Canada's Political System and Representation
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Questions and Answers

What is a representative democracy?

A government where citizens elect officials to represent them.

What is the role of Members of Parliament (MPs)?

Elected officials accountable to their voters for re-election.

How is the Prime Minister accountable to the people?

  • Indirectly through the House of Commons (correct)
  • Directly through elections
  • Through a system of referendums
  • Through the Senate

What are the two models of representation?

<p>Delegate and Trustee (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

MPs are required to vote according to the policies of their party.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A democratic mandate implies that voters endorse all the policies of a winning party.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens in a floor crossing?

<p>A representative switches from one party to another.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Microcosm Theory advocate for?

<p>Legislative bodies should reflect the demographics of society.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument for inclusivity in a legislature?

<p>Fairness requires diverse representation in the legislature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some factors considered in Electoral System Design?

<p>District division and numbers of representatives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a Single-Member Plurality system?

<p>An electoral system with distinct geographical electoral districts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Electoral Boundaries Commissions?

<p>They determine electoral district boundaries with impartiality.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Electoral Quotient?

<p>It ensures population-based equality in electoral district representation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a General Election?

<p>A nationwide election following Parliament's dissolution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a By-election?

<p>An election to fill a vacant parliamentary seat.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum campaign duration for general elections?

<p>At least six days long.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Chief Electoral Officer?

<p>Administers general elections and appoints returning officers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Polls in the context of elections?

<p>Smaller voting units within electoral districts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Scrutineers at polls?

<p>They observe the election processes to ensure fairness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Public-Opinion Polling?

<p>It informs citizens and encourages voter participation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Single-Member Plurality Discrepancy?

<p>A mismatch between party vote share and seat allocation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Proportional Representation (PR)?

<p>Seats are allocated based on the total vote shares of parties.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Party List System?

<p>Parties rank candidates and districts are abolished.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Mixed-Member Proportional (MMP) system?

<p>It combines the party list and single-member systems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Youth Political Engagement?

<p>Young people's participation in political discussions and actions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Spiral of Silence?

<p>Fear of isolation discourages minority opinion expression.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Long-term Voter Behaviour Factors?

<p>Social background and ideology influence voting patterns.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference in Rural vs. Urban Voting?

<p>Voting patterns differ significantly between rural and urban regions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Catholic Voting Patterns like in Canada?

<p>Catholics often show a preference for the Liberal Party.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Political Socialization?

<p>Parents influence children's political affiliations and beliefs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of Moralism in Politics?

<p>A shift in voting influenced by moral issues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a Responsible Government?

<p>The cabinet is accountable to Parliament.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a Parliamentary Government?

<p>The Parliament holds legislative power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Cabinet?

<p>A leadership group controlling Parliament's law-making function.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Party Discipline?

<p>Ensures a cabinet maintains control over legislative decisions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Confidence of the House mean?

<p>Support from a majority of MPs ensures the cabinet's governance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a Throne Speech?

<p>It outlines the government's agenda and is delivered by the Governor General.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Prorogation?

<p>A formal ending of a Parliamentary session by the Prime Minister.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a Dissolution of Parliament?

<p>The termination of Parliament leading to a General Election.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an Electoral District?

<p>A territorial constituency represented by an elected MP.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a Riding?

<p>An informal term for an Electoral District in Canada.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Official Opposition?

<p>It's the largest opposing party that critically analyzes the government.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a Shadow Cabinet?

<p>Opposition critics assigned to government ministries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is the Speaker of the House?

<p>An elected MP presiding over debates while ensuring impartiality.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Clerk of the House?

<p>They provide procedural advice and manage paperwork.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Sergeant-at-Arms responsible for?

<p>Maintaining security in the House of Commons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Hansard?

<p>The official record of debates in the House of Commons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Auditor General?

<p>They review government spending for accountability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a Private Member's Bill?

<p>Legislation introduced by MPs not in the cabinet.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Bill Readings?

<p>The three stages a bill must pass through before it becomes law.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Royal Assent?

<p>It's the Governor General's approval to make a bill law.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a Resolution and a Bill?

