Values lead to rules of behaviour which dictate how people should behave (honesty = not stealing)
Norms: views on how we are supposed to behave on the basis of a certain value. → could also be considered a
social obligation
Concrete values that we really want to realise → ideals (to become a doctor and live in New York)
Interest: something which is to the advantage or disadvantage of a person or group
(often concerns financial benefits or loss - (students benefit from good teaching / everyone from clean air
and healthy diet)
, Chapter 1: The concept and origin of the rule of law;
The government has to take action when citizens use violence against each other, but it can’t do everything.
The Netherlands is a - democracy based on the rule of law: this affords its citizens double protection and basic
rights.
- Citizens can take part in free election = influence decision making on political issues
- Guarantees citizen protection against those in power
The rule of law is a social contract between citizens and the government, when the citizens follow the rule of law, so
will the government. Both have duties and rights.
The rule of law was formed in the seventeenth century, when kings had absolute power. It is divided into 3
principles:
1. Trias politica:
The French Philosopher Montesquieu wrote that in order to counterbalance the power of the king, a
parliament elected by the people should be formed. This parliament would have the power to make laws
and the king and his ministers would judge this. + an independent judiciary should be set up.
2. Fundamental rights:
Rights that are so basic to the freedom, personal development, welfare and protection of the individual
and of groups, that they have been embedded in the constitution. The rule of law has ensured the
constitutional protection of fundamental rights.
3. Principle of legality:
The government is only allowed to restrict the liberty of citizens (acting like your own will) if those
restrictions have already been set down in laws and apply to everyone.
Because of this, rule of law is the opposite of a dictatorship.
You have personal and social problems, personal is when it is a problem of your own. Social studies is about
social problems. Social problems are problems that lots of people in your society have.
1. When it has consequences for large groups of people in a society
(it often extend far beyond national borders; child labour/ economic crises/climate change)
2. When it is caused by social developments
(better medical care = more older people)
3. When it has to do with conflicting interests
(between different people but also between one and the same person → than it is a dilemma)
4. When it demands a social solution
(Solving social problems always means drawing up new regulations and laws → political problems)
Values: basic principles that people consider important (honesty / independence / creative freedom)
Values lead to rules of behaviour which dictate how people should behave (honesty = not stealing)
Norms: views on how we are supposed to behave on the basis of a certain value. → could also be considered a
social obligation
Concrete values that we really want to realise → ideals (to become a doctor and live in New York)
Interest: something which is to the advantage or disadvantage of a person or group
(often concerns financial benefits or loss - (students benefit from good teaching / everyone from clean air
and healthy diet)
, Chapter 1: The concept and origin of the rule of law;
The government has to take action when citizens use violence against each other, but it can’t do everything.
The Netherlands is a - democracy based on the rule of law: this affords its citizens double protection and basic
rights.
- Citizens can take part in free election = influence decision making on political issues
- Guarantees citizen protection against those in power
The rule of law is a social contract between citizens and the government, when the citizens follow the rule of law, so
will the government. Both have duties and rights.
The rule of law was formed in the seventeenth century, when kings had absolute power. It is divided into 3
principles:
1. Trias politica:
The French Philosopher Montesquieu wrote that in order to counterbalance the power of the king, a
parliament elected by the people should be formed. This parliament would have the power to make laws
and the king and his ministers would judge this. + an independent judiciary should be set up.
2. Fundamental rights:
Rights that are so basic to the freedom, personal development, welfare and protection of the individual
and of groups, that they have been embedded in the constitution. The rule of law has ensured the
constitutional protection of fundamental rights.
3. Principle of legality:
The government is only allowed to restrict the liberty of citizens (acting like your own will) if those
restrictions have already been set down in laws and apply to everyone.
Because of this, rule of law is the opposite of a dictatorship.
