Socials 11: Government
Federal Court
judges are appointed; court makes rulings concerning federal law
United Nations (UN)
international organization that promotes peace & social well-being throughout the world works towards maintaining peace, establishing friendly relations between nations, & eliminating poverty, disease, & illiteracy
Increase in number of MPs in a province
is caused by a growth in province population
Taxes Court
judges are appointed; court makes rulings on laws concerning taxes
Provincial Courts
judges are appointed; judicial rulings made on a provincial level
Leader of the Opposition
leader of the Official Opposition
Parliamentary Committees
committees that investigate specific issues and report back to the Parliament. Some committees also have continuing roles to monitor and review public sector organizations or keep areas of the law or activity under review.
House of Commons
The governing party (the PM, the Cabinet, and the elected members of the governing party), and one or more opposition parties. The members of the House are elected and they are responsible for debating and passing law proposals or spending initiatives. HEART of our democracy if a bill is defeated in the HOC, it is likely that the govt will resign from office representation in the HOC based on population
Representation by population
a method by which seats are allocated in the House of Commons in such a way as to vary with population. The higher the population of a province, the larger the number of seats allocated to that province will be
Order-in-council
a notice of an administrative decision issued by the Governor General of Canada - issued directly by the Cabinet - bill proposed by the Cabinet - govt uses it when the House of Commons is in recess
Voter apathy
a reluctance to participate in elections (prominent among younger citizens) Why? lack of awareness about voting process lack of awareness of candidates disinterest people feel a lack of "citizenship" - the desire to the fulfill the duties of a Canadian citizen
Road to Patriation
a step forward in Canadian sovereignty: established by PM Pierre Trudeau; all but one province agreed (Quebec opposed the act because it did not receive special status); change in constitution is known as patriation or "homecoming" of Canada's constitution - no longer under British control
Responsible government
a system in which the executive is directly responsible to the people for its actions idea that executive branch must act on decisions of the legislative branch; govt in power cannot make decisions without support of HOC, & Governor General cannot refuse to sign a bill passed by the HOC & the Senate
Minority Government
a type of government a political party elects more members to Parliament that any other party, but not more than all the other parties added together (less power than if they had a majority government since they rely on the votes of members of other parties to pass its bills) (forces to cooperate/form alliances to vote on issues - or else a new election is called!) problems: instable, inconsistent, inefficient - it requires the support of the speaker to pass Legislation
Majority Government (ultimate goal of a political party)
a type of government a political party wins more than half the seats in the HOC in an election (Official Opposition still exists)
Coalition Government
a type of government two or more parties somewhat officially join together to form a government
Canada's Constitution
a) Unwritten: customs borrowed from/largely based on British tradition e.g. rule of law, supremacy of central govt, & responsible govt b) Written: amendments to the BNA Act, Statute of Westminster, & the Constitution Act, 1982
Aboriginal Self-Govt
band council: group of respected members of the community called "elders" (like a municipal govt) leader = "chief" (like a mayor) spend time dealing with federal ministers through ongoing negotiations over issues like licenses, education, & construction on band lands
(Canadian Political Spectrum) Centrist Moderate
believe in both traditions and change; govt should play a role only when it improves the lives of citizens; rights of individuals should be protected; some and some old solutions to probles
Deputy Minister
chosen by Cabinet Minister -> civil servants (public servants/non-elected govt officials) employed by the govt to help run a specific department & report to the Cabinet Minister considerable informal power day-to-day
Media concentration
concentration of media ownership: news read by most Canadians is from a limited # of sources; most newspapers are owned by a small # of corporations -> goes against democratic principles of diversity & plurality
