Political Ideologies and Systems of Government

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Questions and Answers

What does the Rule of Law principle establish?

Only the elite class can interpret the laws.

People are governed by laws and no person is above them. (correct)

The government can create laws without public consent.

Every individual is above the law.

Which branch of government is responsible for making laws?

Judicial Branch

Legislative Branch (correct)

Municipal Office

Executive Branch

What is the main characteristic of a totalitarian government?

A system based on religious beliefs.

Citizen participation in all decisions.

Total government control from a small group. (correct)

Multiple political parties with shared power.

What is the main characteristic of fascism?

It is a dictatorial ideology that suppresses opposition. Signup and view all the answers

Which level of government is responsible for matters like healthcare and driver's licenses?

Provincial Government Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a system where power is concentrated in a small group?

Oligarchy Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Canadian Constitution?

To establish the supreme law of the country. Signup and view all the answers

What does civil society encompass?

Voluntary organizations working for public issues. Signup and view all the answers

Which ideology emphasizes equality and the collective ownership of production?

Communism Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Judicial Branch play in government?

Interpreting the laws and ensuring justice. Signup and view all the answers

Which system of government is characterized by a single ruler with total control?

Authoritarianism Signup and view all the answers

What does 'majority rule' signify in a democratic system?

The greater number’s opinion should prevail. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of a dictatorship?

One leader has complete and unrestricted power. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Notwithstanding Clause allow provincial governments to do?

Ignore sections of the Constitution they disagree with. Signup and view all the answers

A humanitarian is someone who primarily seeks to promote what?

Human welfare. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'responsibility' refer to in a civic context?

A duty or obligation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

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.