Flashcards
1
Q
Define ideology.
A
A set of beliefs or principles that guide an individual or group, often influencing political, economic, and social systems.
2
Q
Describe individualism.
A
A social theory that emphasizes the moral worth of the individual and prioritizes personal freedom and self-reliance.
3
Q
Explain the concept of private property.
A
The legal designation of ownership by individuals or corporations over physical goods, land, and resources.
4
Q
What is the rule of law?
A
The principle that all individuals and institutions are accountable to the law, which is fairly applied and enforced.
5
Q
Discuss the importance of competition in an economy.
A
Competition drives innovation, efficiency, and consumer choice, leading to better products and services.
6
Q
How does economic freedom relate to individual rights?
A
Economic freedom allows individuals to make their own economic choices, which is a fundamental aspect of individual rights.
7
Q
Define collectivism.
A
A political or economic theory advocating collective control over production and resources, often prioritizing the group over the individual.
8
Q
What is public property?
A
Property owned by the government or community, intended for public use and benefit.
9
Q
Explain collective responsibility.
A
The idea that a group is collectively accountable for the actions and decisions made by its members.
10
Q
Describe cooperation in a social context.
A
The process of working together towards a common goal, often seen as essential for achieving collective objectives.
11
Q
What does common interest refer to?
A
Shared goals or values among a group that promote unity and collaboration.
12
Q
Define economic equality.
A
A state in which individuals have similar levels of wealth and income, reducing disparities in economic status.
13
Q
How does interdependence manifest in society?
A
Interdependence occurs when individuals or groups rely on each other for goods, services, and support, creating a network of mutual reliance.
14
Q
Who is Thomas Hobbes and what are his beliefs?
A
A philosopher known for his social contract theory, advocating for a strong central authority to avoid chaos and ensure order.
15
Q
Identify the key beliefs of John Locke.
A
Locke emphasized natural rights, government by consent, and the protection of life, liberty, and property.
16
Q
What is the significance of Montesquieu’s contributions?
A
Montesquieu is known for his theory of separation of powers, which influenced modern democratic governance.
17
Q
Discuss Adam Smith’s economic theories.
A
Smith is regarded as the father of modern economics, advocating for free markets and the ‘invisible hand’ guiding economic activity.
18
Q
Explain John Stuart Mill’s philosophy.
A
Mill promoted utilitarianism and individual liberty, arguing for the protection of personal freedoms against societal norms.
19
Q
Who is Jean Jacques Rousseau and what did he advocate?
A
Rousseau believed in the social contract and the idea that government should reflect the general will of the people.
20
Q
Define the Great Law of Peace.
A
A historical constitution of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy that established principles of governance and collective decision-making.
21
Q
What is consensus building?
A
A process of decision-making that seeks agreement among all participants, fostering collaboration and unity.
22
Q
Describe cultural assimilation.
A
The process by which individuals or groups adopt the cultural traits of another group, often leading to a loss of original identity.
23
Q
Explain the imposition of liberalism on Indigenous peoples.
A
The forced adoption of liberal values and systems on Indigenous communities, often undermining their traditional practices and governance.
24
Q
What is the Indian Act?
A
A Canadian law that governs the affairs of Indigenous peoples, often criticized for its paternalistic approach.
25
Discuss the impact of residential schools.
Residential schools were institutions aimed at assimilating Indigenous children, resulting in cultural loss and trauma.
26
Define laissez-faire liberalism.
An economic philosophy advocating minimal government intervention in the economy, allowing free-market forces to operate.
27
What characterizes a free-market economy?
An economic system where prices are determined by unrestricted competition between privately owned businesses.
28
Explain the concept of limited government.
A political system where the powers of government are restricted by law, often to protect individual rights.
29
What is modern liberalism?
A political ideology that emphasizes individual rights, social justice, and the need for government intervention in the economy.
30
Describe labour standards.
Regulations that set the minimum requirements for working conditions, wages, and employee rights.
31
What role do labour unions play?
Labour unions advocate for workers' rights, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, and strive for better working conditions.
32
Define universal suffrage.
The right of all adult citizens to vote in elections, regardless of gender, race, or social status.
33
Discuss the importance of human rights.
Human rights are fundamental rights and freedoms that belong to every person, essential for dignity and justice.
34
What does the spectrum of government involvement refer to?
A range of government engagement in economic and social issues, from minimal intervention to extensive regulation.
35
Explain the spectrum of desire for change.
A continuum that reflects varying levels of support for social, political, or economic reforms within a society.
36
What is democratic socialism?
A political ideology that advocates for political democracy alongside social ownership of the means of production.
37
Describe the welfare state.
A government system that provides social services and financial support to ensure the well-being of its citizens.
38
What is healthcare in the context of social policy?
