Definitions Flashcards
representative democracy
Representative democracy is a system where citizens elect officials to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf.
governor general
The Governor General is the Queen’s representative in Canada, performing ceremonial duties and ensuring the country has a functioning government. Signs the royal assent
what is judicial branch
The judicial branch is the part of government responsible for interpreting laws, resolving disputes, and administering justice through courts.
what is a caucus
A caucus is a meeting of members of a particular political party or faction to discuss policies, select candidates, and plan strategies.
free vote
A free vote is a vote in which members of a legislative body are allowed to vote according to their own personal beliefs and preferences, rather than following the official party line.
what is official opposition
second highest seats in the house of commons
first past the post system
The first-past-the-post system is an electoral method where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins the seat, even if they do not have an absolute majority of the votes.
what is capitalism
Capitalism is an economic system where private individuals or businesses own and control production and distribution, aiming for profit.
what is the constitutional monarchy
A constitutional monarchy is a system where a monarch’s powers are limited by a constitution, and elected officials govern the country.
what is the executive branch
The executive branch is the part of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws. It is typically headed by the president or prime minister and includes other officials and agencies.
what is cabinet
The cabinet is a group of senior officials, usually consisting of the heads of government departments, who advise the head of state or government and help implement policies and decisions.
solidaytary
Solidarity means unity and mutual support within a group.
speaker of the house
The Speaker of the House is the presiding officer who maintains order and ensures rules are followed.
what is the prime minister
The Prime Minister is the head of government in a parliamentary system, responsible for running the country, making policy decisions, and leading the executive branch.
socialism
Socialism is a system where the community or state owns and controls the means of production and distribution.
fascism
Fascism is a far-right, authoritarian political ideology characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and the economy. It often involves intense nationalism and the belief in the supremacy of one group over others.
what is chief
respected elder
what is constitution
A constitution is a set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is governed. It outlines the structure of the government, the rights of the citizens, and the powers and duties of different government entities.
legislative branch
The legislative branch is the part of government responsible for making laws. In many countries, this branch is composed of a parliament or congress, which may be divided into two houses, such as the Senate and the House of Representatives in the United States. The legislative branch debates, drafts, and votes on proposed laws and has other powers like approving budgets and overseeing the executive branch.
house of commons
The House of Commons is one of the two houses of the Parliament of Canada, the other being the Senate. It is the elected lower house, where Members of Parliament (MPs) debate and vote on proposed laws and policies.
bureaucracy
Bureaucracy is a system of administration characterized by a hierarchical structure, fixed rules, and detailed procedures. Civil servants and public servants
senate
The Senate is one of the two houses of the Parliament of Canada, the other being the House of Commons. It is the upper house, where Senators are appointed to review and provide a second opinion on legislation proposed by the House of Commons.
proportional representation
Proportional representation is an electoral system in which seats in a legislature are allocated to political parties based on the percentage of votes each party receives. This system aims to more accurately reflect the preferences of the electorate compared to winner-take-all systems.
communism
Communism is a system where all property and resources are owned collectively, aiming to eliminate private ownership and ensure equal distribution of wealth and power.
what’s liberism
Liberalism is a political and economic philosophy that emphasizes individual freedoms, democracy, and the protection of human rights. It advocates for a free market economy, limited government intervention, and the rule of law.
what’s band council
A band council is the governing body of a First Nations community in Canada, made up of an elected chief and councilors. Make decisions on local matters
shadow cabinet
A shadow cabinet is a group of opposition politicians who monitor and challenge the policies and actions of the current government, each member usually “shadows” a specific minister or department.
who is Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau is the current Prime Minister of Canada and the leader of the Liberal Party. He has been in office since November 4, 2015.
royal assent
Royal assent is the formal approval by the monarch or their representative (such as the Governor General in Canada) that is required for a bill to become law. It is the final step to turn bills into laws
ballot
A ballot is a device used to cast votes in an election. It can be a piece of paper or an electronic system where voters mark their choices among the options provided.
mayor
A mayor is the elected head of a city, town, or municipality. The mayor’s responsibilities typically include overseeing the local government, implementing policies
lieutenant governor
A Lieutenant Governor is the representative of the monarch in a Canadian province. They perform various ceremonial duties, give royal assent to provincial laws, and ensure the continuity of governance.
debate
A debate is a structured discussion where participants present opposing arguments on a specific topic.
notwithstanding clause
The notwithstanding clause, also known as Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, allows federal or provincial governments to temporarily override certain Charter rights for up to five years.
