Civics Test Flashcards
What is the legislative branch?
The law-making branch. Made up of the appointed senate and the elected House of Commons
What is an executive branch?
They make all of the decisions. It includes the monarch, Governor General, and prime minister and cabinet and administration
What is the judicial branch?
They interpret laws passed by the two branches. They are the Supreme Court of Canada including federal court of Canada and provincial courts. All courts and judges are involved.
What is the parliament made up of?
The monarch/Governor General, senate and House of Commons
What is the Charter of rights and freedoms?
It is a document that guarantees the right of Canadian citizens. Some of these rights include : speech, religion, thought, mobility, equality, language and education.
When a country is born they must have document with rules of how the government will run.
What is the political spectrum?
It is used to explain the range of beliefs and views on a civic issue. In this spectrum the beliefs and values are categorized as “left wing”, “right wing”, or “centre”. Typically political parties are placed on the political spectrum. The party platforms help place these parties
What are the beliefs and values of the left wing on the political spectrum?
They are the larger role for government, smaller role for individuals
More spending on social welfare programs
Reduce spending on military
Government should look after those who are powerless and disadvantaged
Should be government ownership of key industries and resources
Individual rights are paramount
What are the beliefs and values of the centre on the political spectrum
Government and individuals should have a shared role
Maintain existing social welfare programs
Government has a small role to play in the economy
The economy should be a mix of public and private enterprise
Must be a mix between individual rights and social stability
What are the beliefs and values of the right wing on the political spectrum?
Larger role of the individuals than the government
Less spending on social welfare programs
Increase spending on military
Private business sector should be left alone
The private sector (free enterprise) should be in charge of the economy
Law and order are paramount
Legal system must punish lawbreakers more severely
Why are there political parties?
They are therefor 2 reasons: to lead or to influence change
In political parties what are the two systems?
Power oriented : these parties want to be in power and stay in power.
Change oriented: these parties want to effect change but feel they can do this without being the governing party. It’s not that they don’t want to lead the country but they are realistic about their role.
What do political parties do?
They choose a leader that will properly represent their ideals and who may be a good prime minister in the event that they win an election
Develop campaign strategies
Choose candidates to represent their party in each riding (constituency)
What are party platforms?
Every party must have a platform. This outlines their intentions during a time in election, allows voters to understand what each party believes in. Party platforms are vague.
Why are party platforms vague?
They want to appeal to widest possible audience, making bold statements could turn off people.
They don’t want to provide the other party with specifics that they could use against them
Vague promises are easier to keep.
What are ridings?
A geographic area (based on population). There are 12 registered political parties in Ontario. The largest party in Ontario is the liberal party, the progressive Conservative party (PC) and Green Party and other smaller parties