A system of organized health services aimed at providing medical care to the population, often funded by the government.
39
Explain unemployment insurance.
A government program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are unemployed and seeking work.
40
What is the old age pension?
A government-provided financial support for individuals upon reaching retirement age, ensuring basic income security.
41
Define communism.
A political and economic ideology advocating for a classless society in which all property is publicly owned.
42
Discuss techniques of dictatorship.
Methods used by authoritarian regimes to maintain control, including force, terror, and propaganda.
43
What role does indoctrination play in a dictatorship?
Indoctrination is used to manipulate beliefs and values, ensuring loyalty to the regime and suppressing dissent.
44
Explain the use of propaganda.
Information, often biased or misleading, used to promote a particular political cause or point of view.
45
What is controlled participation?
A method of allowing limited public involvement in decision-making while maintaining strict control over the process.
46
Define scapegoating.
The practice of blaming an individual or group for problems or negative outcomes, often to divert attention from the real issues.
47
Discuss the characteristics of fascism.
Fascism is a far-right authoritarian ultranationalist political ideology characterized by dictatorial power and strong regimentation of society.
48
What was the Cold War?
A period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States, marked by ideological conflict and proxy wars.
49
Explain the role of NATO.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is a military alliance formed for mutual defense against aggression.
50
What was the Marshall Plan?
A U.S. initiative to aid Western Europe's economic recovery after World War II, promoting stability and preventing communism.
51
Define the Truman Doctrine.
A U.S. policy aimed at containing the spread of communism by providing political, military, and economic assistance to countries.
52
What does containment mean in a geopolitical context?
A strategy to prevent the expansion of an adversary's influence, particularly used during the Cold War against communism.
53
Discuss the domino theory.
The belief that the fall of one country to communism would lead to the spread of communism to neighboring countries.
54
What is COMECON?
The Council for Mutual Economic Assistance, an economic organization of socialist states to promote economic cooperation.
55
Explain the Warsaw Pact.
A military alliance of communist nations in Eastern Europe, established in response to NATO.
56
What does expansionism refer to?
A policy of territorial or economic expansion, often associated with imperialism.
57
Describe spheres of influence.
Regions where a particular country holds significant cultural, economic, or political influence over others.
58
What is brinkmanship?
A strategy of pushing dangerous events to the brink of active conflict to achieve favorable outcomes.
59
Explain the concept of détente.
A period of relaxed tensions and improved relations between the U.S. and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
60
What was McCarthyism?
A campaign against alleged communists in the U.S. government and other institutions, characterized by aggressive investigations and accusations.
61
Identify Robert Owen's contributions to social theory.
Owen was a social reformer who advocated for cooperative communities and improved working conditions.
62
Discuss Charles Fourier's vision of society.
Fourier proposed a utopian society based on cooperative living and the organization of work into harmonious communities.
63
Who was Franklin D. Roosevelt and what was his significance?
The 32nd President of the United States, known for his New Deal policies that aimed to address the Great Depression.
64
Describe the significance of FDR's New Deal.
FDR's New Deal was a series of programs and policies implemented in the 1930s to address the Great Depression, focusing on relief for the unemployed, recovery of the economy, and reform of the financial system.
65
Define Direct Democracy.
Direct Democracy is a form of government in which citizens directly participate in decision-making and law creation, rather than through elected representatives.
66
How does Proportional Representation differ from First Past the Post?
Proportional Representation allocates seats in the legislature based on the percentage of votes each party receives, while First Past the Post awards seats to the candidate with the most votes in each electoral district, often leading to a winner-takes-all outcome.
67
Explain the concept of a Command Economy.
A Command Economy, also known as a Planned Economy, is an economic system where the government makes all decisions regarding the production and distribution of goods and services.
68
What was the Oka Crisis of 1990?
The Oka Crisis was a land dispute between the Mohawk people and the town of Oka, Quebec, over the expansion of a golf course onto sacred land, leading to a standoff that lasted 78 days.
69
Identify the main causes of World War II during the interwar period.
The main causes of World War II during the interwar period included the Treaty of Versailles, economic instability, the rise of totalitarian regimes, and aggressive expansionist policies by countries like Germany and Japan.
70
Describe the Cold War.
The Cold War was a period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States, characterized by ideological conflict, military build-up, and proxy wars, without direct military confrontation between the two superpowers.
71
What is the purpose of a Plebiscite?
A Plebiscite is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal, often related to constitutional changes or significant national issues.
72
Explain the term Minority Tyranny.
Minority Tyranny refers to a situation where a small group of individuals or a political minority exerts disproportionate control or influence over the majority, often undermining democratic principles.
73
How does a Mixed Economy function?
