Midterm #2 Flashcards
Majority Government
When the government that formed has an absolute majority. ex 26/50 seats
Minority Government
When a party wins the most seats, but not more that 1/2 of the seats in the house.
Popular Vote
A person or issue that wins the most votes (the most popular option)
Reasonable Limits
Charter Right/Freedom
(clause) that although something violates the charter, it does so within reasonable limits. –> therefore allowed to stand
Right to Privacy
Charter Right/Freedom
number of laws that protect your private information (the way it is handled by governments and organizations)
Right to Legal Counsel
Charter Right/Freedom
Defendant has a right to have the assistance of legal counsel. If they cannot afford it, the government will appoint to pay the legal fees
Advocacy Group
groups brought together to influence PUBLIC OPINION.
They seek to change policy with their influence, without ever nominating someone to run for the position
Interest Group
made of individuals or organizations, organized around shared concerns, attempting to influence PUBLIC POLICY.
Issue Oriented Interest Group
Principle concern is to improve their own (usually economic) status (ex. Canadian Federation of Students)
Charter Rights
Rights of individuals that are entrenched in the Constitution and can’t be infringed upon unless (Reasonable)
Public Interest Groups
promote causes that are seen to be for the benefit of society (ex. environmental groups)
Institutional Interest Group
closely aligned with government (ex public service union) permanent, well established. large budget and member memberships. maintain good relationships with authorities
Issue Oriented Groups
they pop up when there is an issue, then fade away when it is settled. demonstrations, media etc. They work at all levels (municipal - international) Highway extensions to foreign aid help
Lobbying
seeking to influence a politician or public official on an issue –> attempting to affect public policy through lobbying!
Head of State
Canada: Queen Elizabeth
Head of Government
The Prime Minister (J. Trudeau)
Queen
She is represented in Canada by the Governer General
Governer General
Julie Payette - represents the crown.
- Acting on the advice of the PM and Cabinet ministers to give royal assest to bills passed in the Senate and HOC
- ensures there is always a PM
Lieutenant Governor
representative in a provincial jurisdiction of the Canadian monarch (Queen E)
- on the advice of the PM, the Governer general appoints provincial Lieutenant Governors.
As the GG represents the queen vs country, the LG represents the queen vs province
Federal Cabinet
Parliamentary system of government. Ministers hold executive power. named by the PM, ministers are MPs too
Cabinet Members / Ministers
Ministers in the Cabinet are named by the PM and are also MPs
Cabinet selection
named by the PM, should be balanced to reflect constituents but usually ends up being the pm choosing people who have been loyal towards him!
Party Leader*
Process*
House of Commons
made up of elected MPs from across Canada - 338
Legislative Assembly
Provincial forums where elected MPs represent their constituencies