Canadian Government, Constitution, and Electoral Campaigns

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering Canadian government structures, parliamentary systems, political philosophy, constitutional history, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and parliamentary campaign strategies.

Thomas Hobbes

A political philosopher who wrote the 'Leviathan,' believed that humans were naturally selfish and would stop at nothing to satisfy their desires, and coined the famous phrase 'Nasty, brutish, and short.'

Jean Jaques Rousseau

A French philosopher who wrote the 'Social Contract,' stated 'Man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains,' and believed that before government people were free, friendly, and oriented toward the common good.

Constitutional Monarchy

The technical style of government in Canada, which operates on a system based on the British Parliamentary System.

Constitution of Canada

A collection of documents that make up the highest levels of Canadian law, providing the rules the government must follow and detailing what it can and cannot do to its citizens.

British North America Act (BNA Act)

The founding constitutional document outlining Canada's system of government, the role of the monarchy, executive branch powers, and division of federal and provincial powers; it was used for nearly 120 years and historically required British Parliament approval to amend.

Confederation (1867)

The event in 1867 when four British colonies joined together to form a single, self-governing new nation called Canada.

Pierre Eliott Trudeau

The Prime Minister who in the 1980s patriated the BNA Act into a wholly Canadian law controlled by Canadians without British approval, and who created the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982.

Constitution Act of 1982

The second major part of Canada's constitution, which outlines the civil rights of each Canadian citizen and establishes the procedure for amending constitutional laws.

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Officially known as Part 1 of the Constitution Act of Canada 1982, this document outlines all rights and freedoms guaranteed to every Canadian citizen.

Five Main Charter Freedoms

The fundamental freedoms guaranteed under the Charter: Freedom of Conscience and Religion, Freedom of the Press, Freedom of Association, Freedom of Thought and Opinion, and Freedom of Peaceful Assembly.

Six Main Charter Rights

Democratic Rights (run for office), Legal Rights (informed of charges, speedy trial), Official Language Rights (federal services in English or French), Mobility Rights (move or live anywhere), Equality Rights (equal treatment for everyone), and Language Education Rights (education in the parents' official language).

Charter Amending Formula

The requirement that constitutional changes receive approval from at least 7 provinces representing at least 50% of the Canadian population.

House of Commons (HOC)

The elected lower chamber of Parliament whose representatives (MPs) run in elections to represent their ridings every 4 years.

Senate

The upper chamber of Parliament consisting of 105 senators appointed by the Prime Minister who serve until retirement or age 75 and cannot be fired; originally created so Canada's wealthy elite could stop legislation created by the common people.

Member of Parliament (MP)

An elected representative from a designated political riding in Canada who holds a seat in the House of Commons.

Cabinet

Heads of government departments (e.g., finance, healthcare, transportation, defense) selected by the Prime Minister from Members of Parliament within their own party.

Majority Government

A situation where the governing political party controls more than half of the seats in the House of Commons.

Minority Government

A situation where the governing political party does not control more than half of the seats in the House of Commons.

Official Opposition

The political party that holds the second most seats (MPs) in the House of Commons.

Party Discipline

The parliamentary requirement that all MPs vote strictly as their party leader directs them, enforced by punishments including expulsion from the party.

Vote of No Confidence

A motion passing by majority vote in the House of Commons stating that the ruling government is not acting in the best interest of the people; it can only occur during a minority government.

Six Steps of Canadian Legislation

(1) PM and Cabinet consider/change laws, (2) draft a bill, (3) relevant Cabinet Minister introduces the bill in the HOC, (4) House committee debates and makes changes, (5) bill is debated in the Senate, and (6) bill receives ceremonial approval from the Governor General.

Campaign Manager

A talented individual hired early in the campaign process to oversee and manage all aspects of a parliamentary election run.

Key Campaign Resources

The two vital resources needed to run a campaign: money and volunteers.

National Party Campaign Support

The four assets a national party can supply to a local campaign: money, staff, volunteers, and visits from the party leader.

Door-to-Door Canvassing

The practice where candidates use government-provided lists of eligible district voters to visit homes, request support, and record party supporters.

Voter Data Responsibilities

The obligation of political parties to safeguard collected voter information and clearly inform Canadians on how their personal data is collected, protected, and used.

Get Out the Vote (Pulling the Vote)

The strategic shift in candidate priority as election day nears, changing from identifying supporters to actively encouraging them to vote.

Special Ballot and Early Voting

Voting mechanisms provided to Canadian voters who cannot vote on election day due to vacation, a busy work schedule, or a medical procedure.

Candidate Electoral Success Factors

a strong support team and campaign manager, connecting with voters, and presenting a strong, clear, consistent message.