Final Flashcards
What is Asymmetrical Federalism?
A federal system in which some sub-national governments have a different relationship with the national government, including different powers, from other subnational governments.
This concept highlights variations in power distribution among different levels of government within a federal system.
Define Bicameral.
Parliament is a bicameral legislature because it has two chambers or houses.
Common examples include the House of Commons and the Senate in Canada.
What is a Brokerage Party?
A catch-all party that attempts to reconcile competing regional interests.
These parties often seek to build broad coalitions by appealing to diverse groups.
What is the role of a Cabinet?
A group of people with the constitutional or legal task to rule a country or state, or advise head of state, usually from the executive state.
The Cabinet typically consists of heads of government departments.
Define a Cadre Party.
Loosely structured, elite-centred party with minimal organization outside the legislature.
These parties often rely on a small group of leaders to maintain control and direction.
What is a campaign?
An organized effort which seeks to influence the decision-making process within a specific group
In democratic nations, this often refers to electoral campaigns and general elections deciding head of government.
What does the Charter of Rights and Freedoms refer to?
An addition to the constitution in 1982 that includes a commitment to equalization payments and recognizes Indigenous rights
This was part of the Constitution Act, 1982.
Define citizenship.
A membership and allegiance to a sovereign state.
What characterizes civic culture?
Acceptance of the authority of the state and belief in participation of civic duties.
What is Civic Nationalism?
A form of nationalism that adheres to traditional liberal values of freedom, tolerance, equality, and individual rights, and not based on ethnocentrism.
Define Coalition Government.
When two or more parties enter into a formal agreement to share power.
What is a Confederal System?
A system in which sovereign countries have agreed to delegate some of their authority to a joint government that has limited authority while retaining their sovereignty.
What happens when the governing party loses confidence in the House of Commons?
The prime minister will ask the governor general to dissolve parliament and call an election.
What triggers a nonconfidence motion in the House of Commons?
Opposition parties pass a nonconfidence motion or a major piece of government legislation is defeated.
What is the original stance of the Conservative Government of Canada regarding government involvement in the economy?
Originally supported an active role for government in the economy.
What economic policies does the Conservative Government of Canada now embrace?
Neo-liberal economic policies.
What is a key challenge for the Conservative Government of Canada?
Assembling a durable coalition of right-of-centre interests across the country.
What is the definition of a Constitution?
The country’s governing legal framework that defines the executive branches of government and legislatures at both federal and provincial levels.
It is comprised of a complex mix of statutes, orders, and conventions.
What components equal the total constitution of a country?
Constitutional law and constitutional conventions.
Constitutional conventions are unwritten rules that are followed by the country’s institutions.
What is a Convention in the political context?
A meeting of delegates of a political party, especially to select party candidates.
Conventions are important for the democratic process within political parties.
What is a Crown Corporation?
A business that is government owned, including the CBC, VIA Rail, and some utility companies.
Crown Corporations operate in various sectors, often providing essential services.
True or False: A Constitution is only made up of statutes.
False.
A Constitution is made up of statutes, orders, conventions, and constitutional law.
Fill in the blank: A _______ Corporation is a business that is government owned.
Crown
What is a democratic deficit?
A democratic deficit occurs when ostensibly democratic organizations fall short of fulfilling the principles of democracy in their practices or operations.
This concept highlights the gap between democratic ideals and actual practices.
What does devolution refer to in a Canadian context?
Devolution refers to the transfer of authority to the territories through acts of the Canadian Parliament rather than a constitutional change.
This process allows for greater local governance and decision-making.
What type of economy does Canada have?
Canada has a basically free market capitalist economy.
This means that most businesses are privately owned and operate in a competitive environment.
What do conservatives believe about free markets?
Conservatives believe that free markets benefit society and are the most effective method to create a wealthy society.
This belief underpins many conservative economic policies.
What is an electoral system?
The electoral system is the system by which the votes that people cast are translated into the representations of political parties in the legislature.
Different electoral systems can lead to varying levels of representation and party power.
Fill in the blank: A democratic deficit occurs when organizations fall short of fulfilling the principles of _______.
democracy
True or False: Devolution in Canada involves a constitutional change.
False
Fill in the blank: Conservatives believe that _______ markets are the most effective method to create a wealthy society.
free
What is the primary characteristic of a free market capitalist economy?
Most businesses are in the hands of privately owned companies and corporations.
How do the votes cast by people affect political representation?
Votes are translated into representations of political parties in the legislature.
What is an electoral system?
The system by which the votes that people cast are translated into the representations of political parties in the legislature.
What does environmentalism challenge?
Unsustainable economic growth and seeks to develop a better relationship with nature.
