Chapter 1 - Canadian Politics

Question 1

Geography Cleavage

Answer 1

• Confederation based on land issues
• Land disputes with Indigenous peoples
• Different Environments and natural resources create different cultures
• Federalism highlights geographical differences by empowering provinces

Question 2

Ethnicity Cleavage

Answer 2

• Indigenous people are victims of cultural genocide. This has created deep mistrust for institutions
• Classic divide between French and English. English Canada tried to assimilate French people.
• Many ethnic newcomers too like Filipinos and Syrians

Question 3

Ideological Cleavage

Answer 3

• Less pronounced in Canada
• Individualist vs Communitarian divide
• Left vs Right

Question 4

Two Left Wing Branches

Answer 4

Traditional Social Democracy: A branch of socialism that remains committed to replacing capitalism with a more co-operative economy

Third-Way Social Democracy: A branch of socialism that accepts capitalism and aims to harness it to achieve equality of result

Question 5

Two Centrist Branches

Answer 5

Business Liberals:
A branch of liberalism that seeks to achieve equality of opportunity in economic terms

Welfare Liberals: A branch of liberalism that seeks to achieve equality of opportunity in social terms

Question 6

Four Branches of Right-Wing Ideology

Answer 6

NEW CONSERVATISM:

Neoliberalism: A branch of new right conservatism that favours less government intervention in the economy.
Neoconservatism: A branch of new right conservatism that promotes the protection of traditional values, and community and national security.

OLD CONSERVATISM:

Toryism: A branch of Canadian conservatism with British, communitarian roots.
Red Toryism: A branch of old right conservatism that promotes the preservation of the social fabric and government institutions.

Question 7

Key Institutions in Canada Political System

Answer 7

From UK: Representative Democracy

From US:
Federalism, charter of rights and freedoms (very similar to bill of rights)

Question 8

Canada’s Representative Democracy

Answer 8

Government with prime minister, cabinet, responsible government, opposition, permanent and independent public service, judiciary, constitutional monarchy.

Question 9

Key Events in First Era of Canada (1867 - early 1900s)

Answer 9

1. Confederation/BNA Act
2. Racing America to the West (colonization)
3. Devolution of Powers to provinces
4. Free Trade Debates
5. Right to Vote for Women
6. WWI / Nationalism

Question 10

Key Events in Second Era of Canada (Mid 1900s - late 1900s)

Answer 10

1. Great Depression / Welfare State
2. Shift of focus from west to Quebec
3. Quiet Revolution
4. Multiculturalism / Bilingualism Policies
5. Charter of Rights and Freedoms
6. Meech Lake / Charlottetown
7. Quebec Referendums
8. NAFTA & GST

Question 11

Key Events in Third Era of Canada (late 1900s - Present)

Answer 11

1. Broad cuts to public service and debt in 1990s
2. 9/11
3. Afghanistan War
4. Significant Social Changes (Marijuana/Gay Marriage/Prostitution)
5. 2008 Great Recession
6. 2014 Oil Plunge
7. Aboriginal / Settler Divide & Reconciliation
8. Urban / Suburban / Rural Divide

Question 12

What factors affected historical evolution?

Answer 12

1. Economic Circumstances
2. Political Leaders (Trudeau, Mackenzie King)
3. Major events theory
4. Fragment Theory

Question 13

5 Key Concepts of Canadian Politics

Answer 13

Canadian State
Canadian Government
Canadian Society
Canadian Citizens
Indigenous
Canadian Colonialism

Question 14

Key Features of Canadian Political System

Answer 14

Democracy
Representation
Liberalism
Westminster Parliament
Constitutional Monarchy
Federalism