civil disobedience
Civil disobedience is the act of intentionally breaking or refusing to comply with certain laws, regulations, or commands of a government to protest against policies or legislation considered unjust.
backbenchers
Backbenchers are members of parliament who do not hold a ministerial or shadow ministerial position.
the king
The King is the head of state in a constitutional monarchy. In Canada, the King is King Charles III, who represents the unity and continuity of the state, though his role is largely ceremonial.
premier
A premier is the head of government in a Canadian province or territory. They are similar to a prime minister but on a provincial level.
candidate
A candidate is a person who is running for a position in an election, such as a political office or a leadership role.
councillors
Councillors are elected representatives who serve on a municipal council, making decisions on local issues and policies for their community.
MP
An MP, or Member of Parliament, is an elected representative in the House of Commons in Canada. MPs represent the interests of their constituents, propose and debate legislation, and hold the government accountable.
party whip
A party whip is a member of a political party who is responsible for ensuring party discipline among members. They make sure that members of the party attend and vote according to the party’s official position on issues.
pressure groups
Pressure groups are organizations that try to influence public policy and decisions without running for office. They promote specific causes by lobbying, raising awareness, and mobilizing public opinion.
amending formula
The amending formula is the process by which changes can be made to the Constitution of Canada. It outlines the specific procedures and requirements needed to amend the Constitution, such as the level of agreement required from federal and provincial governments.
triple e senate
The Triple-E Senate is a proposed reform for the Canadian Senate that stands for “Elected, Equal, and Effective.” This means senators would be elected rather than appointed, each province would have an equal number of senators, and the Senate would have more power to effectively represent regional interests.
bill
A bill is a proposed law that is introduced in a legislative body. In Canada, bills can be introduced in either the House of Commons or the Senate. They must go through several readings and debates before being voted on. If a bill passes all stages, it becomes law.
what is constituency
A constituency is a geographical area represented by a member of a legislative body, such as a Member of Parliament (MP) in Canada. Constituencies are also known as ridings or electoral districts. Each constituency elects one representative to the legislative body.
campaign
A campaign is an organized effort to achieve a specific goal, often involving activities like advertising, public speaking, and canvassing to influence decision-making within a group.
party platform
A party platform is a formal set of principal goals supported by a political party or candidate, designed to appeal to the general public and garner support and votes during an election.
MLA
An MLA, or Member of the Legislative Assembly, is an elected representative in the provincial or territorial government in Canada. They represent the interests of their constituents in the legislative assembly, participate in debates, and help to create and amend laws.
patronage
Patronage is the support, encouragement, or financial aid that an organization or individual bestows to another. In politics, it often refers to the practice of giving jobs, contracts, or other favors in exchange for political support.
what is lobbyist
Lobbyists are individuals or groups hired to influence government decisions on behalf of a particular interest or organization. They often advocate for specific legislation or policy changes by meeting with lawmakers, providing research and information, and organizing public campaigns.
legislative assembly
The Legislative Assembly is a body of elected representatives who are responsible for making and passing laws within a province or territory in Canada. It functions similarly to a parliament but at a regional level. Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) debate bills, represent their constituents, and oversee the provincial government.
majority
A majority is more than half of a total number or group.
conservative
Conservative generally refers to a political ideology that emphasizes traditional values, limited government intervention in the economy, and a cautious approach to change. In a political context, it often aligns with right-leaning policies.
green
Green typically refers to a political ideology focused on environmental issues, sustainability, and social justice. Green parties advocate for policies that protect the environment, promote renewable energy, and address climate change.
minority
A minority is less than half of a total number or group.
liberal
Liberal generally refers to a political ideology that emphasizes individual freedoms, social equality, and government intervention to address social and economic issues. In a political context, it often aligns with left-leaning policies.
Bloc québécois
The Bloc Québécois is a federal political party in Canada that primarily advocates for the interests of Quebec and promotes Quebec nationalism.
coalition
A coalition is an alliance between different parties or groups to achieve a common goal, often in politics.
NDP
The New Democratic Party (NDP) is a major political party in Canada that is generally considered to be left-leaning. It advocates for progressive policies such as social justice, environmental sustainability, and workers’ rights.
residual powers
Residual powers refer to the authority that remains with a governing body after certain powers have been delegated to other entities. In the context of Canadian federalism, residual powers are those that are not explicitly listed in the Constitution and therefore fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government.
official opposition
party with the second highest seats that are not in power
executive
branch that carrie’s out the laws
judicial
decides of laws are carried out fairly
