Human Geo Test

Ideologies

a system of ideas and ideals, specially one which forms the foundation of economic or political theory and policy.

Fascism

a far-right political system characterized by ultranationalism, authoritarian political ideology and led by a single dictatorial leader.

Communism

political theory from Karl Marx that aims for a classless society where the community (often state) owns all property and resources. All wealth is shared with the people.

Totalitarianism

form of government that asserts total control over all aspects of its citizens’ lives and promotes total trust in government. This system prohibits opposition and discourages individual freedom.

Theocracy

system of government in which authority is derived from a religion and religious deity.

Monarchy

system of government where a single monarch (king, queen, emperor, etc.) acts as the Head of State and passed down hereditarily.

Constitutional Monarchy

system of government where a monarch serves as the Head of State, but their powers are limited and defined by a constitution. They share governing authority with an elected government (usually parliament).

Democracy

“rule by the people,” the citizens of a nation decide by popular vote of who acts as their country leaders.

Capitalism

economic system where private individuals and corporations own private production (factories, land, and capital,) in the pursuit of personal wealth.

Political spectrum

system to classify and characterize political beliefs, often represented in two aes (economic and social).

Right wing

the range of political ideologies that advocates for tradition, little government intervention individual liberty, and capitalism; conservative beliefs.

Left wing

the range of political ideologies that advocates for equality, government intervention for fairness, and progressive change that break societal norms; democratic beliefs.

NATO

North Atlantic Treaty Organization. International security alliance of 32 countries from North America and Europe with the goal to safeguard Allies’ freedom and security by political and military means.

Ridings

Electoral districts; geographical areas that vote for one Member of Parliament to represent the district in the House of Commons.

For example, Maple Ridge—Pitt Meadows’s member of parliament is Marc Dalton.

Senate

the upper assembly of a bicameral legislature (e.g., Canadian Parliament, U.S. Congress) that reviews, debates, and refines laws proposed as a “sober second thought” separate from the lower house (House of Commons).

House of Commons

The lower assembly of a bicameral legislature. Debates, scrutinizes, and passes bills, holds government accountable.

Why is the House of Commons called the ‘lower house’?

Represents the ‘common’ people; each MP is elected by riding.

Legislative branch

law-making body divided into two separate chambers/houses. Requires proposed laws to pass through both houses for legislation and ensures broader representation across province.

Parliament

the federal bicameral (two chambers) legislature originating from European/British models: the Monarch, the Senate (upper house), and the House of Commons (lower house).

Legislature

Any governmental body with the power to make laws (legislate).

Divisions of powers

how governmental authority is split vertically (federal, provincial, municipal) and horizontally (legislative, executive, judicial).

Branches of government

Legislative, executive, and judicial

Executive branch

Governor general (represents Monach), Prime Minister, and Cabinet. Function to implement and enforce laws.

Judicial branch

Supreme Court of Canada, federal court system, and provincial and territorial courts.

Function to interpret and apply laws, ensure laws comply with the Constitution, and resolve legal disputes..

Levels of government

determines who governs specific areas of a country.

Federal/National handle matters that affect the entire country,

Provincial manages regional and local issues (e.g., education, healthcare, property rights)

Municipal manages local services (e.g., infrastructure, garbage).

Private embers bill

a bill introduced by a Member of Parliament to change laws, amend existing ones, or address public/private concerns. This bill follows the legislative steps (reading, debate, committee, vote).

Royal assent

final constitutional step where the monarch formally approves a bill passed by a legislature.

Governor general

the representative of The King in Canada.

Legislative process

• a bill is introduced in either House of Parliament; most public bills first introduced in the House of Commons

• Parliamentarians debate the bill and vote if it should be studied further

• If passes, it is sent to a committee to be studied further. Changes may be suggested

• The bill goes back for a final debate and vote, based on the committee’s report

• If passes, it is sent to the other Chamber and repeats the process

• Once the bill is passed by both Chambers in identical form, it goes to the Governor General for Royal Assent

What parts of the bicameral legislature are elected and appointed?

Elected Members of Parliament by their electoral districts (ridings); Governer General, Senators, and federal judges are appointed.

Who can introduce bills into Parliament?

Ministers (government bills), Members of Parliament who are not ministers (private members’ bills), or Senators (either government or non-government)