PPA 120 Notes

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Questions and Answers

What essential structure does a constitution provide in a political regime?

A detailed description of political parties

A guide for electoral processes

A set of rules establishing rights of individuals

A framework outlining governance processes and principles (correct)

Which of the following statements accurately describes the 7/50 rule in Canada's amending formula?

It needs consent from 7 provinces with at least 50% of the total population. (correct)

It necessitates unanimous consent from all provinces.

It applies only to changes concerning federal laws.

It requires approval from all provinces regardless of population.

Which fundamental right is NOT included in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms?

Mobility rights

Freedom of expression

Social rights like education (correct)

Equality rights

What is the purpose of Section 1 in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms?

To outline criteria for limiting rights in certain situations Signup and view all the answers

Which clause allows governments to override certain Charter rights temporarily?

The Notwithstanding Clause Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Senate have regarding amendments to the Canadian Constitution?

The Senate can veto some changes for 180 days. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of constitutional law was established by the Constitution Act of 1867?

A parliamentary system of government Signup and view all the answers

Which democratic right is guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms?

The right to vote and run for office Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Privy Council Office play in the Canadian government?

Supports the Cabinet and the PM in policy advice Signup and view all the answers

In the U.S. electoral system, how many votes are needed to win the Presidency?

270 electoral college votes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a limit on the Prime Minister's power in Canada?

Majority government Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the difference between U.S. and Canadian elections?

Canadians vote for Members of Parliament, not the Prime Minister directly Signup and view all the answers

What was a key topic during Biden’s visit to Canada in 2023?

Commitments to NORAD and NATO Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic showed the highest support for Trump among Canadians in 2024?

Younger men (ages 18-34) Signup and view all the answers

What concern does Canada have regarding potential changes in U.S. immigration policy post-2024 election?

Fear of mass deportations impacting Canadian immigration Signup and view all the answers

How many total electoral college votes are there in the U.S. electoral system?

538 votes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of the Senate's appointment process introduced by Trudeau in 2015?

It emphasizes merit-based and non-partisan criteria. Signup and view all the answers

How many seats are there in the Canadian Senate?

105 Signup and view all the answers

What does the role of the Governor General primarily entail?

Performing ceremonial duties and representing the Crown Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of Canada's parliamentary system?

The Prime Minister is the head of state. Signup and view all the answers

What recent concern is highlighted regarding the political climate in Canada?

Growing incivility in politics. Signup and view all the answers

Which group in the Canadian government has the role of balancing power among members of Parliament?

The Reform Act Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of the Cabinet in the Canadian government?

To hold executive and legislative powers. Signup and view all the answers

What has been a recent topic of discussion in Canada's legislature regarding political behavior?

The growing obstruction in parliamentary proceedings. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant shift in Canada's immigration policy introduced in 1967?

Transition from race-based criteria to merit-based selection. Signup and view all the answers

Which act established multiculturalism as a key component of Canadian law?

Multiculturalism Act of 1988 Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of racialized individuals reported experiencing discrimination, according to recent statistics?

50% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of government represented in the House of Commons?

Judicial government Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Speaker of the House play in the Canadian Parliament?

Maintains order and oversees debates. Signup and view all the answers

Which event established clearer rules for Quebec sovereignty referendums?

Clarity Act of 2000 Signup and view all the answers

As of Fall 2021, what percentage of Members of Parliament (MPs) in Canada are women?

30% Signup and view all the answers

What was the trend regarding hate crimes in Canada from 2021 to 2022?

Increased by 7%, with a focus on race-related crimes. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary objective of the Indian Act of 1876?

To assimilate Indigenous people into Canadian society Signup and view all the answers

Which section of the Constitution Act of 1982 recognizes and affirms the existing rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada?

Section 35 Signup and view all the answers

What does Article 10 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) emphasize regarding relocation?

Relocation must involve consent and fair compensation. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) issue in 2015?

94 Calls to Action Signup and view all the answers

What was concluded by the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Inquiry?

Violence against Indigenous women and girls is a genocide. Signup and view all the answers

Which challenge to reconciliation involves persistent superiority attitudes over Indigenous peoples?

Paternalism Signup and view all the answers

What did the 2016 Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruling determine regarding Indigenous children?

Canada was guilty of discrimination against them. Signup and view all the answers

What is often used to justify overriding Indigenous rights, according to challenges to reconciliation outlined by the Yellowhead Institute?

Public Interest Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'Representation by Population' ensure?

That every vote has equal weight in the election process. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the 'Winner-Takes-All' electoral system?

The candidate with the highest votes wins, regardless of majority. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key disadvantage of the First Past the Post (FPTP) electoral system?

It allows candidates to win without an overall majority of votes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a Mixed Electoral System?

A system that combines features of both FPTP and PR. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Canadian elections, what does the term 'District Magnitude' refer to?

The number of representatives elected per electoral district. Signup and view all the answers

In a hypothetical election where the yellow party wins all seats with only 33% of the popular vote, what does this illustrate about the FPTP system?

It may lead to significant underrepresentation of minority parties. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern Canadians have regarding the 2024 U.S. presidential election outcomes?

The potential for increased violence and democratic unrest. Signup and view all the answers

How is the concept of 'Popular Vote' defined in the context of elections?

