Political Ideologies and Systems of Government

Political Ideologies

• Fascism: A far-right ideology characterized by authoritarianism, ultra-nationalism, a dictatorial leader, and the use of force to suppress opposition.
• Socialism: Emphasizes collective ownership of production and prioritizes equality over individual achievement.
• Communism: A far-left ideology advocating for a classless society with communal ownership of goods.
• Conservatism: A political stance favoring traditional values and resisting change.
• Liberalism: A political stance open to new ideas and behaviors, willing to discard traditional values.
• Environmentalism: A focus on protecting the environment.

Systems of Government

• Democracy: Decision-making controlled by the people, derived from Greek words meaning "people" and "rule."
• Dictatorship: A leader with absolute power, unrestricted by laws or constitutions.
• Monarchy: A hereditary head of state holds power, typically the oldest male in the family.
• Oligarchy: Power rests in a small group with accumulated wealth and land ownership.
• Aristocracy: Decision-making by a select, inherited class of wealth and power.
• Theocracy: A government based on religious beliefs.
• Totalitarianism: Total government control by a small group.

Important Concepts

• Civics: The study of public decision-making, important issues, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
• Civil Society: Voluntary citizen organizations working to address public issues.
• Humanitarian: Seeking to promote human welfare.
• Rights and Freedoms: Things we are morally or legally entitled to have or do.
• Majority Rule: The majority opinion should prevail.
• Minority Rights: Protection of the rights of smaller groups within a society.
• Cultural Egalitarian: Belief in equal treatment and opportunities for all people.
• Cultural Supremacist: Advocates for the inherent superiority of a particular group or culture.
• Responsibility: A duty or obligation, often linked to rights.
• Rule of Law: Governing by laws, applying equally to all, no one is above the law.
• Authoritarian: A system where one ruler holds absolute control.

Levels of Government in Canada

• Federal: Parliament (RCMP, Passports, Birth Certificates, Revenue Canada, Trans Canada Highway).
• Provincial: Provincial Parliament (OPP, Driver's License, Healthcare, Education, 400 Highways).
• Municipal: Town Council (Local police, parking tickets, property taxes, libraries, parks, streets).

Branches of Government in Canada

• Legislative Branch: Makes the laws:

  • Federal: House of Commons, Senate, Prime Minister, MPs
  • Provincial: Legislative Assembly, Premier, MPPs
  • Municipal: Town Council, Mayor, Town Councillors, Regional Councillors

• Executive Branch: Executes the laws:

  • Federal: RCMP, RevenueCanada, Cabinet Ministers
  • Provincial: OPP, Cabinet Ministers, Ontario Public Service Employees
  • Municipal: Local Police, By-Law Officers, Parking Enforcement

• Judicial Branch: Interprets the laws:

  • Federal: Federal Court, Federal Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of Canada
  • Provincial: Court of Appeal, Superior Court of Justice, Ontario Court of Justice

Canadian Constitution

• It is the country's supreme law
• It is called the Constitution Act of Canada and was given royal assent in 1982.
• It includes:
  • Aboriginal Rights
  • Amending Formula
  • Equalization of Payments
  • Charter of Rights and Freedoms
• Section 33 (Notwithstanding Clause): Allows provincial governments to disregard certain Charter sections.

Test your knowledge on various political ideologies, including fascism, socialism, and communism, alongside their respective systems of government. Understand the characteristics of democracy, dictatorship, and monarchy. This quiz will challenge your understanding of these important concepts in political science.