Social Studies- Government

Includes Chapter 5-9

What is Government?

Government is a system by which a group of people makes the laws (principles and regulations) that are enforced to guide the affairs of a community.

Why do we need government?

We need government because government is a way of making and applying decisions when a conflict has not been resolved. Government is a way to find a solution.

What is the difference between an authoritarian government resolving a conflict from democracy fixing a conflict?

The difference between an authoritarian government resolving a conflict from democracy fixing a conflict is that an authoritarian government has dictators who determine solutions for conflict without or little opinions from other people while democracy fixes arguments based on citizens preferences or wants. Citizens will choose individuals to elect to represent the community in government. Another difference between the two governments is that authoritarian government governments do not allow disagreements to be said out loud  while democracy allows it.

Are all authoritarian governments bad?

All authoritarian governments are not bad because there are some, which is not common or usual, that provide social benefits to its people such as education, health care, having parts of their house costs paid for, and more. When people say all authoritarian governments are bad, it is not a very accurate answer.

Do democratic governments always treat people well?

Democratic goverments make decisions based on the will of the people. The democratic method gives each individual equal input into decisions through a vote. The choice that gets the most votes, wins. The downside is people who voted the unpopular choice may be upset. Opposition and criticism are part of the democratic system.

What is the difference between coercion and influence?

The difference between coercion and influence is that coercion means to use force to scare other people to be able to get what you want while influence means to convince people to do things.  Governments use advertisements or public announcements to convince and influence people.

Decide whether authority, influence, or coercion is being used in each of the following scenarios.

Explain.

a. A music star urges young people to read more

b. A mother forbids her children to watch a television show

c. A move is rated “restricted”

d. A hockey player is ejected from a game after fighting with another player.

e. Police ‘read the riot act’ to demonstrators

f. A penalty is charged on late income tax returns

a) In the scenario, the music star was urging young people to read more. I say the music star is using influence because urging means to convince someone without using any force and the music star was not making ‘reading more’ a necessary rule for young people.

b) In the scenario, a mother forbids her children from watching a show. I say the mother is using authority because the mother is not allowing her children to watch a show and made it a rule. The mother has full control on the rules for her children and the scenario only states that she orders her children not to watch the show without using force or violence.

c)They decided to restrict the movie from people who are under age so it is authority.

d)They decided to eject the hockey player after the fight so it is authority.

e) In the scenario, the police ‘read the riot act’ to demonstrators. I say the people are using coercion because if a police were to read the riot act to you, that means you were doing something illegal. The riot act is a threat and a warning and coercion means you can use threats to get something you want.

f) In the scenario, a penalty is charged on late income tax returns. I say the scenario is using coercion because people are being charged, it is a threat and punishment to not do it again.

What is the reason to why most Canadians obey laws?

The reason why most Canadians obey laws is not because they’re scared of breaking laws and receiving consequences but because Canadians respect one another.

Do you think people are more likely to obey a law if they are convinced it is right or fear it being enforced? Support your opinion with an example of a law?

 More people are more likely to obey a law if they are convinced it is right because they may have been given reasons why they should follow a law. Take for example, in a democratic government, you need to vote for someone to elect and you do not vote for whoever, the people who want to get elected will try to convince others by stating what they could do for the people. If people fear a law being necessary, they may have not been given reasons why they have to follow it. Authoritarian governments are like that, when they use force to make sure people do what they are told, then most people would be scared to do something wrong.

Explain how negotiation, mediation, and arbitration can be used to resolve conflicts.

 Negotiation, mediation, and arbitration can be used to resolve conflicts because negotiation is when you talk about what the problem is. If the conflict has still not been resolved, the parties in the conflict can bring in another party to watch over the argument and also help the two parties find a solution which is called mediation. If there is no agreement, the third party can declare a solution, arbitration.

What is the difference between a direct democracy and a representative democracy?

 The difference between a direct democracy and a representative democracy is that direct democracy is when citizens of a state or nation are in charge of all laws while representative democracy is when citizens vote for a representative to represent the citizens opinions.

What would need to be done to allow for a direct democracy today? Would it be ideal to have a direct democracy? Examine the pros and cons before explaining your conclusion.