A Mixed Economy combines elements of both capitalism and socialism, featuring a blend of private and public ownership of resources, allowing for both market-driven and government-directed economic activities.
74
What role do Interest/Lobby Groups play in politics?
Interest/Lobby Groups advocate for specific issues or interests, seeking to influence policymakers and legislation to align with their goals, often representing various sectors of society.
75
Define the term Majority Government.
A Majority Government occurs when a political party wins more than half of the seats in the legislature, allowing it to pass legislation without needing support from other parties.
76
Describe the significance of the Berlin Wall.
The Berlin Wall was a barrier that divided East and West Berlin from 1961 to 1989, symbolizing the Cold War division between communist and democratic ideologies, and its fall marked the end of the Cold War.
77
What is the Emergencies Act?
The Emergencies Act is a Canadian law that allows the government to take special temporary measures during national emergencies, providing the authority to maintain order and protect public safety.
78
Explain the concept of Keynesian Economics.
Keynesian Economics is an economic theory that advocates for increased government expenditures and lower taxes to stimulate demand and pull the economy out of recession.
79
How do Ranked (Preferential) Voting systems work?
Ranked (Preferential) Voting systems allow voters to rank candidates in order of preference, ensuring that if their top choice does not win, their vote can be transferred to their next preferred candidate.
80
What was the Industrial Revolution?
The Industrial Revolution was a period of significant economic development and technological innovation that began in the late 18th century, leading to the transition from agrarian economies to industrialized and urban societies.
81
Describe the role of Protests/Riots in political movements.
Protests and riots are forms of collective action where individuals express their dissatisfaction with policies or social issues, often aiming to bring about change or raise awareness.
82
What is the significance of the Vietnam War in the context of the Cold War?
The Vietnam War was a significant conflict during the Cold War, representing the struggle between communist and anti-communist forces, and it had profound effects on U.S. foreign policy and public opinion.
83
Define Authoritarian Political Systems.
Authoritarian Political Systems are characterized by the concentration of power in a single authority or a small group, limiting political freedoms and suppressing dissent.
84
How does Representation by Population influence electoral systems?
Representation by Population ensures that electoral districts are drawn based on population size, allowing for fair representation in legislative bodies, where each vote carries equal weight.
85
What is the significance of the War Measures Act in Canada?
The War Measures Act was a Canadian law that granted the government broad powers to maintain security and order during wartime or national emergencies, often at the expense of civil liberties.
86
Describe the difference between flat and progressive taxes.
Flat taxes impose the same tax rate on all taxpayers, while progressive taxes increase the tax rate as the taxable amount increases, meaning higher earners pay a larger percentage.
87
Define the role of the Governor General in Canada.
The Governor General represents the monarch in Canada, performing ceremonial duties and ensuring the government operates within the constitutional framework.
88
Explain the function of the Senate in Canadian democracy.
The Senate reviews legislation proposed by the House of Commons, providing a check on government decisions and representing regional interests.
89
How does party politics influence Canadian governance?
Party politics shape policy decisions, legislative priorities, and the overall direction of government based on the ideologies and platforms of political parties.
90
What is the Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms is a constitutional document in Canada that guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms to all Canadians.
91
List the types of rights protected under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The Charter protects Fundamental Freedoms, Voting Rights, Mobility Rights, Legal Rights, and Equality Rights.
92
Describe the concept of illiberal elements in Canadian democracy.
Illiberal elements refer to aspects of governance or laws that may restrict individual freedoms or democratic principles, such as the Notwithstanding Clause.
93
What is the Notwithstanding Clause?
The Notwithstanding Clause allows federal or provincial governments to pass laws that may contravene certain rights in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
94
Explain the significance of the Multiculturalism Act in Canada.
The Multiculturalism Act recognizes and promotes the cultural diversity of Canadian society, encouraging the preservation of cultural heritage and the integration of various communities.
95
Define collective rights in the context of Canadian law.
Collective rights refer to the rights held by groups, such as Indigenous peoples, to maintain their cultural identity and governance.
96
What are minority language rights in Canada?
Minority language rights ensure that individuals can use their language in government and education, particularly for French and English speakers in regions where they are in the minority.
97
Describe Indigenous treaty rights in Canada.
Indigenous treaty rights are legal rights that recognize the agreements made between Indigenous peoples and the Crown, often involving land use, resource management, and self-governance.
98
Summarize the Charlottetown Accord.
The Charlottetown Accord was a proposed constitutional amendment in Canada aimed at addressing issues of governance, Indigenous rights, and provincial powers, but it was ultimately rejected in a referendum.
99
What were the Quebec Sovereignty Referendums?
The Quebec Sovereignty Referendums were votes held in Quebec to determine whether the province should pursue independence from Canada, with significant implications for national unity.