Regionalism
differences in wishes & needs that exist between the Eastern, Central, and Western regions of Canada
How an election works
dissolution -> enumeration -> nomination -> campaigning -> voting -> tabulation
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
document established in 1989 by the UN - first document to legally establish/protect the basic rights of children around the world (e.g. right to identity, education, shelter, safety, and special protection in times of war) -> the most universally accepted human rights document in history includes: 1) Right to family & care 2) Right to food & clean water 3) Right to adequate standard of living 4) Right to healthcare 5) Right to religion, culture, language 6) Right to free education 7) Right to be kept safe, and not be hurt, exploited, or neglected 8) Right to not be used as cheap labour or soldiers 9) Right to express their own opinions & to meet together to express their views Organizations to ensure that the basic rights & freedoms of Canadian children are protected: - Canadian Coalition for the Rights of the Child - in BC: Ministry of Children and Families
Statute of Westminster (1931)
document that gave Canada the power to make its own laws independent of Britain in 1931; Britain could no longer control Canada's foreign policy
Communism
economic system: based on community ownership of all property and the means of production; no private property; everything owned by the state and divided up accordingly (generally known as totalitarian) 1) govt tightly controlled by small group of communist leaders: only allow 1 political party (dictatorship) 2) censorship 3) goal = economic equality, but the opposite can occur: rich get richer and poor get poorer 4) individual liberty is sacrificed for the good of the state
Capitalism
economic system: individuals or companies are free to compete with one another to produce goods and services for profit; little govt interference
Speaker of the House
elected by MPs from among their own members runs day-today business in HOC maintains order, applied rules of the Parliament to all, & acts as a "referee" controls debate has a mace: symbolic role that represents the authority of the Speaker of the House to conduct business of the House
Members of parliament (MPs)
elected representative for each riding (electoral district/constituency with ~100,000 people); Canada has 308 ridings = 308 MPs they debate bills/legislation MPs not on the Cabinet: called backbenchers
Karl Marx
father of communism: believed that it was duty of the state to develop economic equality so all the people would share equally the wealth generated by the country
Executive Branch
The branch of government that makes and applies govt decisions
Constitutional monarchy (e.g. Canada)
we in Canada have our own constitution (set of laws), but we maintain ties with the UK; British monarch is still our formal head of state (but has no actual power): we do this for symbolic & sentimental reasons
Sergeant-at-Arms
works for Speaker of the House 2 duties: 1) performs ceremonial activities (e.g. carrying of the mace) 2) takes responsibility for the security of the HOC & Parliament buildings
(Amendments to the BNA Act) The Notwithstanding Clause
- a "loophole" that convinced many of the provincial premiers to accept the Charter allowed both federal & provincial govts the possibility of opting out of clauses in the Charter - an "escape" clause: allows govt to pass a law even if it violates a right in the Charter for up to 5 years & then must seek renewal - significance: gives some power back to the govt & allows for the legal restriction of individual rights
Civil disobedience aka Peaceful Protest
- act of intentionally disobeying a law that one think is unjust in order to get the attention of the govt: should not involve violence - the refusal to comply with certain laws or to pay taxes and fines, as a peaceful form of political protest.
How a Bill becomes Law (the Legislative Process)
1) First Reading in the HOC: bill is read for the first time 2) Second Reading: members debate the bill's principle; DEBATE 3) Committee Stage: committee members study the bill clause by clause & make amendments if necessary; CLAUSE BY CLAUSE 4) Report Stage: members can make other amendments 5) Third Reading: members debate & vote on the bill 6) Senate: bill follows similar process in Senate 7) Royal Assent: bill receives Royal Assent from Governor General after passed by both Houses -> becomes a law!
