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Questions and Answers
Which of the following responsibilities is solely held by the federal government?
Which of the following responsibilities is solely held by the federal government?
What is the main purpose of the legislative branch in Canada?
What is the main purpose of the legislative branch in Canada?
What is a primary source of revenue for modern news media?
What is a primary source of revenue for modern news media?
Which aspect of media operations does NOT fall under Noam Chomsky's Propaganda Model?
Which aspect of media operations does NOT fall under Noam Chomsky's Propaganda Model?
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Which statement accurately describes the House of Commons?
Which statement accurately describes the House of Commons?
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Which of the following is a responsibility shared by both federal and provincial governments?
Which of the following is a responsibility shared by both federal and provincial governments?
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What defines a majority government in the House of Commons?
What defines a majority government in the House of Commons?
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How is the Senate in Canada appointed?
How is the Senate in Canada appointed?
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What is one role of the Parliamentary Press Gallery?
What is one role of the Parliamentary Press Gallery?
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Which power is typically categorized under provincial responsibilities?
Which power is typically categorized under provincial responsibilities?
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How many ridings does Canada have for representation in the House of Commons?
How many ridings does Canada have for representation in the House of Commons?
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What is a characteristic of a minority government?
What is a characteristic of a minority government?
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Which of the following statements about freedom of the press is true?
Which of the following statements about freedom of the press is true?
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How does media ownership influence news reporting?
How does media ownership influence news reporting?
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What role does the Senate play regarding bills passed by the House of Commons?
What role does the Senate play regarding bills passed by the House of Commons?
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What benefits a unicameral legislature compared to a bicameral system?
What benefits a unicameral legislature compared to a bicameral system?
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What is the primary role of the Legislative Branch in Canada?
What is the primary role of the Legislative Branch in Canada?
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What must occur for a change to be made to the Canadian Constitution?
What must occur for a change to be made to the Canadian Constitution?
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Which of the following statements about the Governor General is true?
Which of the following statements about the Governor General is true?
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What is a significant feature of Canada’s Constitution?
What is a significant feature of Canada’s Constitution?
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Which of the following best describes Canada’s government structure?
Which of the following best describes Canada’s government structure?
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What is the function of the Judicial Branch in Canada?
What is the function of the Judicial Branch in Canada?
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What role does the Constitution play in Canada?
What role does the Constitution play in Canada?
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Why is it important that the Constitution is difficult to change?
Why is it important that the Constitution is difficult to change?
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What primary belief do members of the Left in Canada typically hold?
What primary belief do members of the Left in Canada typically hold?
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Why do lobbyists need to register with the Commissioner of Lobbyist?
Why do lobbyists need to register with the Commissioner of Lobbyist?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of the Right in Canada?
Which of the following is a characteristic of the Right in Canada?
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What is one major difference between Canada’s and the United States' political party systems?
What is one major difference between Canada’s and the United States' political party systems?
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Which requirement is stipulated by the Federal Accountability Act for lobbyists?
Which requirement is stipulated by the Federal Accountability Act for lobbyists?
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What role do lobbyists play in government decisions?
What role do lobbyists play in government decisions?
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Which demographic is typically more supportive of the Democrat Party in the United States?
Which demographic is typically more supportive of the Democrat Party in the United States?
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What is a key feature of the Republican Party's platform in the United States?
What is a key feature of the Republican Party's platform in the United States?
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How do political parties operate to influence government?
How do political parties operate to influence government?
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What characterizes the political alignment of parties around the world?
What characterizes the political alignment of parties around the world?
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What does the term 'ideology' refer to in the context of political parties?
What does the term 'ideology' refer to in the context of political parties?
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What might lead to controversy surrounding lobbyists?
What might lead to controversy surrounding lobbyists?
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Which political stance is generally associated with the New Democratic Party (NDP)?
Which political stance is generally associated with the New Democratic Party (NDP)?
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What is an example of a political party formed around a single issue?
What is an example of a political party formed around a single issue?
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What do political parties in Canada typically release after their caucus meetings?
What do political parties in Canada typically release after their caucus meetings?
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What is a common goal of political parties competing for votes?
What is a common goal of political parties competing for votes?
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What is a primary responsibility of citizens selected for jury duty?
What is a primary responsibility of citizens selected for jury duty?
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Under what condition can a citizen be excused from jury duty?
Under what condition can a citizen be excused from jury duty?
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What is the necessary decision-making process for jurors in a criminal trial?
What is the necessary decision-making process for jurors in a criminal trial?
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In which scenario might a jury not be involved in a legal case in Canada?
In which scenario might a jury not be involved in a legal case in Canada?
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What happens if the jurors cannot reach an agreement on a verdict?
What happens if the jurors cannot reach an agreement on a verdict?
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How does the jury's role differ between criminal and civil cases?
How does the jury's role differ between criminal and civil cases?
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What is the purpose of sequestering a jury during a trial?
What is the purpose of sequestering a jury during a trial?
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What does the term 'balance of probabilities' refer to in civil cases?
What does the term 'balance of probabilities' refer to in civil cases?
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Study Notes
Canadian Government
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Key Words:
- Bill: A proposed law presented to parliament.
- Constitution: Basic principles and laws of a nation, defining government powers and citizen rights.
