Canadian Government

Democracy

A political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them

Equality

the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities.

Rights

The benefits of government to which every citizen is entitled.

constitution

the fundamental rules and laws governing a group or organization

law

Rules made by parliament and enforceable by the courts

Federal

In charge of the whole country - relating to all of Canada - mail, military, foreign affairs etc.

provincial

in charge of things just relating to the province. education, health care etc.

municipal

relating to a city, town, village, or the like with local self-government like garbage and recycling

bylaw

a rule made by a local authority to regulate its own affairs - not as serious

permit

to allow to do something

property rights

the ability of an individual to own and exercise control over scarce resources

civil rights

the rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.

Age of being of an adult

(19 years old in BC)

defence

protection from harm

foreign affairs

A nation's relationships with other countries

Copyright Law

laws designed to protect intellectual property rights and to provide monetary rewards for inventiveness and hard work; protects works "fixed in any tangible form of expression"

Criminal Law

A law that defines crimes against the public order. laws relating to crimes (serious stuff)

independence

freedom from control by another government or country

elect

to choose by voting

appoint

assign a duty, responsibility or obligation to

Cabinet

Group of ministers: Government members chosen by the Prime Minister for specific jobs (Defense, Transport, Finance, Fisheries)

House of Commons

the first legislative body of Parliament whose members are elected.

living standards

Factors that affect the quality of life in a country, such as access to safe food and water, employment, and security.

Patronage

Granting favors or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political support

vote of no confidence

Vote taken by a legislature as to whether its members continue to support the current prime minister. Depending on the country, a vote of no confidence can force the resignation of the prime minister and/or lead to new parliamentary elections.

opposition

The party with the second most seats in parliament

Legislative Branch

the branch of government that makes the laws

Judicial Branch

Branch of government that decides if laws are carried out fairly.

Executive Branch

the branch of government that carries out laws

Prime Minister (PM)

The head of government in parliamentary and semipresidential systems

Liberal Party of Canada

Sometimes called by its nickname "the Grits," it is the oldest federal political party in Canada. The party believes in the principles of liberalism, and generally sits at the centre of the Canadian political spectrum.

Bloc Quebecois

A separatist party from Quebec that elected members to the federal parliament in every election since 1993. Although a majority of Quebecers do not wish to see Quebec separate from the rest of Canada, many feel that their interests within Canada are best represented in Ottawa by the Bloc.

Green Party

A minor party dedicated to the environment, social justice, nonviolence, and the foreign policy of nonintervention. Ralph Nader ran as the Green party's nominee in 2000.

New Democratic Party (NDP)

founded in Ottawa in 1961 at a convention uniting the CCF and several labour unions.

Conservative Party

A political party in it is generally more right wing, and more towards free-markets and the upper classes, advocates a mixed economy and encourages property owning.