What is equal rights feminism?
Feminism that challenges male-dominated power relations and seeks to end the subordination of women.
Define ethnic nationalism.
Where nationality is defined by ethnicity, and an ethnocentric approach drives political ideologies.
What are the components of the executive?
Composed of three components: the Crown, Prime Minister, and cabinet.
What is the formal executive?
The monarch who is expected to be non-partisan and avoid political controversies.
What is the informal executive?
The political executive, which includes the Prime Minister and cabinet.
What do fair votes employ?
An oversight committee to ensure no fraud or manipulation.
What does fair votes prevent?
Gerrymandering, which is the manipulation of electoral boundaries for partisan gain.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is composed of the Crown, Prime Minister, and cabinet.
executive
What is a Federal System?
The national government has exclusive jurisdiction over some constitutionally specified areas, while sub-national governments exercise jurisdiction over others.
This structure allows for a distribution of powers between different levels of government.
What was the French Revolution?
A period of political and societal change in France between the years 1789 and 1799, with many ideas considered fundamental principles of liberal democracy.
Key events included the rise of democratic ideals and the overthrow of the monarchy.
What are Fundamental Freedoms as outlined in the charter?
They consist of:
* Freedom of conscience and religion
* Freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication
* Freedom of peaceful assembly
* Freedom of association
These freedoms are essential to a democratic society.
Define Gerrymandering.
The drawing of boundaries for partisan advantage, particularly for the advantage of the governing party.
This practice can distort electoral representation.
Who is the Governor General?
The federal representative of the Canadian monarch, who administers the government of Canada in the Monarch’s name.
This role includes ceremonial duties and representing the Crown.
What is the Green Party?
A Canadian political party whose platform is grounded in the ideology of environmentalism that challenges unsustainable economic growth and seeks to develop better relationships with nature.
The party advocates for policies that prioritize ecological sustainability.
Who is the Head-of-State in Canada?
The legal head-of-state is the reigning British Monarch, while the de facto head of state is the governor general.
This reflects Canada’s status as a constitutional monarchy.
What is a political ideology?
A coherent and explicit cluster of beliefs, values, and attitudes that guide political action
Often based on assumptions of human nature.
What is impeachment?
A process by which a legislative body initiates charges against a public official for misconduct
Involves both political and legal elements.
What are interest groups?
Organizations that pursue the common interests or values of groups of people
They try to influence the making and implementation of public policies.
Define judicial activism.
A judicial philosophy that proposes that courts should consider broader societal implications of their decisions
Implies judges make rulings based on their own views rather than on precedent.
What is judicial review?
The authority of courts to invalidate laws or government actions that violate the constitution
The door of judicial review of legislation is open in Canada.
What does the term judiciary refer to?
A system of courts of law for the administration of justice.
What does legislative mean?
Of or relating to the enactment of laws; having the power to draft and enact laws
Resulting from or decided by legislation.
What is a Legislature?
An officially elected or otherwise selected body of people vested with the responsibility and power to make laws for a political unit, such as state or nation.
Legislatures play a critical role in governance and law-making.
Define Politics.
Activity related to influencing, making, or implementing collective decisions for a political community, and mobilizing support for political parties seeking to gain or maintain control of the government.
Politics involves raising awareness of problems that affect a political community and pushing to change values, attitudes, and opinions.
What is Power in a political context?
The ability to achieve an objective by influencing the behaviour of others, particularly to get them to do what they otherwise would not have done.
Power can be exerted through coercion, persuasion, inducement, and leadership.
Fill in the blank: A _______ is an officially elected or otherwise selected body of people responsible for making laws.
Legislature
True or False: Politics only involves making laws.
False
Politics also includes influencing decisions and mobilizing support.
List the methods through which power can be exerted.
- Coercion
- Persuasion
- Inducement
- Leadership
Fill in the blank: The ability to influence the behaviour of others is known as _______.
Power
What activities are involved in Politics?
- Influencing decisions
- Making collective decisions
- Implementing decisions
- Mobilizing support for political parties
What is the role of the Crown in the political system structure?
Governor General
The Crown represents the monarch and is part of the executive branch.
What are the two main branches of the political system?
- Executive Branch
- Legislative Branch
These branches are essential components of the government structure.
Who leads the executive branch in the political system?
Prime Minister/Cabinet
The Prime Minister is the head of government and oversees the cabinet.
What is the structure of the legislative branch?
- Senate (Upper chamber with 10 appointed senators)
- House of Commons (Lower Chamber with 343 elected members)
The Senate and House of Commons represent different aspects of governance.
What is the definition of power in a political context?
