Vocabulary

Question 1

Democracy

Answer 1

Gives the people who are ruled by its laws certain rights over the actions and careers of those in power.

Question 2

Suffrage

Answer 2

The right for women to vote

Question 3

Riding

Answer 3

Geographical divisions made up of roughly 100,000 people.

Question 4

House of Commons

Answer 4

All MP’s including the PM and Cabinet. Main part of parliamentary system. Where laws and spending decisions are made.

Question 5

Parliament

Answer 5

Highest branch of gov that can make laws. Senate and HOC.

Question 6

Senate

Answer 6

Gives bill a final look or “sober second thought”

Question 7

Cabinet

Answer 7

Approximately 30 MP’s that are appointed by the PM and are in the same political party as the PM

Question 8

Direct Democracy

Answer 8

Citizens vote directly on every issue

Question 9

Representative democracy

Answer 9

Citizens elect a politician who makes decisions for them

Question 10

Constitutional monarchy

Answer 10

The monarch is recognized as head of state but is subject to our constitution

Question 11

Federal system

Answer 11

An organization of provincial governments each acting on behalf of its own residents, with a central government in Ottawa

Question 12

Vote of non-confidence

Answer 12

A statement or vote that a person in a position of responsibility is no longer deemed fit to hold that position

Question 13

Caucus

Answer 13

Private meetings held by individual parties before debates to decide what stance to take

Question 14

Shadow Cabinet

Answer 14

Cabinet of the opposition

Question 15

Question period

Answer 15

A daily period in the House of Commons for members to ask questions

Question 16

Patronage

Answer 16

The giving of offices and rewards in return for loyalty or favours to the party.

Question 17

Supreme Court

Answer 17

The highest court of Canada

Question 18

Constitution

Answer 18

Outlines the powers of the government

Question 19

Constitution Act 1867

Answer 19

The law passed by the British Parliament creating the Dominion of Canada at Confederation

Question 20

Party platform

Answer 20

A list of priorities and a plan for government published by a political party

Question 21

Voter apathy

Answer 21

Low voter turnout

Question 22

Majority Government

Answer 22

The ruling party has more than half the total number of seats in the legislature

Question 23

Minority government

Answer 23

The ruling party has more seats than any other party, but the other parties combined have more seats than the government

Question 24

Coalition government

Answer 24

A formal alliance of political parties

Question 25

First-past-the-post system

Answer 25

The party with the most votes wins, even if they do not have the majority of voters

Question 26

Proportional representation

Answer 26

Parties gain seats by the proportion of votes they received in a large electoral district rather than having a single party win a riding by simple majority

Question 27

Interest groups

Answer 27

Organized groups of individuals with common interests who attempt to pressure political decision makers

Question 28

Civil disobedience

Answer 28

The act of intentionally breaking the law while protesting against unjust laws

Question 29

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Answer 29

The UN outline of the rights to which all human beings are entitled

Question 30

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Answer 30

The bill identifying human rights that are guaranteed to everyone in Canada

Question 31

Convention on the Rights of the Child

Answer 31

Outlines children’s unique rights, specifically economic, social, and cultural rights

Question 32

Human Rights Code

Answer 32

Protects citizens against discrimination, covering employment, tenancy and property purchases, accommodation, services, public facilities, and hate propaganda

Question 33

BC Human Rights Commission

Answer 33

Administers specific laws to deal with particular cases of discrimination, investigate complaints and find solutions

Question 34

Notwithstanding clause

Answer 34

Allows provincial or federal governments to opt out of clauses in the Charter for up to 5 years

Question 35

Amending formula

Answer 35

For changes in the constitution to occur, 7 of 10 provinces representing at least 50% of Canada’s population must agree