What I think would need to be done to have a direct democracy today is for citizens to not get in lots of fights and for everything to be organized which will be hard. Everyone has different opinions and citizens would need to agree on things to make an official law. There are too many people now too and we need all input from all citizens which will take very long. In my opinion, having a direct democracy is not a good idea because I feel like most citizens do not have what it takes to lead the nation's laws. Some people are not educated enough to make laws, if we had a direct democracy today, we may have very bad laws. Since it’s all citizens, there will be many conflicts because of different opinions, overruling (majority versus minority) and unfairness to minorities.

Where do Canada, the United States, and the Philippines fall in terms of political freedom?

In terms of political freedom, Canada and the United States fall in the free countries while the Philippines falls in the partly free countries.

What is Federalism?

Federalism is a system of government that has two levels of government, federal (national), and provincial.

How does the federal government collect revenue?

Federal government collects revenue by collecting income taxes, the goods and services tax (GST) and excise taxes (taxes on certain domestic and foreign goods that are not apparent to the consumer).

What is a federal equalization payment?

Federal equalization payments are made to reduce the economic disparity (unfairness) between “have” and “have not” provinces.

What percentage of Manitoban provincial revenue came from Federal transfers in 2006/2007?

The percentage of Manitoban provincial revenue that came from federal transfers in 2006/2007 is 34.6%.

How do provincial governments collect revenue?

Provincial governments collect revenue by collecting income tax, sales tax (PST), and hidden “sin taxes.”

What did Manitoba spend most of its revenue on in 2006/2007?

Manitoba spent most of its revenue in 2006/2007 is 41.6% on health.

How do municipal governments collect revenue?

Municipal governments collect revenue by receiving grants from provincial government. They also raise revenue through property taxes. These are paid by both homeowners and businesses. They also raise money through fees they charge for parking and for various licenses.

What is the purpose of the Judicial Branch?

The purpose of the Judicial Branch is that they deal with the law courts and the administration of justice. Canada’s courts are also called upon to interpret the country’s law. Judicial Branch provides answers to questions like do governments have the right to regulate tobacco advertising and more. For short, the purpose is to interpret laws and administer justice.

How does indigenous (Aboriginal) self-government work with the levels of government?

Indigenous self-government is equal in status to that of provinces when working with the federal government. It is dependent on demographics therefore provinces may share decision making power with Indigenous groups.

Give an example of how the federal and provincial governments work together/share a responsibility.

The federal government defines what marriage is as well as the privileges and rights of marriage while the provincial government is responsible for issuing marriage licences, authorizing individuals to perform marriages and register marriages. The grounds for divorce are set by federal law but the roles that say how property is to be divided after divorce are set by provincial law.

Why are some taxes known as ‘sin’ taxes?

Certain taxes are called sin taxes because the tax comes from doing something that society has deemed bad or a sin.

What are some of the advantages of Government Sponsored Gambling? What are some of the disadvantages?

Some advantages are that it provides harmless fun for adults, creates jobs, taxes generate revenue to support community organizations that provide health care education or social services. The disadvantages are that it promotes a destructive activity that can lead to theft, suicide, and destroy families.

What is the purpose of separating government powers into branches?

The idea is that by separating government powers into into branches, each would be checked and balanced by the others.

Explain how the Governor General is a figurehead.

The Governor General is a figurehead because they have no real power and give only the head of government as a symbol of the queen. Although they sign bills into law they are not allowed to debate them. Likewise, their other duties have no significant impact on government decision making.

Explain the purpose of a cabinet by referencing several examples.

The purpose of the cabinet is to become experts in specific areas and manage portfolios/departments. They bring their expertise to the House to advise the Prime Minister as well as put forth laws. Examples of specific role are the minister of finance who is expected to balance the budget. The minister of justice might propose changed to the criminal law related to marijuana. The minister of health might introduce a teen sports program. The minister of defence might change the size of Canada’s armed forces.

Describe ways in which the executive branch and the legislative branch are similar. Describe ways in which they are different.

Similarities: They both Include Members of Parliament. They both are able to put forth laws.

