Government Systems Week 6
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Questions and Answers

What defines a majority government in a parliamentary system?

  • It needs to collaborate with other parties to pass legislation.
  • It holds exactly half the seats in the legislature.
  • It holds more than half of the seats in the legislature. (correct)
  • It is elected for a term shorter than four years.

    • What is a non-confidence motion?

  • A parliamentary vote to determine if the government still has the support of the members. (correct)
  • A vote of confidence in support of the ruling government.
  • A mandate requiring all members to support the government's agenda.
  • A measure to ensure the ruling party's policies pass without hindrance.

    • Which characteristic is typical of a minority government?

  • It is characterized by absolute control over all parliamentary decisions.
  • It can pass legislation without needing support from other parties.
  • It risks losing confidence votes and unwanted early elections. (correct)
  • It enjoys extended tenure of more than four years.

    • Which of the following best describes the House of Commons?

    <p>It is the elected lower chamber where laws are debated and passed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary function of Senators in Canada?

    <p>To serve as independent experts in reviewing proposed legislation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the significance of the Supreme Court ruling in R.v. Morgentaler (1988)?

    <p>It deemed certain abortion laws as unconstitutional.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes public policy?

    <p>It includes actions or principles aimed at addressing social issues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which section of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms primarily protects Indigenous rights?

    <p>Section 35</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which form of government is plebiscitary democracy typically seen?

    <p>Often utilized in totalitarian regimes to legitimize authority.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key feature of referendums?

    <p>They allow citizens to vote on specific policy issues or laws.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Notwithstanding Clause allow Canadian legislatures to do?

    <p>Suspend certain Charter rights for a specific law.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT classified as a type of law in Canada?

    <p>Theocratic law</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What principle was reinforced in the Supreme Court ruling regarding Quebec's secession?

    <p>The balance among democracy, federalism, and constitutionalism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what case did the Supreme Court establish a framework for interpreting Aboriginal rights?

    <p>R.v. Sparrow (1990)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the notwithstanding clause in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms allow federal or provincial governments to do?

    <p>Temporarily override certain charter rights</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary aim of an assimilation policy in relation to minority populations?

    <p>To integrate minority populations into the dominant culture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following interactions is associated with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms?

    <p>It guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms for individuals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which section of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms specifically addresses language rights?

    <p>Section 16</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the purpose of the Meech Lake Accord in 1987?

    <p>To gain Quebec's approval of the constitutional act</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of law primarily regulates actions and decisions of government entities?

    <p>Administrative law</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What safeguards does the Charter of Rights and Freedoms provide to ensure equality rights?

    <p>Protection against discrimination</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concept describes the social and economic progress of a society measured by life expectancy and education levels?

    <p>Human Development Index</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following laws is NOT established by legislative bodies like Parliament?

    <p>Common law</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A coup D'état is a gradual overthrow of government typically carried out by a large group.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Policymaking is solely concerned with the implementation of actions without identifying problems.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Guerrilla warfare is a strategy that relies on large-scale conventional forces to engage the enemy.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Alternative Rights movements advocate for nationalism and are often organized through online platforms.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cultural perspectives in policymaking focus solely on economic benefits and cost considerations.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Notwithstanding Clause allows for the permanent infringement of certain charter rights by governments.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Meech Lake Accord of 1987 included provisions that increased federal power over immigration.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Human Development Index (HDI) is a measure created by Canada to assess a country's overall development.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Modernization theory posits that societies transition from modern to traditional systems.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Administrative law regulates the actions and decisions of private individuals and entities.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Constitution of Canada does not include protections for mobility rights.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Common law is primarily based on legislative statutes enacted by parliament.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The distinct society clause in the Meech Lake Accord recognizes Quebec as a unique province within Canada.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A majority government requires the ruling party to hold more than half the seats in the legislature to function independently.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A non-confidence motion can lead to the resignation of the government if it receives majority support.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Senators in Canada are elected representatives.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Legislative power allows senators to initiate major legislation, including budget and taxation laws.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Minority governments require significant negotiation and compromise to pass legislation.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Public policy serves as a guide for government decision-making to tackle social issues.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Plebiscitary democracy is characterized by citizens voting directly on legislation and government decisions.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The House of Commons is an appointed chamber in a parliamentary system.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A theocratic dictatorship is governed by military leaders who implement policies based on military law.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Plebiscitary democracy emphasizes indirect citizen involvement in decision-making processes.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a hegemonic party regime, opposition parties are completely banned from operating.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Assimilation policy aims to integrate minority populations by preserving their distinct languages and identities.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Military dictatorship involves political control by military authorities without a puppet government.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Referendums are a method for electing representatives in a parliamentary system.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Supreme Court of Canada ruling in R.V. Sparrow established a framework for interpreting Aboriginal rights.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The notwithstanding clause in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms allows governments to override court decisions that violate individual rights.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does a majority government achieve stability in passing legislation?

    <p>A majority government achieves stability by holding more than half the seats in the legislature, allowing it to pass laws without needing support from other parties.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a coup D'état and how does it typically differ from other forms of government overthrow?