<p>A Resolution is an expression of opinion, while a Bill is legislative.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Question Period?

<p>Time for MPs to ask government questions, often politically charged.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Standing Orders?

<p>They are codified rules governing Parliament's organization and conduct.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is a Backbencher?

<p>An MP not in the cabinet who primarily votes as directed by the party.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens in a Caucus Meeting?

<p>Party leaders discuss strategies in a closed meeting.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Committee System?

<p>Groups of MPs focusing on specific policy areas within Parliament.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Senate?

<p>It's a chamber reviewing legislation passed by the House of Commons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of a 'Sober Second Thought' in relation to the Senate?

<p>The Senate's role in carefully reviewing proposed legislation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What specific concerns around property rights are often addressed by the Senate?

<p>Protecting the interests of wealthier citizens.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Senate ensure representation of less populous regions?

<p>By allocating seats to ensure regional representation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Public Expenditure Scrutiny?

<p>Oversight of government spending before and after it occurs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a Confidence Vote?

<p>A vote determining if the government retains the support of Parliament.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Legislative Proposals?

<p>Bills introduced for consideration and adoption by Parliament.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a Majority Government?

<p>A single party holds a majority of seats in the House of Commons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Electoral Representation?

<p>Distribution of seats based on population percentages.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Parliamentary Officers?

<p>Neutral officials ensuring orderly conduct in Parliament.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Parliamentary Budget Officer?

<p>They provide independent financial assessments to Parliament.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the Three Readings?

<p>The process for bill passage in Parliament.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Resolutions?

<p>Expressions of opinion by the House, not legislative.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Scrutiny of Public Expenditure?

<p>Oversight of government spending before and after it occurs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of Parliament that promotes debate between the government and opposition?

<p>It's an adversarial chamber.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Standing Committees?

<p>Committees focusing on specific public policy areas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Regional Equality mean in the context of the Senate?

<p>Ensuring representation for less populous regions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are senators in Canada chosen?

<p>They are appointed by the Prime Minister, not elected.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has the Senate's prestige shifted over time?

<p>It has declined due to democratic ideals and lack of elections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Senate Reform?

<p>Efforts to change how senators are selected and how they function.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument for abolishing the Senate?

<p>It is seen as inefficient and unnecessary.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the concern about Provincial Representation?

<p>Ensuring effective representation for smaller provinces and territories.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the proposed change to the Senate to make it more democratic?

<p>Transforming the Senate into an elected body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Confidence Convention?

<p>The cabinet must have majority support in the House of Commons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Political Test Votes?

<p>Votes seen as tests of the government's authority.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Free Votes?

<p>Votes where MPs can vote according to their personal beliefs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the potential incentives for party discipline?

<p>Loyal members may be appointed to cabinet positions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some potential punishments for breaking party discipline?

<p>Non-compliant members may receive inferior committee assignments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Three-Line Vote System?

<p>Introduced in 2004, it provides varying levels of voting freedom.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are One-Line Votes?

<p>All government MPs vote freely without restrictions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Householder Newsletters?

<p>Communications from MPs to constituents about parliamentary work.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Open by Default Policy?

<p>Government's guideline for transparency and public access.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the McGraith Committee?

<p>It studied the Confidence Convention and recommended reforms in 1984-1985.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Multi-Party System?

<p>It was established in the 1920s and influences party voting unity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the dilemma faced by MPs in relation to Delegate and Trustee models?

<p>They balance their constituency wishes with their personal principles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Ideological Certainty refer to?

<p>Party discipline provides voters with predictable party positions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Party Discipline affect the political landscape?

<p>A fundamental aspect of Canadian politics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the benefits of party affiliation for MPs?

<p>MPs gain advantages from their party during elections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does public perception influence party voting behavior?

<p>Media and public opinion sway party voting decisions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Representative Democracy

A system of government where citizens elect officials to represent them.

Members of Parliament (MPs)

Elected officials representing their constituencies in the House of Commons.

Prime Minister Accountability

The Prime Minister and their Cabinet are indirectly accountable to the House of Commons.

Delegate Model

Representatives directly reflect the views of their constituents.

