features of a liberal democracy (DONE) Flashcards
What is democracy?
A form of government designed to relflect and represent the will of the popel in a nation.
A good democratic government will (3)
- allow for public input
- represent and reflect rance of public opinion
- hold politicans accountable for thier actions
Guiding principles that acts as the foundations of liberal democracy:
- fundamental freedoms
- free and fair elections
- accountability
- transparency
- citiazen participation
what is consent of the governed?
government requires the permission or consent, of the people of a nation to make laws and govern them.
what is a direct democracy?
citizens would vote directly on an issue.
First Past the Post what is it?
an election system where the candidate with the most vote in a race wins.
what is proportional representation?
election system where seats in a government are distributed based on the % of votes each party gets.
Levels of government in Canada
federal system
provincial/territorial
local/municipal
Three branches of governments
executive
legislative
judiciary
what is the house of commons?
The House of Commons is Canada’s main legislative body, made up of 338 elected Members of Parliament (MPs). The Executive Branch (Prime Minister and Cabinet) sits in the House of Commons and depends on the legislative branch to stay in power. In a Majority Government, the ruling party holds more than half the seats, making it easier to pass bills. In a Minority Government, the ruling party holds less than half the seats, making it more challenging to pass legislation.
what is the senate?
The Senate is the second house of Canada’s legislative branch. Senators are appointed to provide regional representation for areas with fewer MPs in the House of Commons. The Senate can propose legislation (except bills involving public tax dollars) and can suggest amendments to bills, but rarely rejects them. A bill cannot become law unless it passes through the Senate.
what is a responsible government?
sponsible Government means that the Executive (Prime Minister and Cabinet) is accountable to the Legislative branch (House of Commons). The Prime Minister must maintain the confidence of MPs. If most MPs vote against proposed legislation, it’s a “Vote of No-Confidence,” and the government must resign and call an election.
wha tis the repatriation of the consitution?
he repatriation of the Constitution in 1982 brought Canada’s Constitution back from Great Britain. Under PM Pierre Elliott Trudeau, it was renamed the Constitution Act of Canada.
what is the charter of rights and freedoms?
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms, created when the Constitution was repatriated, outlines the rights of Canadians protected by law. It is a “living document” interpreted by the Courts and government to ensure rights are upheld.
How does Canada promote liberal values through the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and other documents?
e Charter protects individual and collective rights. Canada also has the Multiculturalism Act and Quebec’s Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, promoting equality and diversity.
what are collective rights in Canada?
collective rights, such as those of Indigenous people, Francophones, and Anglophones, are protected in Canada. This includes treaty rights for Indigenous peoples and language rights for minority language speakers, like Francophones in Alberta.
How does Canada ensure collective rights for Indigenous peoples?
The Canadian government protects the collective rights of Indigenous peoples, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, ensuring their treaty rights are honored and equal opportunities are recognized.
what are language rights in quebec?
Quebec protects the French language through laws like Bill 101 and Bill 96. These laws require French signage and mandate that new immigrants’ children be educated in French, protecting the rights of French speakers in the province.