    <p>A coup D'état is a sudden and often illegal seizure of government power typically carried out by a small group, often involving military forces.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe the significance of a non-confidence motion in parliamentary systems.

    <p>A non-confidence motion signifies whether the ruling government still has parliamentary support, and if it fails, the government must resign or call for an election.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Define policymaking and explain its importance in addressing social needs.

    <p>Policymaking is the process where governments identify issues, develop solutions, and implement actions to address social needs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain how alternative rights movements differ from traditional human rights movements.

    <p>Alternative rights movements promote nationalism and anti-immigration views, often opposing multiculturalism, distinguishing them from broader human rights movements.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between the roles of majority and minority governments?

    <p>A majority government governs independently, while a minority government relies on support from other parties to pass legislation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain the primary function of the House of Commons in a parliamentary system.

    <p>The primary function of the House of Commons is to serve as the elected lower chamber where members debate, pass laws, and represent the public.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is guerrilla warfare, and what strategies are typically employed in this form of combat?

    <p>Guerrilla warfare is an irregular form of warfare where small, mobile groups use tactics like sabotage and hit-and-run attacks against larger traditional military forces.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of public policy, what are the varying perspectives of analysis mentioned, and how do they differ?

    <p>The varying perspectives of public policy analysis include rational, political, cultural, initiation, and economic perspectives, each focusing on different factors like evidence, power dynamics, societal values, government structure, and cost-benefit considerations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the powers and limitations of a senator in Canada?

    <p>Senators in Canada provide independent oversight and review legislation, but they cannot initiate major legislation such as budgets or taxation laws.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Identify the key elements that characterize public policy.

    <p>Public policy consists of actions or principles adopted by a government aimed at addressing social issues and achieving specific goals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do plebiscitary democracy and referendums empower citizens?

    <p>Plebiscitary democracy allows citizens to vote directly on legislation, while referendums enable public votes on specific issues, enhancing direct involvement in governance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Discuss the objectives of an assimilation policy regarding minority populations.

    <p>An assimilation policy aims to integrate minority populations into the dominant culture while often disregarding their distinct languages and identities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes a personal dictatorship from a military dictatorship?

    <p>A personal dictatorship is ruled by a single individual with significant individual power, while a military dictatorship is controlled by military leaders who exercise political authority.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain how plebiscitary democracy enhances citizen involvement in governance.

    <p>Plebiscitary democracy allows citizens to vote directly on specific issues through mechanisms like referendums, thereby facilitating greater engagement in decision-making.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does a hegemonic party regime systematically disadvantage opposition parties?

    <p>In a hegemonic party regime, the dominant party maintains control over political processes, creating barriers that prevent opposition parties from gaining real power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe the implications of the Notwithstanding Clause in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

    <p>The Notwithstanding Clause permits federal or provincial governments to enact legislation that may contravene certain rights within the Charter, essentially allowing temporary exemptions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What core principle was reinforced by the Supreme Court in the R.V. Sparrow case regarding Indigenous rights?

    <p>The R.V. Sparrow case established a framework for interpreting and protecting Aboriginal rights under Section 35 of the Constitution Act 1982.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what ways does assimilation policy impact Indigenous populations?

    <p>Assimilation policy impacts Indigenous populations by attempting to integrate them into the dominant culture, often erasing their distinct languages, traditions, and identities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do referendums play in a democratic society?

    <p>Referendums serve as a direct voting mechanism through which the electorate can express their views on specific proposals or policies, influencing legislative outcomes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Identify one major Supreme Court ruling that addressed the federal-provincial relationship in Canada.

    <p>The Reference re Secession of Quebec (1998) clarified the legal framework for provinces regarding secession, emphasizing democracy and the rule of law.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary aim of the modernization theory in relation to societal development?

    <p>The modernization theory suggests that societies progress through various stages of economic, political, and cultural development, transitioning from traditional to modern systems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which clause in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms allows for governmental interruption of certain rights, and under what section is it found?

    <p>The notwithstanding clause, found in Section 33 of the Charter, allows governments to temporarily override certain charter rights.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Identify the two main rights included under Canada's legal framework that protect against discrimination, and explain their significance.

    <p>Equality rights and legal rights are protected against discrimination, ensuring fairness and justice for all individuals under Canadian law.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain the provisions regarding the distinct society clause as outlined in the Meech Lake Accord.

    <p>The distinct society clause recognizes Quebec as a distinct society within Canada and grants enhanced provincial powers over immigration and judicial appointments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Define civil law and its primary role in the judicial system.

    <p>Civil law governs private disputes between individuals or entities, primarily focused on resolving grievances and ensuring justice.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Human Development Index (HDI) measure, and why is it an essential tool for assessing a country's progress?

    <p>The HDI measures societal progress by combining indicators of life expectancy, education levels, and income, reflecting overall human development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe the main difference between statutory law and common law in the context of the Canadian legal system.