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Trustee Model

Representatives act independently using their judgment, beyond constituent opinions.

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Party Representation

Representatives must align with their party's policies and platform.

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Democratic Mandate

The assumption that voters support a party's platform and policies.

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Floor Crossing

An MP switching from one party to another.

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Microcosm Theory

Legislative bodies should reflect the demographic makeup of the population.

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Inclusivity Argument

Fairness and equality demand diverse representation in the legislature.

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Electoral System Design Factors

Elements like district division and the number of representatives.

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Single-Member Plurality System

An electoral system with distinct geographic districts and one elected MP per district.

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Electoral Boundaries Commissions

Independent bodies responsible for drawing electoral district boundaries fairly.

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Electoral Quotient

A calculation ensuring equal representation based on population size in each district.

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General Election Process

Nationwide election triggered after Parliament's dissolution.

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By-election

An election held to fill a vacant seat in Parliament.

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Election Campaign Duration

Campaigns must last at least six days in Canada.

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Chief Electoral Officer

The official responsible for overseeing general elections and appointing returning officers.

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Polls

Smaller voting units within electoral districts.

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Scrutineers

Observers present at polling stations to ensure fair and transparent elections.

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Public-Opinion Polling

Surveys conducted to gauge public views and inform voters.

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Single-Member Plurality Discrepancy

A mismatch between the percentage of votes a party receives and its share of seats in Parliament.

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Proportional Representation (PR)

An electoral system aiming to allocate seats in proportion to the overall percentage of votes.

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Party List System

Parties pre-select candidates in a ranked order, with voters choosing a party rather than a specific candidate.

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Mixed-Member Proportional System (MMP)

Combines elements of both list systems and single-member districts.

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Youth Political Engagement

Young people's participation in political discussions and activities.

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Spiral of Silence

Individuals holding minority viewpoints may refrain from expressing them due to fear of social isolation.

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Long-term Voter Behaviour Factors

Factors like social background and ideology play a role in voting decisions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Canada's Political System and Representation

