E. P.

ROBERT PRIMARY SCHOOL

SOCIAL
STUDIES
GRADE 6
TEXT BOOK

Students Name:________________________

Teachers Name : Mr. C. Cole

WHAT IS GOVERNMENT?
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What is an organization?
An organization is a group of people who join together to get something done. Each of us
belongs to organization that is important in our community for example, school, church, or club.
An organization might involve people in the local community, or in the whole country.
Government is an organization to which all Bahamians contribute.
Every organization has rules by which its members must abide. These rules are agreed to by
members. Some members are elected to serve as officers, run the organization. These are
some of the officers usually found in an organization: President, Vice President, Treasurer,
and Secretary.
Why do we need government?

The need to get things done.

The need to have rules and laws to live by.

Local government is organized at a local level, while national government is responsible for
the running of a nation.
Getting things done
Each area of government is the responsibility of a special department called a ministry. For
example, government may be involved in the transportation of goods and people from place to
place in a country. The government provides the leadership and the money to look at the
country's transportation needs, and decide when and where to build roads and docks. The
government hires people to build and repair them. Governments are also responsible for
buildings like hospitals and schools. Another responsibility of government is to make sure that
everyone receives justice and are treated equally.
Keeping order
People living together in groups or communities need rules so that they know what they can do
(by right) and cannot do (by law). It is the government that decides on the rules that the people
must obey. These rules are called laws. If everyone follows these rules, no one needs to be
afraid for their property or life and there will be order in the community.
When a law is broken in our country, the facts - called evidence are examined before a judge
in a court of law. The evidence is considered by a group of ordinary people who form the jury.

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FORM S OF GOVERNMENT
There are times when countries are left with no form of government. This is called anarchy.
Many countries, including The Bahamas, have a form of government that is a combination of
two of the forms of government described above. In The Bahamas we have a constitutional
monarchy. This means that we are in a democracy, but we also have a monarch the Queen.
Democracy
A democracy is a type of government that has freedom of speech and free elections. Which
means that people may criticize a government without fear of punishment? Power is shared
among a number of bodies, each of which is created for a special purpose. For example,
there is a cabinet of leaders that is responsible for the ministries, and judges who are
responsible for administrating the law. There are usually several political parties in a
democratic country. Example: Bahamas, Jamaica, and Trinidad
Dictatorship
This type of government is the opposite of democracy. The country is ruled by one person or
a very small clique. The leader is called a dictator and holds power over the people by force.
Power is usually backed by the army and there is no freedom of speech or free elections.
Example: Cuba, China, North Korea,
Monarchy
Countries that have this type of government have a sovereign or a monarch as leader. This
person may be a King, queen, emperor, or empress. Leadership is inherited or handed
down. This means that the power has been handed down through the royal or imperial
family. Examples of monarchies in the world today are United Kingdom, Denmark, Saudi
Arabia, and Thailand.
Republic
The leader or Head of State of a republic is the president who may or may not be elected by
the people. This position is not inherited. Example: South Africa, France, United States of
America.

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CHOOSING A GOVERNMENT
Our country, The Bahamas, is divided into voting areas called constituencies. These areas are
defined by Parliament. There are 38 constituencies in The Bahamas as of 2012. A Member of
Parliament (MP) is elected for each constituency.
Citizen of each constituency have the right, by voting, to decide who should lead or represent
them. However, not every citizen may vote a voter must be at least 18 years old. At this age a
person is considered mature enough to make important national decisions. People who are
mentally ill are not allowed to vote because they are not considered able to make important
national decisions. Prisoners are also denied the right to vote as part of their punishment.
Once you are eligible or able to vote, you should register (an official list or record of names) your
name and prove your citizenship. Your name is then added to the voter's list.
Political parties
The first formal political party was the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), formed in 1953.
Then in 1958, the United Bahamian Party (UBP) was formed,
Voters may vote for only one of the candidates in an election. Most candidates belong to a
political party. Each party has its own idea about how the country should be run, and these ideas
are stated as policies. Some people have some ideas of what to expect from a party if it wins an
election and forms the Government.
Most democratic countries have two main parties. In The Bahamas the two major parties are the
Progressive liberal Party (PLP), and the Free National Movement (FNM). Other parties
include: Democratic National Alliance (DNA) and Independents
Nomination
Our constitution states that an election must be held every five years, although it may be more
frequently than this. Parliament must be dissolved 21 to 26 days before the date of a general
election. This gives each party enough time to prepare its case for election. On nomination day
the candidates for each party must submit their names and pay a deposit of money ($400) to the
constituency office. If the candidate wins at least one-sixth of all the votes in the constituency,
he or she gets the deposit back.
Run-up to a general election: (1) government dissolved, (2) election day announce,
(3) nomination day, (4) campaign, (5) election day.

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Campaigning for elections

In an election campaign, every constituency has meetings or rallies at which candidates
tell the people about their party's policies and their plans of the future. They explain what
they will try to do if they are elected. The different candidates have posters made to
advertise themselves and to try to influence people to vote for them. There are also radio
and television broadcasts, and newspaper articles, in which the candidates and the
political parties set out their policies.
Election Day
On Election Day, the sale of alcohol is banned to make sure that every voter thinks clearly
before voting. Schools, church halls, and other public buildings are used as polling
stations, where people go to vote. At the polling station each voter shows his or her voter's
card, which is proof of registration, and the voter's name is crossed off the voter's list. This is
to ensure that each voter votes only once.
The voter is then given a special ballot and then enters the polling booth. There the voter
marks an X on the ballot beside the name of the candidate he or she is supporting, folds the
paper over, and drops it into the ballot box. This is a secret ballot, which means that no one
else knows how the voter votes.
When the polling stations are closed, the votes are counted for the first time. This is called
preliminary return. Votes are counted in front of many people to make sure that there is no
cheating. A day or two later the votes are counted again to double-check the results. The
candidate who wins most votes secures the constituency for his or her party. The party that
wins most constituencies, or seats in Parliament, wins the election, and becomes the
government party.
Prorogue to close a session of Parliament or a new agenda.
A by-election is an election held to fill a political office that has become vacant.
Usually, a by-election occurs when the incumbent has died or resigned. It may also occur when
the incumbent becomes ineligible to continue in office, for example because of a serious
criminal conviction, failure to maintain a minimum attendance, bankruptcy or mental
incapacity. A by-election is very important because every constituent in a constituency needs
to have their voice heard in parliament.
Manifesto -