Becoming a Canadian Citizen
1) If you're born here 2) If you're born after 1977 in another country and you have at least 1 Canadian parent 3) Or you can apply! Requirements: i) be at least 18 ii) have been a legal permanent resident in Canada for 3 out of the 4 previous years iii) be able to communicate in English or French iv) have knowledge of Canada (rights & responsibilities of citizenship) Cannot become a citizen if: i) you are under a deportation order ii) you are in prison, on parole, or on probation iii) you are charged or convicted of a serious offence
Limitations of Rights
1) Notwithstanding clause 2) Conflicting Rights (rights of individual vs. rights and/or needs of society) 3) Interpretation by the Courts - judges interpret the fairness of laws/make "landmark" decisions/set precedent for new laws -> many such decisions support limitations of individual rights in favour of the good of society 4) Language in the Charter - written in a vague & general way -> allows courts to limit our rights & allows for the Charter to grow/change over time (with the changing beliefs of a nation's ppl)
Election Process
1) The Call: PM tells Governor General to "dissolve" Parliament & calls an election 2) The Nominations: Candidates (usually selected by local party members) submit nominations to go into the ballot 3) Voters' List: chief electoral officer prepares the voters' list in every province 4) Election Campaign: period of time when political parties & their candidates promote their platform and compete for public support (through radio, newspaper, TV ads, pamphlets, posters, lawn signs, TV appearances, public opinion polls, rallies, etc) -- laws regulate the $$ spent by each candidate in this process (through the Election Expenses Act) 5) Election Day: voters go to polling stations (set up in schools, churches, & other public buildings) and cast a vote for the candidate of their choice (confidential!)
Human Rights in Canada
1) basic freedoms: freedom of speech, press, religion, & protection from discrimination 2) citizens' rights: Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms -> minority rights must be protected (to avoid tyranny of the majority)
Bloc Québécois
1) created in 1990 due to failure of the Meech Lake Accord 2) believes that Quebec should be a sovereign (independent) state, separate from the rest of Canada
Fascism
1. Belief in action over thought (Pragmatism); if it works, do it. No moral convictions or principles in decision-making 2. Extreme Nationalism 3. Purpose of individual is to serve the state; obedience & service are ultimate duties of citizens 4. Strong military; main goal: imperial conquest
British North American Act aka the Constitution Act (BNA Act, 1867)
1867 Federal system established in Canada established Canada as a nation document of how country would be run colonies made into 4 provinces: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick = the Dominion of Canada on July 1st, 1867 Canada = self-governing nation formerly a colony of Great Britain **drawn up by Canadian delegates/reps, especially John A. Macdonald, Canada's first PM Founding fathers decided to maintain connection with Britain (intentional) At time of confederation: Canada did not control its own foreign affairs, nor did it have the authority to changes its own constitution (did not yet have autonomy) this act mentioned: - the distribution of powers - the role of the Governor General - a strong, centralized system of government - did NOT mention the role of the PM
Civil Rights in the Charter (of Rights & Freedoms)
7 categories: i) Fundamental Freedoms (freedoms basic to a free & democratic society): - Freedom of Conscience & Religion - Freedom of Belief & Expression (Freedom of Speech & Freedom of the Press) - Right to peaceful assembly - Freedom of Association ii) Democratic Rights: - Right to vote & run for office - Right to federal elections every 5 years - A sitting of Parliament & of each legislature (provincial govt) at least once every 12 months iii) Mobility Rights: - Right to leave & enter Canada - Right to work/live in any province - to discourage local hiring policies which allow only residents of a given province to work in certain industries iv) Legal Rights (limits the power of govt so it can't interfere w/ personal liberty): - Right to life, liberty, & security of person - Right to a fair trial & a lawyer - Right to be not be arbitrarily (without good reason) detained/imprisoned - Right to be innocent until proven guilty - RIght to not be subjected to cruel & unusual treatment/punishment v) Equality Rights: - Free from discrimination based on race, national/ethnic origin, sex, age, or disability - Affirmative Action programs are allowed, which preference members of disadvantaged groups of be hired -> goal is to create a representative workforce vi) Official Language Rights: - Bilingual status of Canada; equality of French & English languages vii) Minority Languages Education Rights - Right to education in English or French when there are enough students - Each province decides whether to provide education in a minority language other than English or French Other: rights specific to aboriginal peoples; multicultural heritage etc.