  • Canada utilizes a representative democracy, wherein citizens elect officials to represent their interests.
  • Members of Parliament (MPs) are responsible to the electorate and aim for re-election.
  • MPs face accountability through the House of Commons, acting as delegates or trustees.
  • The delegate model emphasizes MPs representing the views of the majority of voters, while the trustee model grants MPs discretion to make their own decisions.
  • Party representation is a crucial element, requiring MPs to align with their party's policies.
  • A democratic mandate assumes voters endorse party policies.
  • Floor crossing, switching parties, occurs less frequently than expected.
  • Microcosm theory posits that Parliament should accurately reflect societal demographics.
  • Inclusivity advocates for diverse representation in legislative bodies for fairness.
  • Electoral system designs consider district division and the number of representatives.
  • The single-member plurality system features distinct geographic districts.
  • Electoral boundaries are determined by commissions, aiming for impartiality.
  • Electoral quotients aim to achieve equal representation based on population size across districts.
  • General elections occur across the nation following Parliament's dissolution.
  • By-elections fulfill vacant parliamentary seats.
  • Election campaign durations mandate a minimum of 6 days.
  • Elections involve a chief electoral officer, overseeing elections and selecting returning officers.
  • Polls divide electoral districts into smaller voting units.
  • Scrutineers monitor polls for fair election practices.
  • Public opinion polls inform citizens and enhance voter participation.
  • Variations between party vote totals and seat allocation exist under single-member plurality systems.
  • Proportional representation (PR) allocates seats based on vote share percentages.
  • Party-list systems rank candidates within parties, enabling voters to choose a party rather than individual candidates.
  • Mixed-member proportional systems (MMPs) blend party-list and single-member systems.
  • Youth political engagement fosters political discussions and action among young people.
  • The 'spiral of silence' theory explains how individuals may avoid expressing minority opinions due to fear of isolation.
  • Long-term voter behaviour results from social backgrounds and ideologies.
  • Rural and urban voting patterns display significant differences.
  • Historical voting patterns sometimes indicate preferences for certain parties by population groups; e.g. Catholics often support the Liberal Party.
  • Political socialization describes how parents influence children's political affiliations.
  • Moral issues often motivate shifts in voting patterns.
  • Responsible government structures hold cabinet members accountable to Parliament.
  • Parliamentary governments vest legislative power in Parliament.
  • The cabinet exercises control over Parliament's law-making processes.
  • Party discipline ensures cabinet cohesion in legislation.
  • A government requires the confidence of the House (majority support) to function effectively.
  • A Throne Speech delivers the government's agenda at Parliament's opening.
  • Parliament prorogations formally end sessions.
  • Dissolutions end Parliament and trigger general elections.
  • Electoral districts are geographical areas represented by MPs.
  • Electoral districts are often called "ridings".
  • The official opposition represents the largest opposing party.
  • A shadow cabinet comprises critics from the opposition assigned to corresponding government ministries.
  • The Speaker of the House presides over debates, ensuring impartiality.
  • The Clerk of the House handles administrative responsibilities and procedures.
  • The Sergeant-at-Arms maintains security within Parliament.
  • Hansard documents proceedings in the House of Commons.
  • The Auditor General reviews government spending for accountability.
  • Private members' bills originate from non-cabinet MPs.
  • Bills require three readings for passage in Parliament.
  • Royal Assent authorizes legislation as law by the governor-general.
  • Resolutions express the House's opinions, not legislation.
  • Question Period allows MPs to pose questions to the government.
  • Standing orders are the rules governing Parliament's organization and conduct.
  • Backbenchers are non-cabinet MPs primarily voting with their party.
  • Caucus meetings are closed party meetings used to discuss strategies.
  • Committees tackle specific policy areas.
  • The Senate serves as a legislative review body of the House of Commons legislation.
  • Senate review adds deliberation and can address factors like property rights and representation for less populous regions.
  • Public expenditure scrutiny involves monitoring government spending proactively.
  • Confidence votes assess a government's continued support from MPs.
  • Legislative proposals, in the form of bills, are presented to Parliament.
  • Majority governments hold a majority of seats and shape policy.
  • Electoral representation distribution prioritizes population equality.
  • Parliament's officers maintain order and impartiality.
  • The Parliamentary Budget Officer offers independent financial advice to Parliament.
  • Bills require three readings to progress through Parliament.
  • Resolutions express opinions, but aren't legislation.
  • Scrutiny of public expenditure is a safeguard against wasteful spending.
  • Parliament operates with distinct government and opposition roles, generating debate.
  • Standing committees address specialized public policy areas.
  • Senate prioritizes representation for diverse regions.
  • Senators maintain properties and reside in their provinces.
  • The Prime Minister selects Senators, who are not elected.
  • Senate's prestige has declined due to non-elective appointment.
  • Proposals for Senate reform include changes to selection methods.
  • Arguments for abolishing the Senate are made.
  • Less populated regions seek adequate representation.
  • Proposals exist for transforming the Senate into an elected body.
  • The confidence convention necessitates cabinet support from most MPs.
  • Votes can act as tests of the government's position.
  • Votes may be free votes, allowing MPs decisions based on individual beliefs.
  • Party discipline can motivate loyalty through official cabinet positions.
  • Sanctions like reduced committee assignments are used for non-compliance.
  • Three-line votes compel support for government's key policies.
  • One-line mandates free voting.
  • Two-line votes require party counsel, but allow free voting.
  • Householder news provides updates on MP activities.
  • Open-by-default policy encourages transparency and public access.
  • The McGraith Committee reviewed confidence conventions and proposed reforms.
  • Canada's multi-party system has affected party unity since the 1920s.
  • MPs balance constituency demands and personal views.
  • Ideological clarity often results from party adherence.
  • Political discipline features prominently in Canadian politics.
  • Affiliation benefits often accrue to MPs backing the winning party.
  • Public perception shapes the voting behaviour of elected members.

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Explore the intricacies of Canada's representative democracy through this quiz. Learn about the roles of Members of Parliament, the models of representation, and the significance of party alignment. Test your understanding of how inclusivity and accountability shape Canada's political landscape.

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