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FORMING A GOVERNMENT
In a democracy, the government is elected by the people. They decide in an election who their
leader will be. After the votes have been counted and re-checked in a general election, the
leader of the winning party becomes Prime Minister. He is sworn in by the Governor
General. The leader of the party with the next highest number of seats is appointed as the
Leader of the Opposition by the Governor General.
THE CABINET
The first duty of the new Prime Minister is to form a new Cabinet. Its members are
usually selected from among members of the Prime Minister's party in Parliament. Sometimes
the Prime Minister selects Cabinet ministers that are not MP's therefore they have to be
appointed to the Senate.
Cabinet members have to be members of either the House of Assembly or the Senate. The
cabinet assists the Prime Minister in carrying out his government's policies and
programmes. Each minister's responsibilities are the portfolios. To help them in performing
their duties, Cabinet ministers are assisted by Parliamentary Secretaries.
Every minister is responsible for new laws and important new schemes. These are discussed
by the cabinet before they go to parliament. Ministers are held responsible for whatever happens
in the department under their portfolios.
The Prime Minister must, however, accept full responsibility for all that his government does or
neglect to do.
THE SENATE
The Senate has 16 members. After selecting his cabinet, the Prime Minister advises the
Governor General to appoint 12 senators. The other four are appointed on the advice of the
leader of the Opposition. It is their job to discuss and amend Bills passed by the House of
Assembly. They make sure that the new law is precise and clear.
Once the senators have been appointed, the official opening of parliament takes place. During
this ceremony, the senators are sworn in and the President of the senate is elected by the
senators.
HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

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Parliamentarians in the House of Assembly are also sworn in by the Governor General. To
swear in means to take an oath to do their duty to their country.
The speaker of the House of Assembly is elected by the Members of Parliament. A Deputy
Speaker is also elected during this session. After the proceedings in the Senate and the House of
Assembly ends, both Houses listen to a Speech from the Throne. At present there are 38 members
in the House of Assembly.
Every year the Governor General opens Parliament by reading the Speech from Throne. This is
prepared for him/her by the Prime Minister and his Cabinet. The speech outlines the government's
plans for the coming year.
The chief business of the House of Assembly is to discuss and amend bills. A Bill is
introduced and read three times, it is debated and after the third reading, if it is successful, it
becomes an Act and goes to the Senate for approval.
THE SPEAKER
The speaker of the House of Assembly acts as a chairman and presides over the House while it is
in session. He or she maintains order and discipline but does not take part in debates. While he or
she carries out his or her duties, he or she must not favor any party. He or she does not vote
unless there is a tie and then he or she may give a casting vote. He or she is assisted by the Deputy
Speaker who presides over the House in his or her absence. To maintain order, the speaker may
have to ask the Sergeant-at Arms to escort a Member of Parliament out of the House of
Assembly, but this seldom happens.

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The Bahamas: an independent Country

The constitution is a document that set out how a country should be governed . When the
Bahamas became Independent on July 10, 1973, its old system of colonial government was
replaced and its new constitution came into effect. Both British and The Bahamian governments
agreed to this new constitution, which is the basis of all law in The Bahamas.
What the Constitution does
1. Lays out the duties of the prime minister and his/her cabinet.
2. States how parliament, the House of Assembly and the Senate should be set up and how
they should function.
3. Protects all citizens' rights and freedom.
Our Head of state
The Prime Minister consults his colleagues in Parliament decide who should be the GovernorGeneral, and then asks the monarch to make the appointment. The Governor-General holds the
highest position in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas as the Queen's representative. He/she
lives in Government House on Mount Fitzwilliam in Nassau, New Providence.
The Governor General Duties are:
1. Ceremonial
2. To entertain important visitors and diplomats at his home.
3. To ensure that there is a government headed by a Prime Minister to govern the country.
4. To host important functions and formally open sessions of parliaments each year.
5. To sign all Bills from the House of Assembly and the Senate to make law.
6. To approve the appointment of civil servants, on the advice of various cabinet ministers.
7. To appoint and dismiss ministers, on the advice of the Prime Minister.
8. To dissolve Parliament on the advice of the Prime Minister
9. Pardoning criminals on the advice of a special committee. This committee is known as The
Royal Prerogative of Mercy (located in England).
10. To appoint Senators, on the advice of the leaders of the parliamentary parties.

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The House of Assembly is located in Parliament Square, Nassau, Bahamas. Here the members
of Parliament meet to discuss the nations business and pass laws. This house is called the Lower
House of Parliament. The House of Assembly, the Senate and the Governor General comprise the
law making body of The Bahamas.
Member of the House of Assembly are elected by the people. The Senate meets in Parliament
Square in the Senate. This group has the responsibility of ensuring that each law to be past is
flawless. They discuss and make recommendation to the laws that are sent to them from the
Lower House. The main purpose of the senate is to ensure that every law is looked at in
detail by two sets of people before it is passed into law.

CITIZEN OF THE BAHAMAS

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Who is a citizen?
The list below set out all those people who can be Bahamian citizens, as well as how people can
apply to become a citizen of The Bahamas.
1. Every person born in the former Colony of The Bahamas before July 9th 1973
2. Everyone person who born in The Commonwealth after 9 July 1.973 whose parents
are Bahamians.
3. Every person born abroad legitimately before or after 9 July 1973 whose father is a
citizen of The Bahamas.
4. Every person born abroad illegitimately to a Bahamian mother after 9 July 1973.
5. Every person who has been registered under the British Nationality Act of 1948 and
became a citizen of The. Bahamas on 9 July 1973.
6. Every person adopted by Bahamian parents after 9 July 1973
7. Every person granted Bahamian citizenship

Application for Bahamian Citizenship

1. You can apply for citizenship at the age of 18:
If you were born in The Bahamas after 9, July 1973 but, neither of
your parents are Bahamians.
2. You may apply for citizenship when you are 18:
If you were born outside of The Bahamas after 9 th July to a Bahamian mother.
If you are a woman/man married to a Bahamian citizen after 9th, July 1973, provided
you are still married to a citizen of The Bahamas at the time of application.
When someone applies for citizenship of The Bahamas, his or her application
is published in the local newspapers. This is to make sure that no one has any
reason to object to the person becoming a Bahamian citizen. Sometimes a
person's citizenship is taken away or revoked.
If the Governor General has proof that that a citizen of the The Bahamas has at any
time after July 9th 1973 become a citizen of another country, that persons
Bahamian citizenship is taken away.