(Amendments to the BNA Act) Amending Formula
7 out of 10 provinces representing at least 50% of the population must agree in order for changes to occur to the Canadian Charter of Rights & Freedoms
Imperialism
A policy in which a strong nation seeks to conquer/dominate other countries poitically, socially, and economically. create colonies
Liberal Party of Canada
A political party supports: 1) individual freedom & the pursuit of equality of opportunity for all persons 2) expansion of social programs (e.g. healthcare, education) 3) value of multiculturalism & is sympathetic to the hopes of French Canadians 4) more free trade (making it easier to trade goods w/ other countries)
New Democratic Party (NDP)
A political party supports: 1) that the government should intervene in certain important aspects of the economy (against privatization of government-run corporations called "Crown Corporations"); taxation of large corporations 2) welfare measures (e.g. Employment Insurance & Welfare payments 3) that the government should pay for healthcare & education; all Canadians should have equal access to these services regardless of their ability to pay 4) supports minority right
Conservative Party of Canada
A political party; formed in 2003 from the joining of the Progressive Conservative Party & the Canadian Reform Conservative Alliance Party supports: 1) a balance between a balanced budget & supporting social programs 2) equality of all Canadians, & in the freedom of the individual 3) both English & French as the official languages of Canada 4) free enterprise 5) free trade
Legislative Branch
The branch of government that makes, debates, and amends laws, as well as determines how the govt will spend the peoples' money passes laws
Parliament
Group of representatives who govern Canada and make laws: House of Commons & the Senate
Vote of non-confidence
HOC defeating a bill introduced by the PM's govt or members can introduce a formal vote of non-confidence result: govt must resign
Backbenchers
MPs not on the Cabinet; support their party while keeping in mind wishes of the public party whip: role is to discipline members if they speak out against their party
Judicial Branch
The branch of government whose role to make interpretations and then rulings on Canada's laws. may also pass sentences (punishments) to the criminals independent of political parliament (all provinces and territories follow same judicial system except Quebec, which has its own civil code)
Lieutenant-Governor
Queen's representative on the provincial level
Federal and provincial government (shared responsibilities)
Responsibilities shared by ______ & _______ govts agriculture & farming pension plans environmental protection
Gender Equity
Women do not yet receive equal treatment in the workplace - occupy lower & middle ranks - unequal access to training/promotion - difficulty entering male-dominated professions - paid less than men for equal work solutions: affirmative action e.g. preferential hiring
Private Member's Bills
a bill (proposed law) introduced into a legislature by an MP who is not part of the Cabinet - problematic to pass them
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
first international statement to recognize that "all" human beings have specific rights & freedoms: global morality! 1) Important excerpts - all human beings are born free & equal in dignity & rights - everything is entitled to all rights set forth in this Declaration, without prejudice of any kind - right to life, liberty, and security of person - no slavery or servitude - no torture - all are equal before the law & are equally protected by the law - no arbitrary (without good reason) arrest, detention, or exile - right to education - right to freedom of movement - right to freedom of thoughts, conscience, & religion - right to freedom of opinion & expression - right to standard of living adequate for health & well-being 2) Global response UN lacks the power to directly enforce the above, but it plays an important role in the fight to end human rights violations -> draws attention to offending countries -> global community puts pressure on those countries 3) Canada has made the Declaration part of its law; we also have civil rights mirroring the Declaration
Democracy
government where people rule themselves; in reality: public are ruled by representatives chosen by the public to speak and make decisions on behalf of its citizens (an ideal form of government - not perfect, but it's the best system we got) 1) has constitution 2) human rights protected in constitution 3) regularly schedules, multi-party elections are held 4) universal suffrage (right to vote): all adults can vote 5) judicial courts & political parliament roles of govt are separated 6) federal union: we have several levels of govt (national, provincial, municipal) Ultimately: we as a public are able to elect a new govt if we are unhappy with the current state of affairs the power of the vote can influence the course of political events
