Socials 10 Canadian Government Terms

Amending formula

The process to change the Canadian Constitution (requires Parliament approval and 7 out of 10 provinces representing 50% of the population).

Notwithstanding clause

Section 33 of the Charter that allows the government to temporarily override certain rights for up to 5 years.

Democracy

A system of government where power is held by the people, usually through elected representatives.

Capitalism

An economic system where trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit.

Communism

An ideology where all property is publicly owned and people are paid according to their abilities and needs.

Socialism

An economic system where the means of production and distribution are owned or regulated by the community/government.

Fascism

An authoritarian and nationalistic right-wing system of government, often led by a dictator.

Governor General

The federal representative of the British monarch in Canada.

House of Commons

The elected lower chamber of Parliament where Members of Parliament (MPs) debate and vote on laws.

Member of Parliament (MP)

An elected representative of a specific electoral district (riding) in the House of Commons.

Prime Minister

The head of government in Canada, usually the leader of the political party with the most seats.

Cabinet Minister

An MP chosen by the Prime Minister to lead a specific government department (e.g., Minister of Finance).

Senate

The appointed upper chamber of Parliament that provides a "sober second thought" on laws.

Patronage

Rewarding political supporters with government jobs or contracts.

Provincial government

The level of government responsible for education, healthcare, and highways within a province.

Municipal government

The local level of government responsible for garbage collection, local police, and parks within a city.

Caucus

A private meeting of all elected members of a specific political party.

Backbenchers

Members of Parliament who are not in the Cabinet or the Shadow Cabinet.

Shadow Cabinet

Members of the official opposition chosen to critique the government's Cabinet Ministers.

How a bill becomes law (steps)

First Reading, Second Reading, Committee Stage, Report Stage, Third Reading, Senate Approval, Royal Assent.

Speaker of the House

The elected MP who maintains order, manages debates, and enforces rules in the House of Commons.

Leader of the Opposition

The leader of the political party with the second-largest number of seats in the House of Commons.

Indigenous self-government

The formal structure through which Indigenous communities control their own administration, land, and resources.

Constitution

The supreme law of a country that outlines its governmental structure and the fundamental rights of its citizens.

Political spectrum

A system used to classify different political beliefs (e.g., left-wing, center, right-wing).

Conservative Party

A major right-of-center Canadian political party favoring lower taxes, smaller government, and free enterprise.

Liberal Party

A major center/left-of-center Canadian political party favoring social programs, multiculturalism, and a mixed economy.

Green Party

A Canadian political party primarily focused on environmentalism and social justice.

NDP (New Democratic Party)

A major left-leaning Canadian political party favoring strong social programs, universal healthcare, and workers' rights.

Election process (the steps)

Dissolution of Parliament, Voter Registration, Nomination of Candidates, Campaigning, Voting/Election Day.

Majority government

A government formed by a party that wins more than half of the seats in the House of Commons.

Minority government

A government formed by a party that wins the most seats, but less than half of the total seats in the House of Commons.

The four freedoms

Fundamental freedoms in the Charter: Freedom of conscience/religion, thought/expression, peaceful assembly, and association.