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NOTICE
Notice Is hereby given that Joseph Johnson of Gull ford Crescent, Mayfield Park
Sub., Freeport, Grand Bahama, is applying to the Minister responsible for
Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The
Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration and
naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the
facts within twenty-eight days from the 27th day of March, 2012, to the Minister
responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N3002, Nassau, Bahamas.
What does it means to be a citizen?
A good citizen is loyal and shows respect for his country. He or she acts as an
ambassador of good will, showing courtesy and kindness to visitors who come to our
shores.
Responsibilities
Every citizen of The Bahamas has a responsibility to defend the country, for example
during wartime, or against intruders such as poachers who fish illegally in Bahamian
waters, and also drug smugglers because they spread disease and illness.
Rights
The new constitution that was draw up at Independence dealt with the right and freedoms
of the individual. By the law of the land, these rights cannot be taken away from a
citizen. These are some of our constitutional rights:

We are free to join any religion.

We are free to vote for any political party.
We can say what we like (freedom of speech).
Our privacy is protected by law.

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MAKING LAWS IN THE BAHAMAS

In Commonwealth countries and in a number of other countries, there are two types of law {a}
common law (or case law) and {b} statue law. Written law is called statue law and common law
is unwritten law.
Laws can also be subdivided into civil law and criminal law. Civil law deals with disputes between
private citizens law concerns with offences punishable by our country.
How are our laws made?
When the government decides that a new law is needed, the minister responsible for the
department proposes the new law. This proposal is discussed with the government lawyers or
legal draftsmen, whose special job is to write new laws. They must make sure that the new
law follows the rules of the constitution. If it does not it would be unconstitutional or against
the law and could not be enforced. The new law must not conflict with any existing law.
The Bahamas was a British colony therefore; many Bahamian laws are based on British laws.
The law is written in a legal language, which even though it is written in English, it has its own
vocabulary and special meanings.
When the intended new law, called a Bill, has been drafted, the lawyers in the cabinet study it
carefully. If they do not think that the bill is written clearly and precisely they return it to the legal
draftsman for corrections. The minister, whom the Bill most concerns, give Parliament notice that
he or she wants MPs to discuss or debate the Bill at a later sitting.

When the bill is read in Parliament for the first time is called the First Reading. From this

time copies of the Bill are available for all MPs to study. By the time the Bill comes up for
debate or discussion in the House of Assembly the public will have learnt about it from the
media [newspaper, radio and television]. This helps the MP's to find out what people feel
about the Bill. When a law is very important and complicated, there may be a long period
between the First Reading and Parliamentary debate.
The discussion in Parliament begins when the minister asks for the Bill to be read a
second time. This is the Second Reading. He or she explains why the government feels the
law is necessary, and may give examples of how people have been affected because the law
doesn't exist. If the opposition agrees on most points with the government, there is a little
debate, but if a Bill is very important and people have different views about it, there will
be a great deal of discussion.
A Bill is usually read three times before it passed. Sometimes a Bill is referred to a
special group of people, a Select Committee, for further study. During the third reading
of the debate a vote is taken and, and if the majority of MPs are in favor of the Bill, it is
passed to the senate for further scrutiny and final approval.
When a Bill is approved, it is signed by the Governor General, and becomes an Act of
Parliament.
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ENFORCING LAWS

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We need law enforcers to make sure that laws are obeyed.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force established in 1840. It is the duty of the
police to arrest people who commit a crime and to bring them to court.
To join the Police Force, one has to be 18yrs, and passed the Police
entrance examination. Every Police officer is trained at the Police Training
College. The highest rank on the Police Force is Commissioner, this officer
is in charge of the entire force. The starting rank on the force is constable.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force is another body that helps to enforce laws. It was created in
1979 by an Act of Parliament.
Founded in 1980, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RDBF) has been
mandated top defend The Bahamas, protect the territorial integrity,
patrol the waters, and provide assistance in times of disaster. The
Highest rank on the force is Commodore and starting rank is marine
seamen (men), and woman marine (women). TO join the force, one has
to be 18 years old, and pass the force entrance examinations.
HMBS Her Majesty Bahamian Ship
The Ministry of National Security is responsible for law enforcement in The Bahamas.
Other organizations that help to enforce the law in The Bahamas are Immigration and Customs
Officers. These officers work at the port of entry, and are responsible for detecting illegal
immigrants and substances such as drugs and weapons that are smuggled into the country.
Customs Officers check the goods and supplies brought into the country. Their primary job is to
levy taxes or duties on each item being brought into the country however they also make sure that
everything being brought into the country is legal and permitted.
Immigration Officers check passports to make sure that people entering the Bahamas have the
correct documents and are not criminals who are wanted in other countries.
Her Majesty Prison (HMP) - Safe keeping of inmates as prescribed by the courts.

THE WORK OF THE LAW COURTS

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When a suspect has been arrested by the law enforcers, he or she is brought before one of the law
courts. It is the work of the court:

To settle arguments between citizens

To punish criminals

Every suspect or defendant (some accuse in court for a crime) must be given a fair trial in a
democratic society. The suspect can only be punished if he or she is found or proven guilty of a
crime. There are four different types of Court in The Bahamas:

Magistrates Court

Supreme Court

Juvenile Court/Panel

Court of Appeal

Privy Council
Family Island Administrator
On many of the Family Islands the Administrator hears minor cases and can act as a judge on these
cases. The Administrator is assisted by local Justice of the Peace [who is someone appointed by
the government to deal with certain legal affairs] and local constables [a rank in the police force]
who sees that law breakers are brought to the court. Most important cases are sent to
Magistrates Court in Nassau.
A Justice of Peace may fill in for Administrators and Magistrates where necessary. A Justice of
the Peace does other legal work such as preparing documents like affidavits (a written
statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, for use as evidence in court). A local constable is
an officer of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

MAGISTRATES COURT
There are Magistrate Courts on all major islands of The Bahamas which are Grand Bahama and
New Providence. Family Islands have Administrators' Court. Magistrates are paid officials
who judge cases such as traffic and licensing offences, and minor disputes between
citizens. A defendant who is not happy with the judgment of the Administrator can appeal to
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the higher court for a second decision on the case. There are 15 Magistrate Courts in New
Providence, 4 in Grand Bahama and 1 in Abaco.