Federal system (federal union) (e.g. Canada & the US)
govt divided into 3 levels: the federal govt, provincial govts, & municipal govts
Strong-man government
govt with constitution and elections, but the govt doesn't follow all the aspects of that constitution
Cabinet
group of 30 ministers selected by the PM from among the majority party members in the HOC; they administer government policy & make law proposals that must be passed by HOC; each province should have at least 1 cabinet minister; each cabinet minister is responsible for one department of govt (e.g. finance, defence, transportation, environment, health); have no set term need to keep a united front with PM and all cabinet ministers: cabinet solidarity not only sits in the House, but also meets independently to plan the course of govt in choosing his cabinet, the PM must keep in mind regional interests in Canada name given to members of Cabinet: caucus
political platform
group of policies that the candidate would implement if elected
Interest Groups (Lobby groups)
groups of citizens who try to influence government policies & decisions; formed when several ppl who share a group of ideas realize that they all have a common goal (e.g. Greenpeace, Amnesty International, & the Canadian Cancer Society) a) How do they effect change? - they send reps (lobbyists) to meetings w/ Cabinet Ministers & parliamentary committees - influence public opinions through paid ads examples of change: new legislation, environmental protection, new govt services, & increasing funding for research projects b) Opposition to them - they promote goals that not all citizens share --> however, they argue that they play a vital role in providing the govt w/ info that allows it to make better, more informed decisions - larger groups have contributed a lot of $ to a particular party at election time (get special treatment when that party gets elected)
Protest groups
groups that use actions such as rallies, parades, marches, public demonstrations, blockades etc. to draw attention to their cause
Supreme Court of Canada
highest court in Canada; the final court of appeal; consists of 9 appointed (by the Governor General on recommendation by federal Gabinet) judges; large role in ruling on human rights issues
Canadian Charter of Rights & Freedoms
important Canadian document - part of the Constitution Act in 1982 significance: first time civil liberties became enshrined in the Constitution impact since 1982: - the Constitution is (intentionally) difficult to amend -> our rights are "enshrined" - limits the supremacy (dominance) of parliament & enhances the supremacy of the constitution -> govt cannot pass laws which violate the charter (or it can be overturned in the courts) Public Opinion - in 2002, poll found that 82% of Canadians agreed that the Charter has had a +ve impact on the protection of their rights & freedoms (91% in Quebec -- highest percentage in a province!) - 81% believed the Charter had become a significant part of the Canadian identity - one of the world's most comfortable & caring societies -- UNHDI cited us as the most desirable place to live ^_^ Global Opinion - other countries admire and model their constitutions after ours - court cases other countries often cite decisions made by the Supreme Court of Canada Conclusion: - an indication that Canada has matured to become a fully-functioning democracy!
Political Parties
important to making democracy work a) citizens needs offer choice b) they give stability to the political process; makes it easier for voters to vote; every political candidate has a political platform c) legitimize "good" candidates: political parties recruit candidates carefully & choose the most qualified candidates d) membership in a political party: not mandatory - an MP can be "independent" e) official party status: party must have minimum of 12 seats in the HOC to have official party status --> party can receive funding for govt work & participate in HOC debates
Constitution Act (1982)
including Charter of Rights & Freedoms 1) Road to Patriation not a "new" constitution, just the old one reworked and brought home to Canada
BC Human Rights Code
legislation to protect human rights in BC this code takes priority over other policies/agreements prohibits discrimination in: publications (hate speech/propaganda), employment, accommodation, services/facilities (e.g. restaurants, libraries), purchase of property, tenancy, & wages protects against discrimination based on: race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, family status, marital status, disability, sex, or sexual orientation Sections: 1) Employment (no discrimination) 2) Publications (no hate propaganda) 3) Accommodation, Service, or use of Facilities (no discrimination) 4) Tenancy (no discrimination)
Federal government
level of govt: responsible for: national defence foreign policy immigration taxation/currency criminal laws transportation employment insurance aboriginal peoples postal system designating responsibility of "leftover" areas called residual powers (e.g. telecommunications, computers, air travel)
