Canadian Politics Final Exam

ID/Significance Terms for Exam

Responsible Government (ID)

The executive and legislative branches are fused together in a cabinet (prime minister and cabinet ministers) that is accountable for the assembly of people’s elected representatives (House of Commons)

Responsible Government (SIG)

Over time, the enforcement of strict party discipline and the tendency of Canada’s electoral system to produce majority governments has meant that the House of Commons no longer provides a strong political check on the executive branch and more particularly, the prime minister. This concentration of power has led some political scientists to question whether Canada’s system of responsible government has developed into a system of prime ministerial government.

Confidence of the House (ID)

Refers to the support of the majority of the elected members of parliament in the House of Commons. Governing party must maintain this confidence or they must resign, or get GG to call for a general election. Can be done through vote of confidence attached to a bill or seperately.

Confidence of the House (SIG)

Keeps democracy, as if a governing party is not able to meet the wants and needs of Canadians they must resign, in a minority government. Must have confidence to pass key legislation, without it cannot effectively govern. Ensures it operates with the consent and majority in the house of commons.

Tyranny of the Majority (ID)

A situation in majority rule when the preferences and interests of the majority dominate the political landscape, potentially sidelining or disregarding the rights and needs of minority groups.

Tyranny of the Majority (SIG)

We must have barriers in place in our government system to protect against tyranny of the majority. We cannot make everyone in power govern for the greater good. In canada, we have the charter of rights and freedoms, to protect group rights. Tyranny of the majority could threaten these rights, so to do so would be against the charter, meaning they cannot do that. The division of powers also acts as a safe guard, as with provincial and federal governments there is less chance of tyranny of the majority if one government is at risk.

Equality (ID)

A fundamental principle of democracy. Everybody gets equal treatment, opportunities and protection under the law. Regardless of characteristics such as race, age, sex, gender, socioeconomic background, sexual-orientation or disability. Ensuring that all laws apply equally to everyone with no discrimination.

Equality (SIG)

Equality plays a critical role in the shaping of Canadian society. There is ongoing changes to legislature to ensure there is equality, with recognition that some groups may have more disadvantages than others, ensuring to close that gap to fully achieve equality. This has been done through an increased representation in politics, changing it from being a white male dominated field to electing women, and people of colour to have a cabinet more representative of Canada, and increase equality.

Liberty (ID)

Within the private sphere, all individuals have the right to choose their own thoughts and actions.

Liberty (SIG)

This is central to the democratic structure of Canada, as our government is formed on principles of democracy. Things such as the rule of law require the protection of liberty to function effectively. The right to vote, the right to participate and political discourse and to challenge government decisions in court would all not be able to happen without Liberty. Similarly, political parties themselves are connected to the idea of liberty. Everyone has a right to have their own thoughts and beliefs and without these different beliefs there would be no discourse in government, which could lead to tyranny of the majority.

Direct Democracy (ID)

If every person in Canada voted on each issue, or got to directly participate in decision making. Allows the public to directly vote on laws, polices or specific issues instead of using elected representatives to do so. Is typically done through referendums, initiatives, and recalls.

Direct Democracy (SIG)

Due to the pure size of Canada, it is not common to operate under this form of democracy very often at the federal level. However, it does exist at some levels where the constiutent size is smaller, such as provincial and municiple governments. Direct democracy can help reduce some of the distanced feeling that can arise from representative governments. This was seen in Canadian politics through the Quebec 1995 referenda where each quebec citizen got the chance to vote on if they wanted to leave Canada or not.

Representative Democracy (ID)

A system of governance used in Canada where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. Citizens do not directly vote on issues but rather vote for a representative for their area, at munciple, provincial and federal levels, to be involved in decision making on their behalf.

Representative Democracy (SIG)

The structure of representative government is a more organized way to ensure everyone’s voices are heard. It ensures that the individuals making the decisions are well-informed, experienced and able to make informed decisions on issues that are complex, such as economy and healthcare. This is also important in Canadian politics as it ensures that a broader group of voices are heard. If each individual in Canada were to speak on an issue, it would be hard to sift through all of the opinions, so the presence of representatives allows for one person to take on the voice of many, and ensure that as many groups are heard as possible.

Constitution (ID)

A set of rules that authoritatively establishes both the structure and fundamental principles of the political regime in Canada. Specifies how all legal rules are to be produced, applied and interpreted. It establishes WHO holds power, HOW power is divided, and the LIMITS of power.

