Levels of Government in Canada

Levels of Government

• Canada has three levels of government: federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal.
• Different levels of government exist to efficiently divide responsibilities. Federal government handles national issues (like defence). Provincial/territorial (e.g education, healthcare). Municipal (e.g. local services - sewer systems, garbage collection).

Federal Government Responsibilities

• National defence, criminal law, foreign policy, currency.

Provincial/Territorial Government Responsibilities

• Education, healthcare, provincial highways, natural resources.

Municipal Government Responsibilities

• Waste management, local roads, parks, libraries.

Public Officials in Canada

• Federal: Prime Minister
• Provincial/Territorial: Premier
• Municipal: Mayor

Political Perspective

• A political perspective is an individual's way of thinking about politics and specific issues.

Political Spectrum

• The political spectrum is a way to categorize political viewpoints.
• Two main scales: Left-Right.

Left and Right on the Spectrum

• Left: Emphasizes equality, social programs, and government intervention. Example - NDP
• Right: Prioritizes individual liberty, limited government, and free markets. Example - Conservative Party

Canadian Political Parties in the House of Commons

• Five parties: Conservative Party, Liberal Party, Bloc Québécois, NDP, Green Party

Aligning with a Political Perspective

• (This cannot be answered without knowing the student's perspective).

Rights vs. Responsibilities

• Rights are entitlements, responsibilities are duties.

Universal Suffrage

• Universal suffrage means the right to vote for all.
• Historically excluded groups: Women, Indigenous peoples.

Autocratic vs. Democratic Governments

• Autocratic (Authoritarian): Power concentrated in a single person or small group; little to no input from the public. Example: North Korea
• Democratic: Power is shared and decisions are made through consultation; input from the public is key. Example: Canada

Importance of Voting

• Voting matters because it allows citizens to have a voice in the government and shape the future of society. It ensures accountability and promotes meaningful participation in the democratic process.

Steps to Improve Voter Turnout Since 1961

• (List requires specific details about particular steps, which would need an exact source.)

Voter Turnout by Age

• Voter turnout is typically higher among older age groups.

Improving Youth Voter Turnout

• Ways to improve youth voter turnout need to include steps to ensure young people are aware of the importance and accessibility of voting.

First Past the Post Electoral System

• In First-Past-the-Post, the candidate with the most votes wins and is selected for the position.
• Issue: It can lead to low representation for minor parties.

This quiz explores the three levels of government in Canada: federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal. It covers their respective responsibilities and the public officials associated with each level. Enhance your understanding of the political structure and functions within Canada.