Whitaker Flashcards
What is the central thesis of Whitaker’s “The Government Party”?
That the Liberal Party has functioned as Canada’s default party of government, maintaining dominance through adaptability and brokerage politics.
Why does Whitaker label the Liberals “the Government Party”?
Because of their near-continuous hold on power during much of the 20th century, leading many Canadians to equate the party with federal governance itself.
What strategy has enabled the Liberals’ long-term success?
Brokerage politics: constructing broad coalitions across regional, linguistic, and class lines through policy flexibility and strategic leadership.
How has party leadership shaped the Liberal Party’s success?
Strong, charismatic leaders (e.g., Trudeau, Chrétien) acted as central brokers, projecting unity and managing internal diversity.
How does Whitaker contrast the Liberals with the Conservatives?
He argues the Conservatives have been less successful brokers, often fragmented by ideological divisions and regional grievances.
What institutional advantages have supported Liberal dominance?
The first-past-the-post system, combined with the Liberals’ ability to dominate in key regions like Ontario and Quebec, reinforces their central position.
What role has patronage played in Liberal dominance?
Whitaker highlights the use of government appointments and resources to maintain support and entrench party influence within institutions.
Does Whitaker see Liberal dominance as purely democratic?
Not entirely: he warns that Liberal control over state resources and political appointments blurs the line between party and government, raising accountability concerns.
What challenges could threaten the Government Party model?
Rising regionalism, the emergence of issue-based parties, and voter volatility could disrupt the Liberals’ brokerage formula.
What is Whitaker’s broader critique of Canadian party democracy?
That the fusion of party and state under the Liberals has created a system where genuine competition and party renewal are limited, calling for closer scrutiny of power concentration.