Constitution (SIG)

The constitution provides a lot of protections for Canadian citizens and structure for the political system. It ensures that there is less risk of tyranny of the majority by the division of powers in three levels, Federal, Provincial/Territorial, and Municiple. As well as this it also establishes the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government, and defines what the roles of those in power should be. Similarly, it includes the protection of rights and freedoms, ensuring that individuals are protected from the actions of government, but also allows citizens a tool to challenge laws or government action in court if they believe their rights have been violated.

Executive Branch (ID)

The decision making power of the monarch, which is composed of the Prime Minister, the Governor General (who is a representative of the monarch), and the cabinet who is chosem by the prime minister. They are responsible for implementing laws and overseeing the day-to-day operations of government.

Executive Branch (SIG)

The executive branch of Canada holds significant power and decision-making authority. Due to this, they must be held accountable by other branches such as the legistlative branch, to ensure they are operating under the wishes of the Canadian public. The executive branch has evolved signifcantly over time. In the past, the executive branch often operated with more secrecy, as many individuals did not know what occured in the executive branch. With the development of media in the 21st century, the executive branch is more susceptible to public scrutiny. This increases the likelihood of the executive branch being held accountable, through procedures like the question period.

Legislative Branch (ID)

A piece of the parliamentary system that is responsible for making, amending and repealing laws. Made up of the Prime Minister, cabinet, House of commons and the senate. This branch includes elected representatives, as opposed to the executive branch being appointed roles.

Legislative Branch (SIG)

The legislative branch is responsible for maintaining a fair and equal governing system in Canada. They are able to keep the PM in check to ensure there is no misuse of powers through a process of checks and balances. The House of Commons, a fully elected group of members, has the power to conduct a vote of confidence, invoke question periods where they can question other members on government actions, policies and spending, and are members of committees that focus on specific elements of political run, such as the economy, and are able to hold the executive accountable. This branch is important not only as Canadians have a more direct role in who gets to be in this branch and make the decisions, but also as it prevents misuse of power.

Fixed Election Dates (ID)

The system where the date of the next federal election is set in advance by law, rather than being determined at the descretion of the Prime Minister or Governor General.

Fixed Election Dates (SIG)

Fixed Election dates are very important to having a transparent political system in Canada. These dates, set in stone, reduce the possibility of political manipulation. For example, without a fixed election date, a government could call for an eleciton when it feels like it is most likely to win the election, and maintain power for longer. With fixed election dates, it more accurately represents the feelings of Canadians, as they are able to have multiple years with a particular party and group of officials before making the choice on reelection.

Governor General (ID)

The official representative of the monarch, currently King Charles III, in Canada. They carry out many of the monarch’s ceremonial duties, as well as their constitutional duties in Canada on behalf of the crown. Is a part of the executive system in Canada.

Governor General (SIG)

The governor general works differently in the parliamentary system than they used to. The governor general used to be more actively involved in decision making, having formal powers and overall playing a more significant role in the executive branch. Now, the governor general’s role is largely ceremonial, with the prime minister holding the power that the governor general previously did. The governor general still holds reserve powers that allows them to step in if there is an emergency of democracy, making them a fail safe to prevent the Prime Minister from misusing their powers.

Cabinet Solidarity / Collective Responsibility (ID)

Refers to the principle that all members of the cabinet must publicly support the policies and decisions made by the cabinet as a whole. Ensures unity and cohesion within the government

Cabinet Solidarity / Collective Responsibility (SIG)

Cabinet solidarity is essential to effective governance within the canadian government. It ensures that the government is stable, and able to maintain public trust. As people, we put our trust in our government to handle the tough decisions and trust them to ensure the country operates well, and for the benefit of all Canadians. Without cabinet solidarity, one of the highest parts of the government would be divided. If the government, especially cabinet who implements laws and is a higher authority, is divided, it would make it difficult to tackle different issues.

Crown (ID)

Refers to the monarch. The head of state in Canada’s constitutional monarchy.

Crown (SIG)

The crowns role is mostly ceremonial, as the governor general represents the crown in political proceedings when needed. However, the crown will typically be used in court proceedings, with cases often being labelled R v ____ for Rex or Regina, meaning The Crown.

Reserve Powers (ID)

The discretionary powers that the Governor General holds. Only used when there is an emergency of democracy.

Reserve Powers (SIG)

These discretionary powers include the ability to dismiss a prime minister who attempts to govern without the confidence of the house, as well as the power to dissolve parliament and call elections. This is an important aspect of the Canadian parliamentary system, as it prevents an imbalance of power and maintains the stability of government. In the King-Byng affair in 1926, the Governor General Byng refused to hold an election when Prime Minister King of the Liberal party requested one. GG Byng instead went to the leader of the Conservative Party to invite them to form new government instead. This changed the way the Reserve Powers were able to be used, with the understanding that the Governor General should act on the advice of the Prime Minister, and also established that a Prime Minister who lost a vote of Confidence could request dissolving parliament and an election

Prime Minister (ID)

The head of government in Canada, currently Justin Trudeau. Holds the highest political office in the country. The leader of the executive branch, who appoints and leads Cabinet.

