Political Liberalism Part 2

Majority Government

Refers to a party in the House of Commons that forms the government with more than 50% of the seats under its control.

Periodic Elections

Elections are held every couple of years or so to ensure a change of power; thus creating a true democracy.

Partisanship

Government action based on firm allegiance to a political party

Party Whip

a legislator appointed by the party to enforce discipline

Pluralism

A theory of government that holds that open, multiple, and competing groups can check the asserted power by any one group.

proportional representation

An electoral system used throughout most of Europe that awards legislative seats to political parties in proportion to the number of votes won in an election.

direct democracies

A democracy where all citizens are involved and vote on all issues and decisions

represenative democracy

Used in modern America, citizens elect people to represent them in the government

Referendum/Plebiscite

a general vote by the electorate on a single political question that has been referred to them for a direct decision.

representation by population

The number of elected representatives is determined by the size of the population in the region represented (Example: Toronto will have more MP's than Southern Alberta)

secret ballot

Anonymous voting method that helps to make elections fair and honest

universal suffrage

Equal voting rights for all adult citizens of a nation state

written constitution

A written plan of government that sets forth the structures and powers of government.

Federalism

a form of government in which power is divided between the federal, or national, government and the states or provinces

Checks and Balances

A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power (Montesquieu)

Protection of Human Rights

Includes self-determination, privacy, anonymity and confidentiality, fair treatment, and protection from discomfort and harm

Enlightenment

A philosophical movement which started in Europe in the 1700's and spread to the colonies. It emphasized reason and the scientific method. Writers of the enlightenment tended to focus on government, ethics, and science, rather than on imagination, emotions, or religion. Many members of the Enlightenment rejected traditional religious beliefs.

Executive Branch (Canada)

the branch of government that "executes" or carries out laws (Governor General, Prime Minister + Cabinet Ministers)

Legislative branch (Canada)

The branch of government that makes the laws (MP's + Senate in Canada)

Judicial Branch (Canada)

the branch of government that interprets laws (Supreme Court + Lower Courts in Canada)

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

a document entrenched in the Constitutional Act, 1982 that lists and describes the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to Canadians

Divine Right of Kings

the belief that kings receive their power from God and are responsible only to God

FPTP (Canada)

The electoral system used in the Canada- named after a horse race... Whoever passes the "post" wins that seat. Whichever party has the most seats becomes the official government. In Canada, political parties are competing for 338 seats/ Member of Parliament positions.

Electoral College

a body of people representing the states of the US, who formally cast votes for the election of the president and vice president.

Congress

the legislature of the United States government (Senate + House of Representatives)