Netherlands VWO 4 (bovenbouw, 2e fase) Social Studies (civics)
Chapters: 2
1. Skills
Information skills · Approaches to social issues
- Civic Reasoning: How to Think About a Social Issue – A social issue is a question about how we live together on which people disagree. To think about it clearly: (1) say what the issue is, (2) look at it through four lenses: law, politics, economy and community, (3) name the core values at stake, such as freedom, safety, equality, justice and solidarity, and (4) ask who gains and who loses, especially whether some groups are treated worse than others.
2. Rule of law
Freedom rights, duties and rule-of-law principles · The rule of law in practice · International comparison
- Rule of Law – The rule of law means everyone, including the government and its leaders, must follow the same known laws, which are applied equally by fair and independent courts. Its main principles are supremacy of law, equality before the law, clear and public laws, fair trials, protected rights and separation of powers. Laws are made and changed through an open process, can be reviewed by courts against a constitution or charter of rights, and countries also agree to international law through treaties.
- Human Rights: Meaning, History, Types and Protection – Human rights are the basic freedoms and protections that belong to every person because they are human. They are universal, inalienable, indivisible and rooted in dignity. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) set a common standard, later made binding through treaties. Rights are protected by constitutions, courts, commissions, the UN and civil society, and they can be limited only by fair laws that protect others.