Prime Minister (SIG)

Due to the amount of power that the Prime Minister has, and the control they have over the House of Commons, it limits their abilities to do many things. Such as the ability to review and approve or reject the government’s legislative proposal, scrutinize the government’s administration of public affairs, and to withdraw its confidence in a prime minister. The PM is able to limit the powers of the house by declaring all government bills to be matters of confidence, forcing MPs to vote with their party, controlling scheduling and undermining committees by changing membership and budgeting resources. Even though there are systems in place to check this power, and prevent misuses of power such as these, it can still happen as they are a part of both the executive and legislative branch.

Cabinet (ID)

The central decision making body within the executive branch of government. Composed of Members of Parliament who are chosen by the Prime Minister. These individuals are all given a specific department, and are responsible for overseeing the administration of government departments.

Cabinet (SIG)

As time goes on, the diversity of issues and diversity of individuals increases. In an effort to improve inclusitivity, the Trudeau government from (2015-2019), achieved Canada’s first gender parity cabinet. As well as the inclusion of a group more representative of Canada, with individuals with different ethnicities, they also introduced new departments. Such as the Indigenous Services department, in an effort to become more specialized. Due to this, the cabinet as a whole has grown significantly in size since the past, and has become more representative of Canadians and their concerns as they themselves evolve over time.

Parliament (ID)

Composed of the House of Commons and the Senate, as well as the Governor General. The supreme legislative body of Canada, who is responsible for making laws, holding the government accountable and representing the interests of Canadians.

Parliament (SIG)

The structure of parliament works much differently in reality than it was originally planned to be. The prime minister was meant to be a first amongst others, but due to the amount of power in the Prime Ministers Office, they are able to bypass some of the parliamentary steps. This power and the PMO’s role in policy-decision making has lead to a reduction of independence for MPs, particularly from the ruling party. This makes less constituents voices heard, as MPs are pressured to stick with their party, even if they know a certain bill won’t be beneficial to their constituents.

Party Discipline (ID)

Adherence of the party members at large to an agreed system of political norms and rules that align with their given political party.

Party Discipline (SIG)

In the past, MPs had more independence in how they voted and expressed their views. Party affiliation was still important, but MPs were often able to vote based on their personal beliefs or the specific needs of their constituents rather than following party lines. However, today, party discipline is more rigid, with MPs typically expected to follow their parties position on nearly every issue, with extreme emphasis on following party lines when it comes to confidence votes. This affects Canadians massively, as sometimes their elected MP will vote against something that would benefit them due to fear of crossing party lines.

Senate (ID)

The senate is the upper house of the parliament of Canada, made up of appointed officials.

Senate (SIG)

The senate was originally meant to serve as a revising chamber that reviewed legislation passed by the elected House of Commons, as a way to have a second opinion on bills. The senate in practice, rarely rejects bills outright. Due to Senators not being elected, there has been question on if it is still beneficial to our democracy as a whole.

House of Commons (ID)

Made up of 338 members, a division of parliament and the legislative branch that are all elected by Canadians directly in a federal election. These individuals are responsible for the creation and passing of legislature.

House of Commons (SIG)

The House of Commons is a drastically important part of politics in Canada, especially in regard to having Canadian’s voices heard. Each MP is responsible for a certain geographical area, and are responsible for having their constituents voices heard in the House of Commons. This is a representative form of government, and ensures that while everyone’s voices are being heard, someone who is well versed on policy and politics is the one who is fighting for the ideas of their people.

Political Representation (ID)

The activity of making citizens present in public policy making process through politicians acting in the best interest of citizens.

Political Representation (SIG)

In the case of the House of Commons, there are 338 individuals to represent Canada’s population of 42 million. In theory, it would be nice to have each persons wishes be able to be expressed in politics but that is not feasible. Due to some regions being much larger than others, it is also not feasible for MPs to know all of their constituents wishes, or maybe not even most of them. Instead, the idea of political representation acts off of what the representatives themselves judge is in the best interest of citizens.

Member of Parliament (ID)

An elected representative who serves in the House of Commons.

Member of Parliament (SIG)

The addition of social media has changed the way Canadians are able to interact with their MPs. Previously, many individuals had no idea who their MP was, or if they knew their name, would not have recognized them in a crowd. Now, many MPs are able to connect with a greater amount of constiuents purely through social media. As well all this, they are able to include the public more in the daily life of an MP, being able to communicate what they are doing for their constituents better.