citizenship

Democracy

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

Democratic slogan

Of the people, by the people, for the people.

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

A document that protects individual rights and freedoms and limits government power.

purpose of the Charter

To protect people’s rights and freedoms from government actions.

Year the Charter was signed —

1982

who signed the Charter

Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.

Who the Charter protects you from

Government laws and actions

Freedom of expression

The right to share opinions and ideas.

Freedom of religion

The right to practice any religion or none.

Freedom of peaceful assembly

The right to gather peacefully.

Freedom of association

The right to join groups or organizations.

Political power

The ability to make decisions, create laws, and enforce rules.

Influence

The ability to persuade others without legal power.

Authority

Official legal power to make decisions.

political perspective

How a person views political issues based on beliefs and experiences.

What shapes political perspective

Family, media, education, religion, culture, and life experiences.

Political significance

How important an issue or event is in politics.

Judging political significance

Importance, impact, public reaction, who is affected, and long-term effects.

Political spectrum

A range of political beliefs from left to right.

Left-wing beliefs

Equality, social programs, more government support.

Right-wing beliefs

Individual freedom, fewer taxes, smaller government.

Political spectrum order

Communism → Socialism → Conservatism.

NDP

Left wing political party

Green Party

Left-centre political party

liberal Party

Centre political party.

conservative Party

Right-wing political party.

Bloc Québécois

Quebec-focused political party.

People’s Party of Canada (PPC

Far-right political party.

Executive branch

Enforces laws

Legislative branch

Makes laws

Judicial branch

Interprets laws.

Executive branch members

Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers.

Legislative branch members

Members of Parliament and Senators.

Judicial branch members

Judges and Supreme Court justices.

Federal government

Level responsible for defence, immigration, and currency.

Provincial government

Level responsible for education, healthcare, and highways.

Municipal government

Level responsible for garbage, local roads, and recreation.

Political party

A group with shared beliefs trying to gain power.

Party platform

A party’s beliefs and plans.

Role of party leader

Leads the party and represents it publicly.

why political parties matter

They organize ideas, candidates, and voters.

How parties gain support

Advertising, debates, and canvassing.

Ways citizens get involved

Voting, volunteering, donating, and joining parties.

Current Prime Minister of Canada

Voting age in Canada

18

House of Commons seats

343

seats needed for a majority

172

Lrgest vote share in 2025 election

Liberal Party and Conservative Party.