SURPREME COURT
When a case cannot be settle in the Magistrates court it is sent to the Supreme Court. The
Supreme Court is often in the news because it is at this court that most criminal cases are
heard.
The Supreme Court is made up of twelve justices who are appointed to the bench, this include
the Chief Justice. The Justices are appointed by the governor general acting on the advice of
the Judicial and Legal Commission.
In the Supreme Court, cases are heard before a jury of 12 men and women who are all
ordinary citizens. Anyone who is a registered voter may be called to jury service or duty.
The judge tells the jury what is required of them, and explains certain points of the law. The
jury listens to the evidence during a trial, and decides by a majority of at least eight to four
whether or not a defendant is guilty.
Juvenile Court
The Juvenile Court is a special court that deals only with cases involving young people under 18
years of age. No one under 18 can be sent to prison. Young offenders may be sent to an
industrial school to be given training and special care. These schools are the Simpson Penn
Center for boys and the Williemae Pratt Center for girls. This is to try and make sure that they
do not break the law again.

COURT OF APPEAL
If a defendant feels that a case has not been dealt with fairly he or she may appeal to the Court of
Appeal. It is located in Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas. To appeal means to take to a
higher court. The Court of Appeal is the highest tribunal residing within the Bahamas. The
function of this court is to hear civil and criminal appeals from the Supreme Court. It may

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also hear appeals from the Magistrates' Court. The President, who is a Justice and four other
Justices presides over the Court of Appeals.

PRIVY COUNCIL
The Judicial Committee of Her Majesty's Privy Council is the highest court for the Bahamas. It sits
in England to hear appeals from the court of Appeals.

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LOCAL GOVERNMNET IN THE BAHAMAS

In The Bahamas, all of the islands except New Providence are referred to as the Family Island.
During the early period of settlement, the management of affairs or administration, on each
island was carried out by resident justices. In 1908 the justices on the island were replaced with
District Commissioners. In 1996 brought about the change from commissioners to Family Island
Administrators.
The Administrator should be assisted by a Senior Deputy, a Deputy, or an Assistant Family Island
Administrator. All Family Islands have Local/District Councils. There are 32 Local/District
Councils in The Bahamas and they are divided in types, second and third schedules.

The responsibilities of an administrator:-

Works a Magistrate/ Justice of the Peace Preside over criminal cases, can impose a
prison sentence of up to six months.
If someone dies, act as a coroner (an official to decide what the cause of death was.
Responsible for collecting taxes or revenues (government income) on the island.
Receives a budget (an allowance of money) from central government to be used in
managing the affairs on the island.
Chairman of the Local Board of Works

District Council
On each family island, repair work on all government facilities is the responsibility of the
Local District Council. These facilities include roads, street lighting, garbage collection,
parks, burial grounds, harbours and docks, and government buildings.
Member of the district council are elected every three years. The members of the board
serve as a link between the people of the island and the Administrator.

THE UNITED NATIONS

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As an independent nation, the Bahamas is a member of the United Nations Organization. The
Commonwealth of The Bahamas became a member of the United Nations (UN) in 1973 and
the Organization of American States (OAS) in 1982.This is a kind of World Parliament,
situated in New York (Manhattan). The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization
established 24 October 1945 to promote international co-operation . The basic aims of the
United Nations is: to keep peace among the different nations of the world, and to promote
friendship and cooperation in solving many of the worlds problems.

The Bahamas holds membership in a number of international organizations: the UN and some
specialized and related agencies, including:
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO),
(UNESCO) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO),
International Labour Organization (ILO),
International Monetary Fund (IMF),
International Telecommunication Union (ITU),

World Bank,

World Meteorological Organization (WMO),

World Health Organization (WHO);

OAS and related agencies, including:

Inter-American Development Bank (IDB),

Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO);
the Caribbean Community:
(CARICOM), excluding its Caribbean (CARICOM) Single Market and Economy; the
International Criminal Police Organization - Interpol;
Universal Postal Union (UPU)

IMO (International Maritime Organization); and

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

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THE BAHAMIAN WAY OF LIFE

Culture is simply "our ways of life." When we think about the

way we dress

way we speak

what we eat

jobs we do

our music

festivals we celebrate for example Junkanoo

This is simply our way of life or our culture.

There are many different groups of people living in the world, each group doing things in
different ways. Different cultures may still have many things in common, though, because
we are all human beings and we all have basic needs in order to live. For example:
we all need food
we all need clothing
we all need shelter
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Each culture is unique the way of life in that group is different from that of any other
group. Today, culture changes because people travel and change ideas. One culture may be
influence by another.
In The Bahamas, tourism affects our culture in many ways: how we dress, what we eat,
how we treat each other is influence by the people who visit our islands. Most tourists who
come to our islands come from the continent of North America. As a result, the American
culture influences ours, for example our music, our food, our clothing, and even the way
we worship.

CULTURES AROUND THE WORLD

The culture of a place is influenced by its position in the world and by its climate. Some
parts of the world are hotter than others, and some parts of the world receive much
more rain than others. It is the temperature of a place, and the amount of rainfall there, that
affects its climate.
Climate affects the food and clothing of people in a region, the type of transport they
use, and many other aspect of their culture.

