Introduction to Politics and Democracy
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the seating plan in the House of Commons?

  • It outlines the rules of parliamentary procedure.
  • It lists the bills that will be discussed.
  • It shows where each party sits to facilitate debate. (correct)
  • It determines the salaries of the MPs.

What is a private member's bill?

  • A bill introduced by government officials only.
  • A bill that does not require a debate.
  • A bill proposed by someone not part of the government. (correct)
  • A bill that all party members must vote on unanimously.

Why is a majority government able to pass its important bills easily?

  • They have the support of every MP.
  • They are allowed to bypass the Senate review process.
  • They control the agenda of all parliamentary discussions.
  • They have more than half of the seats needed for voting. (correct)

What happens if a vote of non-confidence is passed?

<p>The parliament no longer supports the government in power. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order of the steps a bill must take before becoming a law?

<p>First Reading, Second Reading, Committee Stage, Report Stage, Third Reading, Senate Review, Royal Assent. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What title is given to elected officials at the provincial level in the legislative branch?

<p>MLA (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main issue with the first Canadian constitution established in 1867?

<p>It was created in Britain. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which legislative branch is responsible for enforcing laws?

<p>Executive (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'patriated' refer to regarding the Canadian constitution in 1982?

<p>Bringing home the constitution. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a legislature with two chambers?

<p>Bicameral (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the official opposition in Canada’s government?

<p>To find fault with the government. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for something to be 'entrenched' in the constitution?

<p>It is a part of the constitution. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does democracy primarily value?

<p>People's opinions and voting (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one power of the judicial branch within government?

<p>Interpreting laws. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes an interventionist government from an individualistic government?

<p>An individualistic government permits self-governance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is Canada not considered a direct democracy?

<p>It is too chaotic and time-consuming (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential for people in a democracy to be educated?

<p>To prevent misunderstandings during voting (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines a representative democracy?

<p>A structure where individuals vote for representatives (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by a 'federal system'?

<p>A structure involving shared power (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the municipal government in Canada?

<p>Local city management (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the eight important aspects of representative democracy?

<p>Affluent lobby groups (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are political parties more likely to be near the center of the economic spectrum in a two-party system?

<p>They aim to represent the majority of voters. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a lobby group?

<p>To influence government decisions on specific issues. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major concern regarding the role of lobbyists?

<p>They can exert excessive influence over government decisions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'suffrage' refer to?

<p>The right to vote in elections. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Canada experience relatively low voter turnout?

<p>Some people feel their vote does not matter or they are too busy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a periodic election and a fixed-date election?

<p>A periodic election is called at the government's discretion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'first past the post' mean in electoral terms?

<p>The candidate with the most votes in a single riding wins. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary disadvantage of opinion polls?

<p>They can be biased and not represent views accurately. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Canadian senators from American senators?

<p>Canadian senators are appointed while American senators are elected. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the head of state in Canada?

<p>To perform ceremonial duties and uphold constitutional responsibilities. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does responsible government differ from the separation of powers in the U.S. government?

<p>Responsible government involves legislative control over the prime minister, unlike in the U.S. system. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes party solidarity?

<p>Members of a political party unite to support specific decisions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason that candidates often do not run as independent candidates in Canada?

<p>They do not have the resources or visibility that major parties have. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the role of a civil servant?

<p>They work within a department of a country's government. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What focus does the Supreme Court have in the judicial system?

<p>To address appeals that have already been decided by lower courts. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential for the courts to maintain independence?

<p>To protect citizens' rights and ensure fair trials. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Democracy

A government system where citizens have the power to choose their leaders through voting, ensuring their voices are heard and represented.

Interventionist Government

A government that believes in complete control over all aspects of society, making all decisions for the people.

Individualistic Government

A government that allows individuals to make their own choices and decisions, with limited government intervention.

Direct Democracy

A system where citizens directly vote on laws and policies, without representatives.

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Representative Democracy

A system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

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Power of the Purse

The ability of a government to raise and spend money to support its programs and services.

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Federal System

A system where government power is shared between different levels: federal, provincial, and municipal.

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Lobby Groups

A group of people who advocate for a specific cause or interest, trying to influence government decisions.

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Head of State vs. Head of Government

The head of state has ceremonial duties and represents the country, but has no political power. The head of government leads the government and makes decisions.

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Constitutional Monarchy vs. Republic

A constitutional monarchy has a king or queen as the head of state, while a republic elects a president as the head of state.

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What is a Cabinet Minister?

A cabinet minister is a member of the government who is responsible for a specific area of policy, like health or education.

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What is a Civil Servant?

A civil servant works for the government, carrying out the policies decided by elected officials.

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What is Responsible Government?

It means the government is accountable to the elected legislature. The Prime Minister and cabinet are responsible to Parliament.

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What are Political Parties?

Political parties are groups of people who share similar ideas about how a country should be run and work together to get elected.

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What is Party Solidarity?

Members of a political party tend to vote together and support their party's policies.

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Why do most Canadians not vote for independent candidates?

Independent candidates are people who run for office without belonging to a political party. They often lack the resources and support of larger parties.

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What is a constitution?

The highest law in a country, outlining how the government works and makes decisions.

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What was the first Canadian constitution and its issue?

The first constitution of Canada, established in 1867, that was created in Britain and required permission for changes.

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What is a constitutional amending formula?

A set of rules that dictate how to change or amend a constitution, ensuring a majority of the provinces agree to any changes.

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What does 'patriating' the constitution mean?