- The Crown: The government (king/queen).
- Governor General: Represents the monarch in Canada.
- Royal Assent: Formal approval of a law by the monarch.
- Legislative Branch: Makes laws.
- Executive Branch: Enforces laws.
- Judicial Branch: Interprets laws.
- Popular Vote: Total support for a political party.
- Checks and Balances: System where each branch limits the power of others.
- Parliament: House of Commons and Senate.
- House of Commons: Elected representatives (lower chamber).
- Senate: Chosen representatives (upper chamber).
- The Cabinet: Advises the Prime Minister.
- Supreme Court: Highest court in Canada.
- Unitary: System where national government has complete power.
- Federalism: System where power is divided between levels of government.
- Dual Federalism: Levels have separate responsibilities.
- Corporative Federalism: Levels cooperate and work together.
- Propaganda: Biased information promoting a cause.
- Press/Media: News organizations and journalists.
- Lobbyists: Individuals hired to influence government officials.
- Ideology: System of beliefs about politics and economics.
- Caucus: Meeting of party members to determine strategy.
- Platform: Detailed list of a political party's goals.
- Sentencing: Official punishment determined by the court.
- Rehabilitate: Supporting positive behaviour change after incarceration.
- Reintegrate: Helping someone return to society after isolation.
- Individual Rights: Rights granted to each individual in a society.
Need for Government
- To provide social order.
- To enact and enforce laws.
- To protect citizens' freedoms and safety.
- To maintain infrastructure (roads, bridges).
- To engage in interactions with other countries.
Constitution
- A document outlining how government functions.
- Details how laws are made and limits of government power.
- Establishes fundamental freedoms and rights that cannot be taken away.
- Identifies roles and responsibilities of positions in government.
- Not a law itself but provides the framework.
- Canadian Constitution contains a Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Canadian Constitution
- Contains rights and freedoms (speech, religion).
- Unwritten parts based on UK precedent.
- This is established as unwritten rules that are based on assumptions.
- Difficult to amend to ensure stability.
- Amendments require federal government approval and support from at least 7 provinces representing over 50%.
The Crown (Canada)
- Historically, Canada was a British colony.
- The UK monarch is the source of Canadian sovereignty.
- The Governor General is the representative of the sovereign (monarch) in Canada.
- Queen of England appoints the Governor General for Canada who signs legislation.
- Governor General is the figurehead, with no real power.
Branches of Government
- Legislative: Creates laws.
- Executive: Enforces laws.
- Judicial: Interprets laws.
Checks and Balances
- These prevent any one branch from becoming overly powerful.
- Each branch has limits on the power of the other branches.
Legislative Branch
- Composed of two houses (bicameral):
- House of Commons: Elected representatives.
- Senate: Chosen representatives.
- Laws require approval by both chambers (over 50% in each).
- Parliament is the collective name for both houses.
House of Commons
- Canadian ridings have representatives (MPs).
- Each riding elects an MP to represent them.
Parties
- Majority government: One party holds over 50% of seats.
- Minority government: No party holds over 50% of seats, so cooperation is needed.
Senate
- Members are appointed by the Prime Minister.
- Senators serve for life, retiring at age 75.
- Representation is based on regions rather than population.
- The Senate safeguards minority groups.
Popular Vote vs. Seats in HOC
- Different systems for calculating votes.
- The "first-past-the-post" system means the winner in each riding gets the seat.
Executive Branch
- Enforces laws passed by the legislative branch.
- Overseen by the Prime Minister.
- Cabinet members report to the Prime Minister and are appointed from the same political party.
- The Prime Minister is chosen by the House of Commons.
Judicial Branch
- Interprets laws, ensuring they align with the constitution.
- Highest court is the Supreme Court.
- Selected justices, ensure fair decisions.
Federalism, Press, and Lobbyists
- Federalism: Divides authority between national, provincial, and local governments.
- Dual Federalism: Separated responsibilities.
- Corporative Federalism: Levels work together.
- Press: News organizations provide information.
- Lobbyists: Represent special interests, influence officials,
- and need to register.
Media
- Ownership: Media companies aim for profit and may favour policies benefiting them.
- Advertising: Media frequently rely on revenue from advertisements, influencing what is reported.
- Elite Media: Resources give access to news gathering/contacts.
- Flak: Critics are used to police and influence media content.
- Common Enemy Filters: Media create a common enemy to rally people's attention.
Political Parties
- Groups sharing political views.
- Seek to control government and pass laws.
- Left-leaning parties often favor greater equality and social programs.
- Right-leaning parties tend to favour limited government intervention.
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- Part of the Constitution.
- Protects fundamental freedoms and rights of all Canadians.
Jury Duty
- Purpose: Determine guilt or innocence in trials.
- Canadians must respond to summons for jury duty.
Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA)
- Special rules for youth offenders (aged 12–17).
- Helps avoid criminal records and promote rehabilitation and reintegration.
Advocacy Groups
- Organizations dedicated to supporting individuals accused of crimes.
- Providing a check on government power by reducing bias in justice.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the structure and responsibilities of the Canadian government, including the House of Commons and Senate. This quiz also explores the relationship between media operations and government influence, as well as the role of media in a democratic society.