The ability to affect the behaviour of others
Power often involves influencing actions that individuals would not have taken otherwise.
How many members are there in the House of Commons?
343 members
Members are elected to represent their respective electoral districts.
What is the role of the Senate in the legislative branch?
Upper chamber with 10 appointed senators
Senators are appointed and play a crucial role in reviewing legislation.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is the head of the executive branch.
Prime Minister
True or False: The House of Commons is made up of appointed members.
False
Members of the House of Commons are elected, not appointed.
What is the purpose of the legislative branch?
To create and pass laws
The legislative branch is responsible for representing the citizens and making legislative decisions.
What does ‘State’ refer to?
An independent self-governing political community with the capability to make rules that are binding on the population residing within a particular territory.
States possess sovereignty and defined borders.
Define ‘Government’.
The set of institutions that makes decisions and oversees their implementation on behalf of the state for a particular period of time.
Governments can vary in structure and function depending on the state.
What is the Single Transferable Vote?
An electoral system in which voters mark their preferences for a number of candidates in a multi-member district with a certain percentage of votes needed for a candidate to win.
Surplus votes from winning candidates are transferred to those who have not reached the quota until all seats are filled.
Define Sovereignty.
The principle that states are the highest authority for their population and territory and are not subject to any external authority.
This concept emphasizes the independence of states in their governance.
What is Westphalian Sovereignty?
A principle established by the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, asserting that nations have no right to interfere in the domestic affairs of other nations.
It also states that rulers have sovereignty within their own territories.
True or False: In a Single Transferable Vote system, voters can only mark one candidate.
False
Fill in the blank: Sovereignty indicates that states are the highest authority for their _______.
population and territory
What historical event is associated with the establishment of Westphalian Sovereignty?
The Peace of Westphalia in 1648
What is authority?
The right to exercise power.
In Canada, authority is gained through democratic elections.
Define legitimacy in the context of governance.
The acceptance by the people that those in positions of authority have the right to govern.
Legitimacy is gained through democratic elections.
What does democracy mean?
“Rule by the people”.
What is representative democracy?
People elect representatives to legislature to make decisions on their behalf.
What is the role of the legislature?
Institution that passes laws and sets budget for community.
Legislatures do not have much power or responsibility, and most are members of parties.
What is a political executive?
Most countries have a head of state or government and cabinet who set policy.
Example: Canada has a prime minister and cabinet; the US has a president and cabinet.
What is the role of a Legislature?
An institution that passes laws and sets budget for community.
Legislatures do not have much power or responsibility and most members are affiliated with political parties.
What is a Political Executive?
A head of state or government and cabinet who set policy.
Examples include Canada with a prime minister and cabinet, and the US with a president and cabinet.
Define Liberal Democracy.
A political system that combines limited government, individual freedom, and the rule of law with a democratic system of governing based on the election of representatives.
What is Political Pluralism?
Society should have a variety of organizations that are able to compete with and influence government
This concept emphasizes the importance of multiple voices and groups in a democracy.
What does the Rule of Law entail?
Government has to follow the law rather than act without cause or reason. Law is known to all. Equality before the law. Independent courts can make government follow the law
This principle is fundamental to ensuring justice and accountability in governance.
Define Plebiscitary Democracy.
A more direct form where citizens have more control over legislation and policy using Referendums, citizens initiative, recall elections
This model allows for increased citizen engagement in decision-making.
What is Deliberative Democracy?
A political system in which decisions are made based on discussion by citizens rather than elected representatives alone
This approach emphasizes the importance of dialogue and consensus in governance.
List some methods used in Deliberative Democracy.
- Public consultations
- Hearings
- Local government
- Citizens juries
These methods facilitate citizen participation in the democratic process.
What does Social Democracy advocate for?
The perspective that greater social and economic equality is needed for the country to be fully democratic
This ideology seeks to balance individual freedom with social justice.
What is the significance of Canadian Diversity?
Canada is a civic, not ethnic nation; history has not always been kind to diversity. Assimilation, hyphenated Canadians. Protection of rights, freedoms and opportunities
This highlights the ongoing challenges and efforts regarding multiculturalism in Canada.
What does POGG stand for?
Peace, Order and Good Government
This phrase encapsulates the principles underlying the governance of Canada.
What is a key characteristic of democratic governments regarding actions?
Democratic governments are usually forced to explain actions
This transparency helps build trust and accountability in governance.
How can ‘national security’ impact corruption?
‘National security’ can help avoid corruption or the appearance of it
This concept suggests that justifications related to national security can limit scrutiny.
What does responsiveness in government refer to?
The ability to respond to the needs of the people
Responsiveness is essential for maintaining public trust and legitimacy.
