Podcast
Questions and Answers
In a democracy, how is power vested in the people?
In a democracy, how is power vested in the people?
What is the main characteristic of an authoritarian government?
What is the main characteristic of an authoritarian government?
In a constitutional monarchy, whose power is limited by the constitution?
In a constitutional monarchy, whose power is limited by the constitution?
Which of these is NOT a form of government?
Which of these is NOT a form of government?
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A military regime is a form of government where the military directly controls government operations.
A military regime is a form of government where the military directly controls government operations.
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A theocracy is a form of government where religious leaders govern based on the will of a deity.
A theocracy is a form of government where religious leaders govern based on the will of a deity.
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Which of these is a key concept related to the rule of law?
Which of these is a key concept related to the rule of law?
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Which of these is NOT a level of government in Canada?
Which of these is NOT a level of government in Canada?
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Match the following branches of government to their primary function in Canada.
Match the following branches of government to their primary function in Canada.
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Which branch of government is responsible for making laws in Canada?
Which branch of government is responsible for making laws in Canada?
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The House of Commons in Canada consists of appointed members.
The House of Commons in Canada consists of appointed members.
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The Senate in Canada is responsible for reviewing proposed laws after they have been passed by the House of Commons.
The Senate in Canada is responsible for reviewing proposed laws after they have been passed by the House of Commons.
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In a first-past-the-post electoral system, how is a winner determined?
In a first-past-the-post electoral system, how is a winner determined?
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Proportional representation ensures that all parties with a certain percentage of the vote are represented in the government.
Proportional representation ensures that all parties with a certain percentage of the vote are represented in the government.
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Which of the following is a characteristic of a majority government?
Which of the following is a characteristic of a majority government?
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Minority governments are generally more stable and efficient than majority governments.
Minority governments are generally more stable and efficient than majority governments.
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On the political spectrum, which side typically favors more government intervention in the economy?
On the political spectrum, which side typically favors more government intervention in the economy?
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Which of these ideologies is associated with the Right side of the political spectrum?
Which of these ideologies is associated with the Right side of the political spectrum?
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The New Democratic Party (NDP) and the Liberal Party are both considered Left-Center parties in Canada.
The New Democratic Party (NDP) and the Liberal Party are both considered Left-Center parties in Canada.
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The Green Party in Canada is known for its strong focus on environmental concerns.
The Green Party in Canada is known for its strong focus on environmental concerns.
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Which type of law deals with disputes between individuals or organizations?
Which type of law deals with disputes between individuals or organizations?
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Criminal law is concerned with actions that are considered harmful to society.
Criminal law is concerned with actions that are considered harmful to society.
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A crime conviction in Canada requires both actus reus (guilty act) and mens rea (guilty mind).
A crime conviction in Canada requires both actus reus (guilty act) and mens rea (guilty mind).
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What is the purpose of habeas corpus?
What is the purpose of habeas corpus?
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Indictable offences are considered less serious crimes than summary offences.
Indictable offences are considered less serious crimes than summary offences.
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Which of the following factors is NOT considered when comparing democratic and authoritarian regimes?
Which of the following factors is NOT considered when comparing democratic and authoritarian regimes?
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Federalism refers to the division of powers between the federal government and the provincial/territorial governments.
Federalism refers to the division of powers between the federal government and the provincial/territorial governments.
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First-past-the-post and proportional representation are two types of electoral systems that aim for the same outcome in Canada.
First-past-the-post and proportional representation are two types of electoral systems that aim for the same outcome in Canada.
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What is the primary role of the Constitution in Canada's legal framework?
What is the primary role of the Constitution in Canada's legal framework?
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Study Notes
Government Types and Systems
- Democracy: Power rests with the people, exercised through free elections.
- Authoritarianism: Power concentrated in the hands of a few or one, limiting individual freedoms.
- Constitutional Monarchy: Monarch's powers limited by a constitution (e.g., Canada).
- Federal Republic: Federation of states with a president as head of state.
- One-Party State: Only one political party permitted to govern.
- Dictatorship: Single leader holds absolute power.
- Military Regime: Military controls the government.
- Theocracy: Religious leaders govern in the name of a deity.
- Oligarchy: Small, privileged group holds power.
- Aristocracy: Rule by the elite or noble class
- Rule of Law: Everyone subject to the law equally.
- Rule by Law: Laws used to control rather than protect citizens.
Canada's Political System
- Structure: Constitutional Monarchy and Federal System with three levels of government: Federal, Provincial/Territorial and Municipal.
- Branches of Government: Executive (Prime Minister, Cabinet), Legislative (House of Commons, Senate), Judicial (Courts).
- House of Commons: Elected members, represents the population.
- Senate: Appointed members, reviews legislation.
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Election Process:
- First-past-the-post: Candidate with most votes wins.
- Proportional Representation: Seats distributed based on vote percentages.
- Majority Government: Party with over half the seats.
- Minority Government: Party with less than half the seats.
Political Spectrum & Ideologies
- Political Spectrum: Left (equality, government intervention) and Right (individual freedom, less government).
- Examples of Political Ideologies: Communism, Socialism, Conservatism, Libertarianism.
- Canada's Political Parties: Left-Center (NDP, Liberal Party), Right (Conservative Party, People's Party of Canada), Green Party (environmental focus).
Canada's Legal System
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Law Types:
- Common Law: Based on precedent and judicial decisions.
- Civil Law: Disputes between individuals or organizations.
- Criminal Law: Addresses actions harmful to society.
- Crime Conviction: Requires actus reus (guilty act) and mens rea (guilty mind).
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Key Legal Terms:
- Habeas Corpus: Protection against unlawful imprisonment.
- Summary Offence: Minor crimes.
- Indictable Offence: Serious crimes.
Review Topics for Mastery
- Democratic vs. Authoritarian Regimes: Five factors: Citizen participation, media control, civil liberties, rule of law enforcement, and power concentration.
- Political Ideologies: Key beliefs of ideologies on the political spectrum.
Additional Concepts
- Federalism: Division of power among the three levels of government.
- Electoral Systems: Comparison of first-past-the-post and proportional representation.
- Canada's Legal Framework: Constitution's role (BNA Act, Canada Acts), Amending Formula, Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
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