When Canada gained control over its own constitution in 1982, bringing home the legal authority to govern itself.

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What does it mean when something is 'entrenched' in a constitution?

Laws or principles that are firmly established within a constitution, making it difficult or impossible to change them.

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Why did Montesquieu advocate for three branches of government?

The separation of government powers into three distinct branches: legislative, executive, and judicial, each limiting the power of the others.

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What does 'bicameral' mean and how is it used in Canadian government?

A system of government that uses two chambers or houses for legislation, the Senate (upper) and the House of Commons (lower).

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Why is seating arrangement in the House of Commons significant?

The party with the most seats in the House of Commons, forming the governing body and leading the country.

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Lobbyist

People hired by lobby groups to talk to the government and push their ideas.

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Suffrage

The right to vote in elections.

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Periodic election

An election where the government decides when to hold it.

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Fixed-date election

An election that happens on a fixed schedule, like every four years.

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First-past-the-post voting system

The candidate with the most votes in a riding wins.

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Proportional representation

A system designed to ensure the number of seats in government reflects the proportion of votes a party receives.

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Why are political parties more likely to be near the center of the economic spectrum in a two-party system?

Political parties in a two-party system often move towards the center of the economic spectrum to appeal to a wider range of voters.

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What is a bill?

A bill is a proposed law, like an idea for a new rule.

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What is a private member's bill?

A private member's bill is a bill introduced by an MP who is not part of the government.

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What is a vote of non-confidence?

A vote of non-confidence means Parliament doesn't trust the government anymore, and they might have to resign or call an election.

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Why does a majority government always get their bills passed?

A majority government has more than half the seats in Parliament, meaning they always have enough votes to pass their bills.

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How does the seating plan in the House of Commons relate to making laws?

The seating plan in the House of Commons shows where each party sits, with the government on one side and the opposition on the other, making it easier to debate.

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Study Notes

Introduction to Politics

  • Democracy values people's opinions, allowing them to vote on government decisions.
  • Interventionist governments make all decisions, while individualistic governments allow citizens to make their own choices.
  • Right-wing and left-wing governments are confusing because ideologies overlap.
  • Canadians support democratic government due to varied reasons (not specified).

Democracy

  • Athens, Greece was the first direct democracy, where people voted directly.
  • Canada cannot be a direct democracy due to logistical issues (time and chaos).
  • Education and clear communication are vital for informed democratic participation.
  • Representative democracy involves people choosing representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Representative Democracy

  • Eight essential elements protect rights in representative democracy: secret ballot, elections, political parties, lobby groups, independent courts, press, representation by population, and power of the purse.
  • Federal system means shared power among levels for effective diversity management.
  • Canada has three levels of government: federal (central), municipal (city), and provincial (region). Each has specific responsibilities (economy, city services, resource development, and education respectively).
  • Different titles denote elected officials for each government level (MLA, MP, Alderman).

The Constitution

  • A constitution is the highest law, guiding government decisions.
  • Canada's first constitution was the British North America Act (BNA Act) of 1867.
  • The BNA Act gave Britain power over Canada's domestic matters.
  • The Statute of Westminster changed this power distribution.
  • The 1982 constitution amendment was important for Canada to manage domestic affairs.
  • An amending formula in the Constitution requires consensus from 7 provinces or 50% support for changing it.

Branches of Government

  • Montesquieu advocated for three branches of government (legislative, executive, and judicial) to prevent power concentration.
  • Legislative writes the laws, Executive enforces them, and Judicial interprets them.
  • Different officials lead each branch (e.g., the prime minister leads the executive).
  • Constitutional monarchy contrasts with republics, with a queen or king as head of state versus elected representatives.
  • Prime ministers are elected through parliamentary seats.
  • Cabinet ministers have specific responsibilities (portfolios).
  • Civil servants work for the government in various departments.
  • Responsible government means the executive is responsible for its actions, including potential resignation.

Political Parties

  • Political parties are groups sharing similar political ideas.
  • Party solidarity refers to their mutual support and shared decisions.
  • Independent candidates face less media attention and resources in Canada than established parties.
  • Major Canadian parties (Liberals, Conservatives, NDP, Green Party, Bloc Québécois) span differing economic spectrum positions.
  • Bi-partisan systems tend to be more centered on the political spectrum in economic terms..

Elections

  • Suffrage is the right to vote.
  • Voting rights expanded in Canada over time.
  • Voter turnout in Canada is relatively low.
  • Electors make decisions for regions or constituencies instead of all citizens making decisions themselves.
  • Fixed-date voting schedules prevent political interference.

How laws are Created

  • Bills are proposed laws.
  • Private members introduce legislation independent of government.
  • Majority governments pass bills more smoothly due to sufficient support.
  • A vote of no-confidence can lead to a government being removed and potentially an election.
  • Bills progress through stages before becoming laws (First Reading, Second Reading, Committee Stage, Report Stage, Third Reading, Senate Review, and Royal Assent).
  • Proportional representation system divides political seats in correlation to the percentage of votes they earn.

Media and Lobby Groups

  • Lobby groups aim to influence government policy through communication with politicians and the public.
  • Lobbyists are hired to advocate for specific groups or interests.
  • A free press is important for informed public engagement in democracy, though bias remains a concern.

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Description

Explore the essential elements of political systems, focusing on the characteristics of democracy, including direct versus representative models. Understand the significance of citizens' participation and the structure of governance in Canada. This quiz delves into the complexities of political ideologies and democratic frameworks.

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