Some other things that affect the culture of a place are as follow:
1. Distance from the Equator
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All places that lie between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn have the sun
directly overhead at the same time during the year. The areas that lie between these two
lines are called the tropics, and they have tropical climate. Areas to the north and south of
the tropics become cooler the further one travels from the equator.
2. The Distance from the sea

The rain falls when the clouds are forced to rise up over the land. Most of the rain falls
close to the coast. Inland areas are drier than coastal areas and countries with large areas
of land may be very dry inland.
3 Height of the land
Both temperature and rainfall are affected by the height of the land. The higher the land,
the cooler the climate. Even in tropical areas the climate in high mountains can be very
cold. High land also forces clouds to rise, and if there are mountains close to an ocean,
rain will fall from clouds blowing in from the ocean.

A VISIT TO JAPAN
Japan is known as the land of the land of the rising sun, because of its location being farthest
to the coast of Asia.
Language: Japanese
Capital City: Tokyo
Currency: Yen
National disaster: Earthquake
Tremors: A shaking movement of the ground before or after an earthquake.
Highest peak: Mt. Fuji
Debris: The remains of anything that has been destroyed.
Sports: Karate, judo, sumo wrestling, jujitsu,
Japanese House: Futon a type of mattress that is laid out on the floor at night, then rolled up
during the day. Tatami straw matting that covers the floor. Fasuma sliding doors made from
wood which is used to separate rooms.
Japans industry export: heavy machinery, lorries, steel, textiles, fish products, and art objects.
Festivals and celebration: - New Years Day (1st January) families meet to share a drink of
sweet, spiced rice wine. The wine is said to destroy evil spirits and build up strength.
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Another festival is the iris festival, or Childrens Day, celebrated 5th May.

Traditional New Years Day foods have special meanings too: rice cakes mean good
fortune, food made from seaweed is for happiness, and potatoes also help to drive away the
evil spirits.

Symbols: The Iris is a favorite flower which blooms in parks and gardens all over Japan in
May and June. Iris leaves are a symbol of courage and strength. They are put into a boys
bath to make him strong and brave.

The carp is a fish which, like the iris, is a symbol of strength and courage.
Dress: Kimono (usually worn on special occasion) a long loose gown that is tied around the
middle with a wide sash called an obi.
Dishes: Special dishes are tiny fish, rice cakes and other sweet cakes.
Mochi a special cake made from early harvested rice.
Many of the houses in Japan are made of wood or strong cardboard. These types of houses are
easy to replace if they are destroyed. Some other Japanese homes are made out of steal because
they can easily bend and are flexible when hit by an earthquake. Concrete home are easily
cracked when under pressure.

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BRAZIL
Main language: Portuguese
Capital City: Brasilia
Religion: Most Brazilians are Catholic
Sport: Football Futbol
Festival in Brazil Carnival, held in the city of Rio De Janeiro
Continent South America, the largest country
Fazenda a large coffee plantation
Popular beverage Coffee made from the seeds of an evergreen shrub.
Rio de Janeiro is the second largest city. It is famous for its sunny beaches, its tourist resorts, and
its Carnival.
CULTIVATION OF COFFEE: Planting

The young seedlings are grown from

selected seed. The seed is sown in special nurseries where the temperature and water
supply are carefully controlled. When they are about 18 months old, the seedlings are
transferred to open ground.
Tending

The shrubs are allowed to grow to about 2 or 3 metres, then pruned to keep

them at the height for easy harvesting. The ground is kept clear of weeds, and the plants
are checked regularly for any signs of disease. The best coffee yields are from plants

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between 8 and 15 years old, but bushes go on producing for up to 30 years. A single bush
yields between 4 and 5 kg (kilograms) a year.
Harvesting- Fragrant white flowers grow in clusters along the branches. Later the coffee
fruits (cherries) turn from green to red as they ripen. They are picked by hand. The cherries
are put into large water tanks to soften the fruit. Machines squeeze and wash the frits to
separate the seeds (beans) from the pulp.
Processing

The beans are dried for about 10 days, Machines remove the outer husk, then

the beans are graded. Tasters test the coffee for quality and classify it. The beans are
bagged for shipment to other countries.
The essence is used as a flavoring for various food products, and an oil can be extracted
from the beans for use in soap, paints, insecticides, medicines and shoe-polish.
The flowers yield a substance that is used in the making of perfume.
Nutrients substances that are absorbed by plant roots for growth.
Brazil rainforest a tropical rainforest consists of very tall trees, woody vines and a
profusion of flowers. Canopy top umbrella like layer of a rainforest.
There are also a remarkable number of animal species in the rainforest monkeys and
other mammals, frogs, turtles and snakes are abundant, and there are many thousands of
different insects, butterflies, bats and birds.
An ecosystem is a community of plants and animals within a particular physical
environment of land, air and water.
In many countries of Brazil the rainforest is being cut down for timber, and the vegetation
is being burnt to make way for huge cattle ranches or for mining.
The thin soil is rapidly destroyed when it is exposed to the heavy rains, and so too is the
animal and plant life that was protected by the forest canopy.
Students research the differences and similarities between Junkanoo and Carnival
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SWITZERLAND-LAND OF MOUNTAINS AND RIVERS

Capital City is BERNE
Landlocked a country is landlocked if it is entirely surrounded by other countries (that
is , it has no coastline)
Neutrality a countrys policy of not taking sides in wars
Currency Swiss Francs
Continent Europe
Avalanches huge slide of snow and ice
Transhumance the transfer of animals from the valley to the alps and back
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) the total value of goods and services produce by a
country in a given year or a long period of time.
Switzerland is a country that has great world centers of banking and finance similar
to The Bahamas.
Watch companies found in Switzerland Rolex and Omega
Crops grown oats wheat, orchards, grapes (vineyard)

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 Products exported: Swiss cheese, chocolates, watches

Countries that grows grapes near Switzerland France, Italy, Austria, Germany
Switzerland is surrounded by the countries: France, Italy, Austria and Germany
The Alps Mountains covers 61% of the country.
Switzerland is a great world centre of banking and finance, and the headquarters of a
number of international agencies such as the Red Cross.
The country of Switzerland can be divided into three parts: the Jura Mountains in the
north, the Alps in the south, and, between these, the Central Plain.
The highest point Mont Blanc is nearly 5,000 metres high.
Two particular features affecting the climate of particular valleys and villages are the aspect
of slopes, and the fhn wind.
Aspect is the direction towards which a slope faces.
North of the Tropic of Cancer, if slope faces towards the south it has longer hours of
sunshine and so is warmer.
In a country like Switzerland, which has a lot of snow in winter, the snow melts faster on
the south-facing slopes.
The fhn is a warm wind that blows from the south.
As it moves over the southern slopes, it brings heavy rain which falls over the mountains.
By the time the fhn reaches the northern slopes it is still warm but by now it is dry, having
lost most of its moisture in the south
When the fhn blows, usually in the spring but also in the autumn, temperatures rise very
rapidly.
Because the fhn blows from the south, it has greater effect in valleys which lie in a north-south
direction. But the snowy peaks, picturesque houses
The warm summers attract tourist who like mountain climbing, while the cold snowy winters
attracts people who enjoy winter sports like: skiing, skating and sledding.