The percentage of votes each party receives across all constituencies. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Week 2

A constitution establishes a political regime's structure and principles.
There are three types of constitutional law.
The Constitution Act of 1867 (BNA Act of 1867) established a parliamentary system of government, based on the United Kingdom's model.
Pierre Trudeau played a crucial role in the era of "mega-constitutional" politics.
Events like the Kitchen Accord and Night of Long Knives impacted constitutional development.
Canada's amending procedure (the 7/50 rule) requires approval from 7 provinces representing 50% of the population.
Unanimity is needed to alter the Queen's role or the amending formula.
Federal/provincial government boundary changes require specific approval.
Federal governments manage the executive branch.
Provincial governments manage their own constitutions.
Senate has a 180-day "suspensive veto" over some changes.
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects fundamental rights, like expression, religion and assembly.
Rights also include democratic rights, mobility rights, and legal rights.
Equality rights, language rights, and minority language education rights are also protected.
Social rights, such as education, housing, and employment aren't included in the Charter.
Section 1 allows for reasonable limits on rights in a free and democratic society.

Week 2 (continued)

The Oakes test (R. v. Oakes [1986]) establishes a two-part test; the importance of the law and whether the law is proportionate to its objective.
The notwithstanding clause (Section 33) allows government to temporarily override certain charter rights for up to five years.

Week 3

Indigenous/Aboriginal Peoples encompass First Nations, Metis, and Inuit.
First Nations are Indigenous peoples, without including Inuit and Metis.
Haudenosaunee include Mohawk and Cayuga.
Anishinaabe include Ojibwe and Odawa.
Inuit/Inuk are Indigenous peoples of the Arctic regions.
Treaty of Niagara (1764) established a relationship between the Crown and Indigenous nations.
The BNA Act of 1867 gave the federal government control over Indigenous lands.
The Indian Act of 1876 aimed for Indigenous assimilation.
Section 25 of the Constitution Act ensures Indigenous/treaty rights are protected from eroding with other rights.
Section 35 of the Constitution Act confirms and acknowledges Indigenous rights within Canada.
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) has been ratified by Canada.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) issued 94 Calls to Action for reconciliation.
Jordan's Principle ensures First Nation children have equal access to public services.
The film "Jordan River Anderson - The Messenger" examines the issues surrounding the principle.
Neoliberal policies have decreased overall equalization transfers.
Equalization payments (1957/1982) ensure that all provinces have sufficient funds for public services.

Week 4

Unity and Diversity describes the duality of a unified national identity alongside Canada's diverse population.
The diverse population is examined through language, ethnicity, race, gender, and immigration.
Quebec's nationalism, including the Quiet Revolution (1960s) changed societal views towards secularism.
Bill 101 (1977) established French as the official language in Quebec.
Historical racism and earlier immigration acts, such as the Chinese Immigration Act and Japanese Internment Camps influenced policies.
The Immigration Act of 1967 moved towards a points-based merit-based system for immigration.
Immigration categories include skilled workers, family members, and refugees.
Canada officially adopted multiculturalism in 1971 and established an Act (1988) to support cultural preservation and combat discrimination.

Week 5

Canada's Parliament has a bicameral structure, with the House of Commons and the Senate.
Both Houses must pass legislation for it to be enacted by the Crown.
The government needs to maintain majority support to stay in office.
The Speaker of the House maintains order in the House of Commons.
MPs (Members of Parliament) represent constituencies based on population.
The Senate has 105 seats regionally distributed.
The current, 2021 representation includes diverse demographics, with 30% women and 16% visible minorities among MPs.
Hyper-Partisanship is increasing in Canadian political discourse.
Modern MPs are experiencing increased incivility.

Week 7

Canada's executive system is characterized by a parliamentary system and responsible governance.
The formal executive includes the constitutional monarchy (the Queen, Governor General, and Privy Council).
The governor general represents the Crown, having ceremonial duties, such as reading the Speech from the Throne.
The Prime Minister (PM) leads the political executive, shaping the government's agenda.
The Reform Act (2014) sought to better distribute power between MPs and party leaders.
The Governor in Council refers to policies enacted under constitutional authority.
Cabinet is composed of PM and ministers.
PM appointments include senators, Supreme Court justices, etc.
Prime Minister's power is limited by factors like federalism, public opinion, and minority governments.
Bureaucracy and central agencies, such as the Prime Minister's Office, Privy Council Office, and Treasury Board, support and assist the executive function.

Week 8

The U.S. uses an electoral college system for electing presidents.
The U.S. President is elected by electoral college vote, whereby each state votes for a candidate.
Canada and U.S. presidential elections differ with respect to how they are held.
U.S. citizens vote directly for their president(s), while in Canada, voters elect Members of Parliament (MPs).
Canada and U.S. relations have continued to be pertinent historically.

Week 9

Elected representatives include Members of Parliament (MPs) in the House of Commons and Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) in provincial legislatures.
Electoral districts are called constituencies or ridings.
Representation by population (or "one person, one vote") means equal representation in the number of people within each riding.
The popular vote is the total percentage of votes a party receives across all constituencies.
District magnitude is the number of elected representatives per district (Canada = 1 per riding).
Electoral systems like Proportional Representation (PR) distribute seats in proportion to the popular vote.
Winner-takes-all (plurality/majority) systems, like First-Past-The-Post (FPTP), allocate seats according to the candidate's plurality.
Mixed systems combine elements of FPTP and PR.

Week 10

Good governance promotes representation, participation, inclusivity, equality, legitimacy.
91% of men and 86% of women globally hold biases against women in politics, economics, and other fields.
Canada has underrepresentation of women in positions of power.
Historical trends show an increasing representation of women in Parliament since 1974.

Week 11

Electoral system advantages & disadvantages
Electoral system pros and cons, including Proportional Representation and First Past The Post
Electoral system comparison
Canada and U.S. comparisons

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Description

This quiz covers essential concepts of constitutional law as outlined in the second week of your studies. Key topics include the structure and principles established by the Constitution Act of 1867, the types of constitutional law, and Canada’s amending procedures. Understand the significant events and figures that shaped Canada's constitutional framework.