Define responsible government.
A governing system in which the executive is responsible to an elected representative legislative body and must retain its support to remain in office
This concept emphasizes accountability and the relationship between the executive and legislative branches.
What are polyethnic rights?
Group-based rights that allow ethnic groups and religious minorities to express their cultural distinctiveness without discrimination
These rights may include public funding and affirmative action measures.
List some measures that may be adopted to compensate for past discriminations.
- Public funding
- Relaxation of regulations
- Affirmative action measures
These measures aim to more fairly represent groups that are traditionally under-represented.
What is Proportional Representation?
An electoral system in which the proportions of seats a party receives in the legislative body reflects the proportion of votes the party obtained.
This system aims to ensure that the representation in the legislature matches the votes received by each party.
Define Preferential Voting.
An electoral system in which voters rank candidates in order of preference.
If no candidate receives a majority of first preferences, the second preferences of the candidate with the least votes are added to the votes of other candidates.
What happens in Preferential Voting if no candidate receives a majority of first preferences?
The second preferences of the candidate with the least votes are added to the votes of other candidates.
This process continues until one candidate has a majority.
Explain Single Member Plurality.
An electoral system in which voters in each district elect a single representative.
The candidate with the most votes is elected, regardless of whether that candidate got the majority of votes.
What are Special Representation Rights?
Allocating some electoral districts for representation of special groups.
This system is designed to ensure that minority or marginalized groups have a voice in the legislative process.
What was the purpose of the Bi and Bi Commission?
A 1963 royal commission for bilingualism and biculturalism founded on fears of French Canadian assimilation.
The commission led to the language act of 1969.
What year was the Canadian Bill of Rights enacted?
1960
What is the significance of the Human Rights Act?
It was enacted in 1977 to protect human rights in Canada.
What document established the Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
The Constitution Act of 1982
What is the purpose of the Employment Equity Acts?
To promote equal opportunities for all in the workplace.
What year was Official Multiculturalism introduced in Canada?
1988 with the aim to protect, preserve and enhance cultural diversity
What economic condition exists in Canada despite its wealth?
Lack of adequate housing and clean water.
What type of economy does Canada have?
Mostly free market capitalist economy.
What are ‘crown corporations’ in Canada?
Businesses owned by the government, such as CBC, Canada Post, and BC Hydro.
What is the focus of the Staples Theory in Canada’s economy?
Heavy concentration on producing staples such as furs, fish, timber, wheat, and oil.
What is a unitary system?
In a unitary constitutional system, sovereignty rests solely with the national government.
This means that the central government holds the primary authority and any administrative divisions (like states or provinces) have limited power.
Define unicameral.
Having or consisting of a single legislative chamber.
This structure often simplifies the legislative process.
What is the Westminster System?
A type of parliamentary government that incorporates a series of procedures for operating a legislature.
Key aspects include an executive branch made up of members of the legislature, parliamentary opposition parties, and a ceremonial head of state separate from the head of government.
True or False: In a unitary system, local governments have significant power.
False
Local governments typically operate under the authority of the national government.
Fill in the blank: The Westminster System features an executive branch made up of members of the _______.
legislature.
This integration of the executive and legislative branches is a hallmark of parliamentary systems.
List the key aspects of the Westminster System.
- An executive branch made up of members of the legislature
- Parliamentary opposition parties
- A ceremonial head of state separate from the head of government
These aspects help define the functioning of parliamentary democracy.
Define Representative Democracy
People have elected representatives that make decisions on their behalf.
What is Liberal Democracy?
Liberal views within a democratic system based on elected representation.
What characterizes Plebiscitary Democracy?
Most directed by citizens.
Define Deliberative Democracy
A system where decisions are made on citizen discussion rather than elected representatives alone.
What does Social Democracy emphasize?
Greater social and economic equality is needed for full democracy.
What is the structure of the Legislature?
Legislature for law and budget setting. Representatives are not powerful and are usually members of parties.
Who is the Head of the Political Executive?
Prime minister/president.
What is Classical Liberalism?
Variety of organizations to increase competition and influence on government, with freedom of press/government criticism.
What is the Rule of Law?
Limits placed on government.
Define Neo-Liberalism
Ideological perspective based on strong belief in free market system with the role of government reduced to minimum.
What is Conservatism?
An ideology that looks to laws based on traditional or religious moral values and establishes institutions to maintain orderly society.
What does Liberalism emphasize?
An ideology that emphasizes personal freedom, based on the belief that individuals are generally capable of using reason in pursuit of their own interests.
Fill in the blank: The state should remain _______ in cultural and religious matters and protect individual rights and freedoms.
[neutral]