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AUSTRALIA (The Land Down Under)

Australia is the only island continent, and it is located in the southern hemisphere,
between the Pacific and the Indian Oceans. Australia is known as the land down under
because it is below the equator and all of the other continents.
The capital city of Australia is Canberra. Like The Bahamas, northern Australia has a tropical
climate. It is hot most of the time, temperatures generally over 25C. In the coastal towns and
cities, swimming, surfing, and sailing are popular all year round. Away from the coast much of
Australia is desert. Very little rain falls here, the land is dry and bare, and very few people live in
this huge area. This large area of land is called The Outback The line of latitude, Tropic of
Capricorn runs through Australia.
Thousands of sheep are reared on large farms or sheep stations. The sheep need a large area of land
to find enough grass to eat. There are houses, storage sheds, and a tool repair workshop, shearing
sheds, a power generator, and a vegetable garden. Water is pumped up from underground by a wind
pipe.

The rest of Australia has a warm climate with hot summers and mild winters. You will find
that the northern part of Australia is the same latitude from the Equator as The Bahamas,
but in a different hemisphere. The climate in the coastal parts of northern Australia is
therefore similar to that in the Bahamas.

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The People of Australia

The earlier settlers of Australia were called Aborigines. They arrived there about 40,000
years ago. They did not farm the land or keep animals but, they moved from place to place
hunting animals and gathering food. Although some Aborigines still live this way, many of
them now work on the large cattle and sheep stations. Their fate was similar to that of the
Lucayans of The Bahamas.
The parents and grandparents of the people who now live in Australia are immigrants from
other countries. Many come from the United Kingdom, Italy, Greece, The Netherlands,
Germany, New Zealand, China and other European countries.
Australia's national sport is Cricket
English is the official language spoken in Australia.

Children who live on the outback are too far from school so they join the School Of the
Air, this a special radio school where they talk to their teacher by radio, receive, and
send assignments by mail. Today, they receive lessons through live video and audio
connections using wireless Internet technologies. Thanks to the internet children can
communicate easily with their teacher, can learn, and be graded while studying away from
classroom.
The high frequency (HF) radio helps make life less isolated. They use it to chat with
neighbours, and it is important in emergencies too.
There is also a team of flying doctors who travel to the outback to look after their patients
on the Outback.
There are many animals and plants found in Australia which are not found anywhere else in
the world. Some of these are the kangaroos, koala bears, ducked-billed, platypus, and the
wallaby trees.

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WHAT ARE RESOURCES?

A resource is something which can be used to make something else. It may be a natural material
like soil, water, a gas or mineral. Or it may be a special skill. Skills such as those of doctors,
farmers, or teachers are resources. Resources are used within a country in manufacture, trade jobs,
and services.

Natural resources
Natural resources are the raw materials produced by nature. The Earth is full of these resources.
Some are found underground: water, and minerals like iron ore, coal, gold, silver and oil. Many
of these resources supply fuel for heat, light, and power. Some natural resources are on the land:
example, sand, rocks, trees, and salt. Some of these are used in industry. Other natural resources are
found under the sea: marine fish and shellfish, and minerals like oil and aragonite (a Bahamian
resource excavated from the sea floor at Ocean Cay, and used in the manufacture of glass and
fertilizers).
The industries involved with the collection of natural resources are called primary industries
mining, fishing, and farming. Most natural resources need some sort of change or processing
before they can be used.
Human resource

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The special skills and knowledge of people are human resources. A doctor uses skills that she or
he has learnt to cure you when you are ill. Your teacher uses skills in the classroom. A dressmaker
uses skills to make clothes. Human resources are needed to make good use of natural resources.
Renewable resources
Some of the Earth's resources are renewable. This means that they can be used over and over again.
For example, when trees are cut down, new trees can be planted on the some ground to replace those
that have been removed.
Climatic resources are also renewable. Water, a natural resource, evaporates from Earth's surface to
form clouds. The water is returned to the Earth again as rain or snow. This process is called the
water cycle. Renewable resources should not run out, if they are used wisely. The rainforests are
renewable resources.

Non-renewable resources

Some resources cannot be replaced once they have been used. These are nonrenewable.
Minerals like oil and coal are non-renewable resources.
Importance of resources to economic development

Today people use many different resources to meet their needs. These resources are
important to our survival in a changing world. They provide"
The materials to build our homes.
The fuel to heat and light our homes

The food we eat The clothes

we wear
It is important to look after, or conserve, our resources. If we use too much of them or
waste them, there will be none left for future generations.
The gathering and processing of resources helps our country to develop. In The Bahamas,
people are employed in the primary industries of farming and fishing. But our main
industry is tourism, which supplies most of our income. Tourists come to our islands to
enjoy activities like scuba diving, game fishing, snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing.
All these depend upon the conservation of our natural resources.

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Conserving resources and recycling

Some people say: 'We should not make products from natural resources unless they can
be recycled.' This means using the product again in some way. If oil is turned into plastic,
it can never be changed back it can never become a part of the Earth again. But it can
be recycled. For example, recycled plastic can be used to make plastic containers, fiber
insulation or polyester fabric. Motor oil can be recycled and used as fuel for ships and
industrial boilers.
Recycle has two very important benefits: It preserves resources, and it saves energy
Conserving and recycling: what you can do

Use less water

Collect kitchen vegetable waste, and vegetable cut from the garden. It will
enrich and improve the soil.
Collect aluminum, glass, and paper. Take them to the nearest recycling
centre.
Keep plastic and paper bags. Use them again and again, to carry shopping
or collecting rubbish.