Canadian Political Spectrum
like a pendulum Communism --> Socialism, Liberalism, Conservatism --> Fascism
Nationalism
love of country & willingness to sacrifice virtually everything for it
Municipal (Local) Government
mayor = head of municipal council made of elected reps called counsellors function: to develop policies & then pass by-laws (laws only applied to a particular municipality) as needed (in the same procedure as provincial & federal govts)
Senate
members are appointed by the Governor General, on the recommendation of the PM. usually appointed as a reward for long & loyal political service to the party in power to be appointed to the Senate: you must • be at least 25 years old • own two hundred dollars worth of property • own property in the province he will represent their role is to investigate bills passed by the House of Commons (and make recommendations); a final "check" on the decisions made by the HOC vote on bills passed by the House (but rarely refuse them) controversial: many think it's a waste of money, and that it should be abolished or made into an elected body 1) lack of specific qualifications (no official requirements) 2) patronage (nepotism by PM?) -> undemocratic since its members are appointed by the PM 3) doesn't represent country's interests as a whole (many based in central Canada) proposed solution: reform the Senate! Triple-E Senate: Elected, Equal (no voting on party lines), & Effective (current Senate doesn't do much)
Legislative union (e.g. the UK)
no provincial or state govt, only national & municipal
Official Opposition
opposition party with the most elected members opposition parties criticize the proposals of the governing party; may sometimes introduce bills keeps govt accountable, especially during question periods -> can question govt actions or raise issues of concern
BC Human Rights Commission
organization that investigates & mediates human rights complaints -> may refer cases to the BC Human Rights Tribunal for a hearing
Canadian Reform Conservative Alliance Party (no longer exists)
party that no longer exists *formed due to feelings of western alienation*, since most other parties predominantly represented the views & wishes of people in central & eastern Canada 1) flat tax rate of 17% for all Canadians 2) balanced budget 3) free enterprise, "strong families," & "safer streets and secure borders" joined with the Progressive Conservative Party in 2003 to become the Conservative Party
Reform Party (no longer exists)
party that no longer exists 1) formed in Manitoba in 1987 2) *western provinces should have a stronger voice in federal govt* 3) favoured reducing the national debt through massive cuts to social welfare 4) wanted to change the Constitution (create a more powerful & elected Senate) 5) opposed Quebec's demands for special status in Canada 6) on the right of the political spectrum
Progressive Conservative Party (no longer exists)
party that no longer exists 1) wanted more government spending & tax cuts on all income levels 2) believes in privatization (private ownership of government-owned companies) 3) until the North American Free Trade Agreement - NAFTA - was signed in the 1990s, the Conservative Party historically supported high tariffs (duties) & economic nationalism (protecting Canada's industries) joined with the Canadian Reform Conservative Alliance Party in 2003 to become the Conservative Party
Chief electoral officer
person who prepares the voters' list in every province & manages the election on election day: establishes appropriate voting places (polls) & ensures that the vote are properly counted
Legislative Assembly (or Legislature)
provincial government; modelled like the HOC when a bill is passed, it goes directly to the Lieutenant-Governor no provincial equivalent of the Senate has Premier, Cabinet, and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA's)
Public Service (Civil service/Bureaucracy)
public servants: employees of federal govt; represent the link between Canadian citizens and the govt
Provincial Government (aka Territorial Govt)
responsible for: education health care provincial taxation provincial police management of natural resources roads & bridges workers' compensation programs housing
Municipal (services specific to a community) government
responsible for: libraries local police local schools fire departments public transport building permits parks & rec garbage & recycling
HUMAN RIGHTS
rights to which all humans are entitled (e.g. right to be treated w/ dignity & respect) "universal rights considered basic to life in any human society" they are not necessarily protected by law in all countries human rights abuses still occur all around the world fighting this: organizations like the UN
Cdn Constitution
set of rules that represent the essential principles (ideas + values) & rules of a nation -> limits what govt can and cannot do (limits power); defines the limits & powers of the govt - includes the BNA Act
