Types of Democracies and Government Structures

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Questions and Answers

What rights are protected under the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms?

Freedom of expression and equality (correct)

Rights specific to financial institutions

Individual rights exclusively

Inalienable rights only

What does Bill 101 establish as the official language of Quebec?

French (correct)

Italian

English

Spanish

Which document outlines the basic human rights for all people according to the global standard?

Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (correct)

Bill of Rights

Canadian Citizenship Act

What kind of rights are considered inalienable?

Rights that cannot be taken away Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of extracting tar sands?

Pollution and deforestation Signup and view all the answers

Which of these issues is related to political illiberalism?

Limiting freedoms and suppressing opposition Signup and view all the answers

What are FNMI rights designed to protect?

Cultural and language rights for Indigenous peoples Signup and view all the answers

How does international responsibility regarding poverty differ from national responsibility?

International responsibility involves aid from rich nations to poorer ones Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes representative democracy?

Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. Signup and view all the answers

What is a minority government?

A governing party with fewer seats than the opposition that depends on other parties' support. Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of government is responsible for making laws?

Legislative branch Signup and view all the answers

What does 'representation by population' ensure?

Electoral districts are informed by population size for equal representation. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Governor General play in the selection of the Prime Minister?

Invites the leader of the party with the most seats to become Prime Minister. Signup and view all the answers

Which party in Canada primarily focuses on social justice and equality?

New Democratic Party Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a plebiscite from a referendum?

A referendum is a public vote on a specific issue, while a plebiscite is non-binding. Signup and view all the answers

Which electoral system is characterized by a candidate winning based on the most votes, regardless of a majority?

First-past-the-post Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Governor General in Canada?

To represent the Queen and perform ceremonial duties Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes prorogation in Canada?

A temporary suspension of parliamentary work Signup and view all the answers

How does the electoral college affect the presidential election in the United States?

It can cause a candidate to lose the presidency despite winning the popular vote Signup and view all the answers

What is a coalition government?

A government formed by multiple parties working together Signup and view all the answers

What is an absolute monarchy?

A form of government where the king or queen has total control Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'voter apathy' refer to?

Indifference or lack of interest in voting Signup and view all the answers

What is one method authoritarian regimes use to maintain power?

Surveillance of citizens to prevent dissent Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'polarization' mean in a political context?

Extremes in political divisions that hinder progress Signup and view all the answers

Which document ensures fundamental rights for Canadians?

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'not-withstanding clause' in the Canadian Charter?

To allow the government to override specific rights for up to 5 years Signup and view all the answers

Which right is an example of an individual right in Canada?

Freedom of speech Signup and view all the answers

In what context may governments limit certain freedoms?

In times of crisis or emergencies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a result of economic inequality in a governance context?

Widespread poverty and disillusionment Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the House of Representatives in the U.S. Congress?

It represents districts based on population Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Direct Democracy vs. Representative Democracy

Direct Democracy: Citizens vote directly on laws and policies. Reflects people's will but can be impractical for large populations due to potential for uninformed voting.
Representative Democracy: Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. Practical for large countries. Representatives are typically more informed. Potential drawback: elected officials might prioritize party loyalty over constituents' interests.

Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches

Executive Branch: Responsible for implementing laws and policies.
Legislative Branch: Responsible for creating laws.
Judicial Branch: Ensures laws align with the constitution.

Parliamentary Democracy (Canada)

Types of Governments

Minority Government: Governing party has fewer seats than the opposition, but rules with the support of other parties.
Majority Government: Governing party holds over 50% of seats.
Multiparty System: Multiple political parties compete for power.

Political Spectrum

Right Wing: Conservative Party (emphasizes free markets and traditional values).
Centrist: Liberal Party (balances market principles with social welfare).
Left Wing: NDP (focuses on social justice and equality).
Others: Green Party (environmental focus), Bloc Québécois (Quebec independence).

Governance and Elections

Leaders and Platforms: Leaders present platforms outlining government visions.
Constituency/Riding: Geographical areas represented by elected officials.
Referendums: Public votes on specific issues.
Plebiscites: Public votes on non-binding issues or policies.
Repeal a Law: Reversing or canceling a law.
Representation by Population: Electoral district sizes reflect population sizes for equal representation (e.g., Canada).
How to Become Prime Minister: Leader of the party with most seats in the House of Commons is appointed by the Governor General.
House of Commons: Canada's elected lower house of Parliament.
Structure and Accountability: Elected representatives are accountable to their constituents and can be removed if failing constituents needs.
First-Past-the-Post: Electoral system where candidate with the most votes in a district wins, even if not a majority.

Canada's Senate and Other Institutions

Canada's Senate: Currently appointed upper house of Parliament (subject to debate and potential reforms).
Governor-General: Queen's representative in Canada, holding ceremonial duties (e.g., delivering confidence votes).
Prorogation: Temporarily pausing parliamentary sessions by the Prime Minister consulting the Governor General.

Systems of Government: Republican Democracy (USA)

Checks and Balances: System preventing any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.
Separation of Powers: Division of government power among executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
Congress: U.S.'s legislative branch.
House of Representatives: Lower house of Congress, representing districts proportionally based on populations.
Senate: Higher house of Congress, representing all states equally.
Veto: President's power to reject a bill.
How to Become President: Electors in the Electoral College, determined by the popular vote in each state, select the President.
Popular Vote vs. Electoral College: Popular vote does not always equal the presidency, as the Electoral College can determine the outcome.
Political Spectrum: Right-wing (Republican), Left-wing (Democratic), Other (Libertarian, Green).

Proportional Representation (Sweden)

Coalition: Government formed by multiple parties agreeing to cooperate.

Rights, Roles, and Responsibilities in a Democracy (RI4)

Voting Rights: Right to cast ballots for representative elections is a fundamental right of citizens.
Voter Apathy: Many people avoid voting due to perceived little impact or lack of civic engagement.
Political Participation: Many avenues of participation (voting, protesting, advocacy, volunteering, civil obedience, citizen advocacy.)
Respect for Law and Order: Vital for a stable democracy.
Crisis Situations: During emergencies, governments may temporarily limit freedoms.
Dissent: Peaceful expressions of disagreement with government policies are essential.

Authoritarian Political Systems

Absolute Monarchy: Rule by a single monarch with unlimited power.
Military Dictatorship: State ruled by a military junta.
Minority Tyranny: Small group suppresses the majority.
Methods of Maintaining Power: Control of media, repression of dissent, surveillance, fear.

Liberalism: Challenges and Contemporary Issues (Contemporary Challenges)

Corruption: Leaders acting in self-interest rather than public interest.
Polarization: Extreme political divisions hindering progress, alienating citizens.
Economic Inequality: Poor governance leads to widespread poverty, disillusionment.
Voter Disengagement: Low voter turnout weakens representative democracy.
Specific contemporary problems: Environmental Issues, Resource use and development, debt & poverty, racism, pandemics, natural disasters, censorship, political illiberalism.

Individual vs. Collective Rights (Protecting Fundamental Rights)

Individual Rights: Freedoms like speech and religion.
Collective Rights: Examples: public health, national security, Indigenous rights.

(Brief details on key documents related to rights and freedoms)

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms.
Notwithstanding Clause: Allows temporary override of certain charter rights under specific conditions.
American Bill of Rights: First 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution protecting fundamental rights.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights: UN document outlining basic human rights for all.
Inalienable Rights: Rights, such as the right to life, that cannot be taken away.

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Description

Explore the differences between direct and representative democracies in this quiz. Learn about the roles of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as well as government types such as minority and majority governments. Test your knowledge on how these systems operate, especially in the context of parliamentary democracy in Canada.