PROTECTING OUR LAND

In The Bahamas we have an exceptionally beautiful environment. We are surrounded by warm,
clear seas that are full of life. Many different features low hills, lakes, swamps, caves, lagoons,
wetlands, tidal creeks, and flats provide a rich variety of environments containing many
different plants and animals.
The Bahamas National Trust
The Trust was set up in 1959 to protect some of these environments, plants, and animals in
twenty-seven protected areas fifteen of which are national parks. The total area now protected
by the Trust covers 700,000 acres. Each of the protected areas is patrolled by Trust Wardens
who make sure that people do not harm or destroy the natural habitat. The protected areas are
named and indicated on the map.
The aims of The Bahamas National Trust include:

To teach people about conservation.

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To manage the national parks for the enjoyment of Bahamas and visitors
To preserve our rich historical heritage.

Endangered species
Many of the plants and animals that live on our islands are different from those anywhere else.
Some of the greatest threats to island wildlife are plants and animals brought in from other place
by people. For example, the Australian pine was introduced to The Bahamas. This tree grows
to a great height, and it has widely spreading branches. The pine needles drop to the ground in
a thick layer, and few other plants are not able to survive where this tree has become established.

The forests were destroyed long ago, but it is still possible to see some of the trees that grew in
those forests. Here are just a few examples:

Gum elemi

Mastic

Cedar

Wild fig

Strongbark

Stopper

Wild Copper

Sea grapes

Brazziletto

Acaua

Haulbark

Mahogony

Pigeon plum
The Bahamas National Trust encourages government and private citizens to preserve the
following: hardwood trees such as Lignum Vitae, Madeira, Silk Cotton, Cedar and other
such as Yellow Elder, Royal Poinciana and a variety of palms.

Hutia
This rabbit-like rodent is found only in The Bahamas. It was thought that they had all died out
became extinct but in 1965 a few hutia were found on Plana Cay. They were taken from
there to Little Wax Cay, off Exuma, which is part of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea

Park. Now, under the careful protection of the National Trust, the hutia are increasing in
numbers.
The White-Crown Pigeon
The White-crown pigeon is one of most popular game birds of The Bahamas. It is carefully protected
by the Ministry of Agriculture and The Bahamas National Trust.
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It is great fun to plant a tree and watch it grow. It will provide shade, and be a home for birds and
insects. It will also make oxygen, and help to improve the some new trees.
Iguanas
These are large lizards. The Bahamian species is now found only on Exuma, Andros, and
Mayaguana. Their meat is tasty and rich in protein, so many are caught and eaten.
Turtle: the Loggerhead and the Hawksbill
Both of these species were once plentiful, but many have been killed for their meat, and their
shells are used to make jewelry

Hutia

This rabbit-like rodent is found only in The Bahamas. It was thought that they had all died
out became extinct but in 1965 a few Hutia were found on Plana Cay. They were taken
from there to Little Wax Cay, off Exuma, which is part of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea
Park. Now, under the careful protection of the National Trust, the hutia are increasing in
numbers.

The Bahama Parrot: These too were once plentiful but are now rare. Columbus
described great flocks of parrots when he arrived in 1492.Today they are to be seen only
on Abaco and Great Inagua.
Flamingo

A large and beautiful bird, the flamingo is a part of our national emblem. The world's largest
breeding colony of West Indian flamingos- as many of 50,000 birds are found on the
island of Great Inagua, part of the Inagua National Park.
Protecting our endangered species

The Bahamas has signed an international treaty known as the CITES, the Conservation of
International Trade in Endangered Species. If any of the endangered species is taken
from The Bahamas and imported into another country without a special permit, the animals
will be taken away from the importer and returned to The Bahamas.

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THE ATMOSPHERE PROTECT US

What is atmosphere? Atmosphere is the layer of gases surrounding our planet. A blanket of air is
held close to the Earth by the force of gravity. Without it there would be no air for us to breathe.
All living things would die. There would be no wind. The whole world would be silent and dead.
Heat and light
There are several reasons for heat and light. Heat and light from the sun are necessary to all
forms of life. The atmosphere stores heat to protect us from the bitter cold of outer space
and shields us from the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Polluting the atmosphere
Clean air is essential to healthy life. In some places in the world, the air is so polluted that it is
not safe to breathe. When fuel is burned, it releases harmful wastes in the form of gases. These
come from factories. They also come from cars. This polluted air spreads out into the
atmosphere and does not disappear.
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Acid rain
"Th

When fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas are burned in factories, power stations, and motor
vehicles, they produce sulphur and nitrogen. Sulphur and nitrogen reacts with the water in
the air to make sulfuric and nitric acid. The result is acid rain that may fall far away from the
places where the gases were produce. But in recent years the rain has become more and more
acidic, and it is now damaging buildings, crops trees, and wildlife. Plants use the sunlight to
make food by a process called photosynthesis.
The Greenhouse Effect

A greenhouse is a building made of glass where plants that need special care and extra
warmth can be grown. We cannot see the gases in the atmosphere, but they include oxygen,
carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and hydrogen. The sun shines in, and the blanket of gases traps
the heat like a roof keeping it close to the planet.
Global warming

These new gases are trapping more of the sun's heat. Because of the thicker blanket
of gases, the Earth is warming up. This is called global warming. The ozone layer is in
part of the atmosphere called the stratosphere, high above the surface of the Earth, and it
protects the Earth from the sun's radiation. Ozone is a form of oxygen which takes in much
of the harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
The ozone layer

The ozone layer is in part of the atmosphere called the stratosphere, high above the
surface of the Earth, and it protects the Earth from the sun's radiation.
Why should we keep the atmosphere clean?

Without the atmosphere humans cannot survive on planet Earth. We must keep our land, air,
and sea clean. It is important in The Bahamas because tourists come to our country to
enjoy our beaches, air, and clear blue water.
Ways to help with the atmosphere.