Shadow Cabinet
sits opposite the Cabinet MPs from the Official Opposition who have been chosen to shadow a specific minister from the Cabinet
Mass Media
source of influence of public opinion & govt decisions often criticized for not accurately reflection the community's views, or not giving adequate coverage to the most important issues media concentration :(
(Canadian Political Spectrum) Left Wing
support change; think that the govt should provide more social services such as education & health care (support higher taxes); the govt should be heavily involved in managing the economy; criminals should be rehabilitated (they are capable of changing their ways) Most Left Wing: Communism
(Canadian Political Spectrum) Right Wing
support tradition & the status quo (existing situation); govt should play a limited role in the economy (lower govt involvement/spending); support business & free enterprise (low taxes & little govt control on business); budget should be balanced - even if this means cutbacks in education & health care; law and order should have high priority/harsher penalties on criminals generally: supports "turning back the clock" when problem solving Most Right Wing: Fascism
Direct democracy (e.g. Ancient Greece)
system where all citizens participate directly in the political process by voting in every decisions (not practical)
Representative democracy (e.g. Canada)
system where citizens elect reps to act on their behalf and are expected to voice the views/interests of their voters
Governor General
the appointed (by the PM) representative of the Queen and is named the official head of state. He/she signs and gives final approval to bills (laws) passed by parliament but has little actual power performs ceremonial functions; function = largely ceremonial at beginning of parliament sessions: delivers speech from the throne -> reads the agenda for the session he is appointed by the Queen by the recommendation of the PM
Prime Minister
the elected head of the Canadian govt; is the leader of the party with the most elected representatives (seats) in the House of Commons responsibilities include: to act as the voice of Canada to develop foreign trade & policies to recommend new Judges and Senators to be a spokesperson for his/her party to select MPs for the Cabinet and supervise their performance to advise the Governor General on when to dissolve parliament so that an election may be called (normally in Canada: election every 5 years or when PM decides election is necessary before the term expires) **has the authority to unilaterally (without consultation) decide to govt policy, but needs support of his Parliament members to avoid vote of non-confidence
Gerrymandering
the rearranging of ridings (so as to give one political party a majority in many districts while concentrating the voting strength of the other party into as few districts as possible)
Suffrage
the right to vote
Universal franchise
the right to vote for all citizens over 18 years of age
Proportional Representation (PR)
type of electoral system the system in which voters elect a candidate on the basis of the party he/she represents; the # of votes each party receives corresponds to the # of seats it wins in Parliament; the candidates from the party w/ the most votes fill those seats cons: not every riding will have local reps (ppl in those areas have no say); usually will not give one party a majority -> govts must be formed by coalitions between parties: unstable, & require more frequent elections
Preferential Ballot (e.g. Australia)
type of electoral system voters rank the candidates in order of preferences; if not candidate receives a majority, the one w/ the lowest # of votes is dropped, & his/her second place votes are distributed (repeated until 1 candidate receives majority) con: the winner may only have the votes of a small part of the popln, and may only represent 1 area of the country
First-past-the-post system
type of electoral system when the polls close, after 12 hours, the ballot boxes are taken to one location & all votes are counted by hand; the candidate w/ the most votes in each riding is declared the winner -- a winning candidate in any particular riding does not need to have the majority vote (>50%), but only has to win more votes that any other single candidate (same system to determine the party that forms the government) **controversial: a party forms a govt by winning the most seats in parliament - not the total # of votes (popular vote) (e.g. a party wins 75% of the seats in Parliament, but had only 50% of the popular vote)
Socialism
very mild form of communism; a RELATIVE term: can be mildly socialist to extremely socialist eg. BC has some aspects of socialism (govt owns BC Hydro, BC Ferries, and ICBC) a) Economy: govt runs some aspects of the economy, but free enterprise (capitalism) still functions (govt owns or operates public utilities) b) Ownership: the individual is allowed to own consumer goods c) Government: eg. Sweden usually democratic
