Government Terms

Question 1

Democracy

Answer 1

A government system where citizens who are ruled by its laws have certain rights over their leaders and the decisions they make.

Question 2

Socialism

Answer 2

A political system where the government publicizes means of production and distribution for the benefit of the citizens. High government intervention

Question 3

Liberalism

Answer 3

A philosophy where the government intervenes to keep basic standards of living and liberty for citizens. Emphasizes individual freedom.

Question 4

Conservatism

Answer 4

A philosophy that is against change and for tradition. The government’s role is to enforce traditional values such as low government intervention, strong military, pro-life, low taxes.

Question 5

Totalitarian

Answer 5

A government where the leader or a small group controls the lives of their citizens through violence, intimidation, and propaganda.

Question 6

Authoritarian

Answer 6

A government where a person or a small group of people have total control over their citizen’s lives.
Totalitarianism is an Authoritarian government system.

Question 7

Communism

Answer 7

A ideology where all the goods, property, production are owned by the public. The work force is organized so that it benefits everyone not only the bourgeoise.

Question 8

Fascism

Answer 8

A authoritarian government where there is a strong leader who has complete control over the citizens and supresses the opposition. They often support nationalism and racism.

Question 9

Senate

Answer 9

A group chosen by the Governor General on Prime ministers recommendation. They are the second body in the legislative branch, so they help give a second thought before passing laws.

Question 10

Cabinet

Answer 10

A group chosen by the Prime minister to decide government government policy. Cabinet members work as ministers in different departments of the government. They are in the executive branch.

Question 11

House of Commons

Answer 11

Group of people elected by the people. They are the first body in the legislative branch. They vote on the passage of bills.

Question 12

Cabinet Solidarity

Answer 12

This is when the Cabinet stands as one on government policies.

Question 13

Order-in-council

Answer 13

This is when the Governor General can pass bills with the recommendation of the Prime minister and cabinet without a parliamentary vote.

Question 14

Party Discipline

Answer 14

This is to make sure a party is voting as one.

Question 15

Free Vote

Answer 15

This is when members are able to vote on their own accord and conscience.

Question 16

Private Member’s bill

Answer 16

This is when a bill is passed by a member of the legislature who is not a cabinet member.

Question 17

Electoral District; Riding; Constituency

Answer 17

A Geographical location representing a unit in elections.

Question 18

Civil Servant

Answer 18

Someone who works for the government

Question 19

Bureaucrats

Answer 19

Government Officials and admins

Question 20

Public service

Answer 20

Government administration

Question 21

bourgeosie

Answer 21

The ruling or middle class

Question 22

proletariot

Answer 22

the working class or lower class

Question 23

Libertarianism

Answer 23

Political ideology involving minimal government intervention and maximum individual freedom

Question 24

populism

Answer 24

A political movement that prioritizes the need of the ordinary people

Question 25

Partisan

Answer 25

Loyal to a party or cause

Question 26

Party Whip

Answer 26

Member of a party whose job is to make sure that all members are present at legislature to vote.

Question 27

referendum

Answer 27

A direct vote where everyone says yes or no to a proposal

Question 28

by-election

Answer 28

A smaller election held to fill vacancy

Question 29

First past the post

Answer 29

An electoral system where the person with the most votes wins

Question 30

Single transferable vote

Answer 30

An electoral system where the number of votes is proportional to the number of seats