At fast food restaurant we should ask for paper cups instead of polystyrene.
Polystyrene harms the atmosphere. Instead of using a car for work, one can use
a bicycle because the smoke from cars pollutes the air.

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PROTECTING OUR MARINE RESOURCES

Traditional methods of fishing These methods were handed down for centuries from one
generation to the next. Today, some fishermen use ways that destroy the environment.
Government has passed laws to prevent these methods.
Prohibited methods of fishing:
The use of bleach or other poisonous substances.
The use of guns or explosives
The use of scuba equipment to catch fish or collect any marine resources.
Marine resources protected are the lobster, conch, and turtle.
The Spiny Lobster
The closed season is from 1 April to 31st July. A permit is required. Any lobster
landed must have a tail length of at least 15 centimeters. Eggs-bearing female
lobster should not be removed from the water.
Conch
If a conch shell does not have a well-formed lip, it should not be removed from the
sea.
Turtle
No turtles must be taken from 1st April to 31st July. The Hawksbill turtle is an
endangered species. This turtle should not be taken from the sea.
Stone crab
No crabs are to be removed from the water between June 1st, to October
15. The claw length of stone crabs should be at least 10cm.
Sport Fishing
Persons who engage in sport fishing tournament must have written approval from the
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries to organize or hold a tournament.

Coral reefs in The Bahamas

The Bahamas coral reefs are among the worlds most beautiful places. A reef is a living
community of many tiny organisms call polyps. Reefs are warm, clear sea water. They are found
in shallow waters.
Why are Coral reefs important?
Reefs provide shelter, feeding, and breeding grounds for many fish and marine plants and animals.
Reefs protect beaches and coast from erosion by waves. Reefs are easily destroyed by changes.
Reefs take many years to develop but can be destroyed in a few days by people.
How do people destroy reefs?
When a boat is anchored to a reef, pieces of coral are broken off. People collect coral and sell it for
souvenirs, or use it to make jewellery. Bleach may not be used to kill and catch lobsters. A small
amount of bleach in the water kills coral polyps and other creatures. If the clean water is polluted by
chemicals, oil spills or other wastes, the coral polyps will be killed.
Why are coral reefs special to the Bahamas?
They are valuable to our environment and great tourist attraction. It is important that we protect
our reefs, and the plants, and animals that live there.
Mineral Resources
Two minerals are taken from the sea in The Bahamas: aragonite and salt. Aragonite is very fine
limestone sand. It is used in the manufacturing of glass, cement, fertilizers, and chemicals. It is
dredged from the sea at Ocean Cay in Bimini. It is mined in Grand Bahama at Bahama Rock, and
sold to other countries. It is a useful source of income for The Bahamas.
Mineral Resource salt
Salt has been produced on all Bahamian islands at one time or other. A few islands still produce salt
for local use, but it is now only produced on a large scale for export on the island of Inagua.
Conditions for salt
These are the conditions for salt to be harvest: constant sunshine, steady winds, high
temperatures, low rainfall, pure sea water, and flat land. These conditions are needed so that when
salt water stands for a period in the salt beds, the sun gradually evaporates the water and leaves
behind thin layers of clean salt.

CARING FOR OUR ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE

Cities, towns, and villages are part of The Bahamas' environment. In The Bahamas we

have many buildings which are an important part of our history. Bahamians and visitors
alike learn more of our history by visiting these buildings.
The Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation

The Bahamas over the centuries was attacked and invaded by the Spaniards, the French, the
English, and the Americans. The Bahamian citizens needed protection in the 17 th and the
18 centuries. At various times parts of these forts have been destroyed and rebuilt, so
what we see today is like a jigsaw or pieces from different times.
Many of the older buildings in The Bahamas are private homes. Some are churches and
others places of worship. These were built during the era of the Loyalists. They are now
viewed as historic buildings. There are a number of these buildings that need special
care. Several in Nassau are more than 200 years old the Deanery on Cumberland
Street, for example.
Many of these historic buildings have been restored. Restoration is carried out by the
owner. Private and public institutions also help. The Bahamas National Trust makes
the public aware of the importance of preserving our historic buildings. They encourage
the owners of these buildings to preserve them for future generations.
The Ministry of Tourism slogan is It is Better in The Bahamas, created to encourage
visitors to share our beautiful islands.

FORTS
Fort Nassau

The Old Fort of Nassau was a fort in Nassau, Bahamas, first built in 1697 and lasted for nearly
two hundred years with a rich legacy of history till it was finally demolished in 1837/1897. It
was located on the north side of Marlborough St on the site of the current British Colonial
Hilton Nassau. Remnants of the old walls can be seen on the hotel grounds. For many years it
was the only fort in Nassau. When built first in 1697 the fort was fortified with 22 cannons. In
just about 3 years, part of the fort was damaged in an attack by the Spaniards in 1700.
Fort Montague
After Governor John Tinker arrived in 1741, he saw that there was only one fort on the island
(Fort Nassau). He knew that one fort wasn't enough defense and had military engineer Peter
Henry Bruce construct another one at the eastern end of the island. Construction for the fort
began in 1741 and finished in 1742. The fort is made out of limestone and when it was built, it
had 23 cannons and over 95 barrels of gun powder. Later the Fort was recaptured by Andrew
Deveaux, who prevented the Spanish from burning it down.
Fort Charlotte
Fort Charlotte is a British-colonial era fort built on a hill over-looking the harbor of Nassau, The
Bahamas. Fort Charlotte is named after the wife of King George III. The main portion of the Fort
was completed in 1789 by John Murray. This fort actually include of three forts: Fort
Charlotte, the eastern section, Fort Stanley, the middle section and Fort DArcy, the
western section. The building of the forts, out of solid rock, was begun in 1787 and completed in
1819.

Fort Fincastle
Fort Fincastle, overlooking the town from Bennets Hill, was built by Lord Dunmore about
1793. He named it after his second title, Viscount Fincastle. A light used to be exhibited from this
fort until Hog Island (Paradise Island) Lighthouse was completed in 1816. The fort was also used
as a signal station.
What is battery? A group of guns
What is Fortification? Something that strengthen or defends