    <p>Statutory law is enacted by legislative bodies like Parliament, while common law is based on judicial decisions and precedents established by courts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What implications did the Meech Lake Accord have on the amendment rules for constitutional changes?

    <p>The Meech Lake Accord proposed changes to how constitutional amendments are made, giving provinces more input and power in the process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Week 6

    • Majority Government: The ruling party holds more than half the seats in the legislature, allowing them to govern without needing support from other parties.
    • Non-confidence Motion: A parliamentary vote to decide if members still support the ruling government. Failure of this vote results in resignation or election.
    • Majority Government Characteristics:
    • Seats Held: The ruling party holds more than half the seats
    • Stability: Able to implement policies without support from other parties
    • Efficiency: Can implement policies and fulfill its agenda effectively
    • Accountability: Solely accountable for government actions
    • Longevity: Typically lasts a full term unless extraordinary circumstances arise.
    • Minority Government Characteristics:
    • Seats Held: Holds less than half the seats and relies on other parties for support.
    • Instability: Risks losing confidence votes, potentially leading to early elections.
    • Negotiation: Requires collaboration and agreements to pass legislation or budgets.
    • Compromises: Policies often include concessions to gain support from other parties.
    • Shorter Lifespan: Typically shorter than a majority government due to potential variability.
    • House of Commons: The elected lower chamber in a parliamentary system. Members debate, pass laws, and represent the public.
    • Senator Characteristics:
    • Appointment: Appointed by the head of state, often on the advice of the PM, not elected.
    • Tenure: Serve until mandatory retirement age.
    • Regional Representatives: Represent specific regions and constituencies.
    • Legislative Oversight: Review, approve and amend legislation passed by lower Houses.
    • Independent Oversight: Provide non-partisan insight to ensure plans are in the public interest.
    • Limited Power: Cannot initiate major legislation like budgets or tax laws.

    Week 7

    • Public Policy: A set of actions or principles adopted by a government to address social issues and achieve specific goals.
    • Types of Dictatorship:
    • Absolute Monarchy: Ruled by a King or Queen with total power.
    • Personal Dictatorship: Ruled by a single individual with significant power.
    • Party Dictatorship: Government controlled by a single political party suppressing opposition.
    • Military Dictatorship: Military controls political authority.
    • Theocratic Dictatorship: Ruled by religious leaders or institutions.
    • Hegemonic Party Regime: A political system where a dominant party exists alongside opposition parties that are unable to gain power.
    • Plebiscitary Democracy: Political system emphasizing direct citizen involvement in decision-making, often via referendums.
    • Referendums: A direct vote where the entire electorate decides on a proposal or policy.
    • Assimilation Policy: Government strategy aiming to integrate minority or Indigenous populations into the dominant culture.

    Week 8

    • Supreme Court of Canada Rulings: Examples of rulings.
    • Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Rights and freedoms intended by the Charter.
    • Notwithstanding Clause: Section 33 of the Charter allowing federal or provincial governments to temporarily override certain charter rights.
    • Examples of Laws: Criminal law, civil law, administrative law, common law, statutory law, Indigenous law.
    • Meech Lake Accord (1987): Proposed constitutional amendment aimed at gaining Quebec's approval of the Constitution Act.
    • Distinct Society Clause: Recognizing Quebec as a distinct society within Canada.
    • Increased Provincial Powers: Grants increased authority to provinces in areas like immigration and appointments to the Senate and Supreme Court.
    • Amendment Rules: Defines the process for amending the constitution.
    • Opt-Out Provisions: Allow provinces to opt out of federal programs with compensation.

    Week 9

    • Modernization Theory: Framework for societal progress through stages of economic, political, and cultural development.
    • Electoral College: Body of representatives chosen by voters responsible for formally electing the president and vice-president.
    • Human Development Index (HDI): Combines indicators of life expectancy, education, and income to measure overall development.
    • Failed Development: Inability of a country or region to achieve sustainable economic growth, social progress, or improved living standards, often due to poor governance, corruption, conflict, or systemic inequalities.
    • Coup d'état: Sudden, unauthorized overthrow of the government.

    Week 10

    • Policymaking: The process by which governments identify problems, develop solutions, and implement actions to address needs.
    • Public Policy Perspectives: Different ways of analyzing and understanding how policies are created. (Rational, Political, Cultural, Initiation, Economic).
    • Solutions to Inequality: Strategies to address societal issues related to inequality. (Economic policies, Education, Employment, Social Safety Nets, Financial Regimes, Global Strategies)

    Week 11

    • Protests: Public demonstrations or actions taken to express opinions on issues.
    • Alt-Rights/Extremism: Far-right movement promoting nationalism, anti-immigration, opposition to multiculturalism.
    • Guerrilla Warfare: Irregular warfare tactics using small, mobile groups for sabotage and hit-and-run attacks.

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    Description

    This quiz covers the characteristics and implications of majority and minority governments. Learn about how these systems function in terms of stability, efficiency, and accountability. Explore key concepts such as non-confidence motions and their impact on governance.

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