Socials Unit 1 Midterms: Governance

Political Ideology

A system of beliefs about politics; a view of the world held by a social class or group.

Ideology

The science of ideas, as derived from the French Revolution.

Democracy

A government where the people rule themselves, derived from 'demos' (people) and 'kratos' (rule).

Elements of Democracy

Constitution, human rights protection, universal suffrage, regular elections, basic freedoms, judicial and political separation, and several levels of government.

Direct Democracy

A democratic form where citizens directly input rather than through elected representatives.

Communism

An extreme left-wing ideology promoting economic equality and the abolishment of private property.

Capitalism

An economic system where trade and industry are owned by private individuals for profit.

Fascism

A nationalistic, top-down political system ruled by an all-powerful dictator.

Majority Government

A government where a party holds more than half the seats in the House of Commons.

Minority Government

A government where the winning party holds more seats than any other party but not more than the combined opposition.

Coalition Government

A minority government formed when two or more parties temporarily join to create a government.

Judicial Branch

The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws and passing judgments.

Executive Branch

The branch of government that makes and applies decisions.

Legislative Branch

The branch that debates, makes and amends laws.

Backbencher

Members of the governing party who are not part of the cabinet.

Governor General

Representative of the UK’s monarch in Canada, appointed by the Prime Minister.

Party Whip

An MP tasked with maintaining party discipline and managing party members' actions.

Public Servants

Employees of the federal government who serve as the link between citizens and the government.

Caucus

A private meeting to discuss policy differences among party members.

Bill

A proposed law that may or may not be enacted.

Royal Assent

Final approval given by the governor general for a bill to become law.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Guarantees equal treatment and protection under the law for all Canadians.

Fundamental Freedoms

Rights pertaining to conscience, religion, thought, expression, assembly, and association.

Democratic Rights

Rights related to the ability to vote and serve in government, including the right to hold elections every five years.

Mobility Rights

Rights allowing individuals to move freely within Canada.

Legal Rights

Rights ensuring fair and prompt public trials.

Equality Rights

Rights protecting individuals from discrimination based on various characteristics.

Official Language Rights

Protection for English and French as the official languages of Canada.

Minority Language Education Rights

Rights allowing minority language groups to receive education in their language.

Representative Democracy

A system where elected officials represent a group of people.

Constitutional Monarchy

A monarchy where the monarch's powers are defined by a constitution.

Federal Government

The highest level of government responsible for national affairs.

Provincial Government

Government responsible for regional responsibilities like healthcare and education.

Municipal Government

Local government responsible for community services and infrastructure.

The Senate

The upper chamber of Parliament, composed of 105 appointed senators.

House of Commons

The elected lower chamber of Parliament representing electoral districts.

Parliament

The legislative branch tasked with making laws and holding government accountable.

Judicial Review

The ability of the Supreme Court to review laws and government actions for legality.

Legislative Process

The procedure through which a bill becomes law, involving several readings and approvals.

First Reading

The introduction of a bill in the House of Commons without discussion.

Second Reading

Debate focused on the general principles of the bill.

Committee Stage

Detailed examination of the bill by a smaller group of MPs for amendments.

Report Stage

Stage for MPs to suggest and debate amendments to the bill.

Third Reading

The final discussion and vote on whether to pass the bill.

Executive Power

The authority to implement and enforce laws.

Supreme Court of Canada

The highest court in Canada and the final court of appeal.

Censorship

Control of information to suppress dissent and freedom of expression.

Affirmative Action

Policies to improve opportunities for historically marginalized groups.

Human Rights

Rights entitled to all humans based on dignity and respect.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

A UN document declaring the rights all humans should have.

United Nations

An international organization founded to promote peace and cooperation among nations.

Economic Equality

A condition where individuals have equal access to economic resources.

Private Property

Ownership of property by individuals rather than the state.

Collective Ownership

Ownership of property by a group rather than individuals.

Intellectual Property

Legal rights concerning creations of the mind.

Maritime Law

Body of laws governing maritime conduct.

Tax Assessments

Evaluation of property and income for tax purposes.

Administrative Boards

Specialized entities managing specific government functions or areas.

Legislative Assembly

A deliberative body with the authority to make laws.

Electoral Districts

Geographical areas represented by elected MPs.

Riding

Another term for electoral district in Canada.

Patronage

Support given to influential people often based on personal connections.

Constitutional Conventions

Unwritten customs and practices that inform political behavior.

Social Interests

The concerns and issues that are important to specific groups.

Political Doctrine

A set of beliefs that assert a specific viewpoint as the truth.

Bicameral

A legislature consisting of two chambers or houses.

Cabinet

Elected officials drawn from the majority party responsible for running government.

Prime Minister

Head of the federal government who leads Cabinet and the ruling party.

Legislative Branch vs. Government

The legislative branch makes laws while the government implements them.

Non-confidence Vote

A parliamentary vote that can remove the government or force an election.

Government Bills vs. Private Member’s Bills

Government bills are proposed by the Cabinet; private member's bills are introduced by non-Cabinet MPs.

Harvard Model

A framework for understanding governance that separates elements like rule-making and enforcement.

Social Contract Theory

Philosophy about the legitimacy of government authority based on consent of the governed.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.