Difierences: MPs in the Legislative expected to represent the need of their constituents but MPs in the Executive belong to the cabinet and they are expected to follow cabinet solidarity. Executive cabinet members are also in charge of portfolios whereas legislative MPs are not.

How is the election of a mayor different from that of a Premier or Prime Minister?

People directy vote for the Mayor in elections where as with the Premier or Prime Minister are selected based on the party with the most elected members.

(Side note that the Premier & Prime Minister are stil representative of a riding and must be elected to their riding as well but the Mayor does not represent a riding when running for election)

18. For each of the following examples below list which responsibility ( Foreign trade and relations, Aboriginal peoples, Defence, Postal service, Immigration, Communications, Unemployment, Criminal law (criminal code), Currency (money), Property and civil rights, Marriage licenses, Alcohol consumption Natural resources Environment hospitals, Health and welfare, Education, Driver education and licensing, Motor vehicle operation and licensing, Provincial and Territorial highways, Police and fire departments, Streets and roads, Water and sewage, Transit, Recreation, Garbage and recycling, Libraries, Local programs) it falls under and the level of government.

a. You purchased a good movie and want to share it with your friend. Since regulations prevent you from copying the movie you lend him your copy.

b. You buy a new pair of shoes and you have to pay a GST of 5% on top of the purchase price.

c. You knew it the moment you were told that you were going too fast that you received an automatic fail. Nonetheless, you figured you might as well practice your parallel parking so that you had be better prepared for the test next time.

d. You are going on an exchange trip to France this summer and must get an important document to be able to travel.

e. You failed your Latin final and did not earn the credit. Although your parents will be mad, it does not matter in the end because you already have 31 credits.

f. When you drive downtown, you put money in the meter when you park so that you do not get a ticket.

g. You have been picking up your neighbours’ mail while they are away. You notice an interesting package but you have to wait until they open it before you can find out what is inside.

h. You go out for dinner with your friends and want to order a glass of wine, but the waiter won’t serve you because you are only 16.

i. Your parents are installing a pool in the backyard. They have been informed that they also have to build a fence around it.

j. You just got your first paycheck from working at McDonald’s. The job is only $14.15 an hour but you don’t complain because it is your first job and you have very little experience.

k. You always wear a seatbelt while driving.

l. You are at an outdoor concert. The band has to finish by 11:00 PM, because of the noise laws. m. You rock paper scissors who will pay the daily fee to get into Grand Beach. You lose.

19. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of having a minority government?

Immigration- D, Federal

Unemployment- J, Federal

Criminal law (criminal code)- A, Federal

Currency (money)- B, Federal

Property and civil rights- G,I, Provincial and Territorial

Alcohol consumption, Natural resources, Environment hospitals- H, Provincial and Territorial

Health and Welfare- L, provincial and territorial

Education- E, provincial and territorial

Driver education and licensing- C,K, provincial and territorial

Streets and roads- F, local

Recreation- M, local

What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of having a minority government?

The advantages of having a minority democracy is that the government would be smaller which means there would be less fighting, and making laws would be easier since having a smaller government means being more organized and getting work done faster. Another advantage is that forming a minority government would mean that there would be more members in Parliament than any other parties. Members of Parliament speak for the voters and non voters in their area. The disadvantages of having a minority democracy is that the laws they make may not be appealing to citizens since there are very few people in the government who are making laws for citizens, so there would be very few people to represent the citizens than a majority government which may mean that what the citizens want may not come through. If it were a majority government, there would be a possibility of the citizens being happy with the laws being made because there will be more representatives in court to represent the opinions and wants of citizens and there would be more agreements. The next disadvantage of having a minority government is that the government may come to an end shortly because in order to pass bills you would need support from a party or more.

List the three most important responsibilities of your provincial government. Explain one of your choices.

The three most important responsibilities of provincial governments are property and civil rights, health and welfare, and education. Education is one of the most important responsibilities because having education can help you get a good job in the future. Education will help you gain the skills and knowledge needed for the career that you want. Having a good career equals living a good life where you will be able to afford your wants and needs and being able to live a decent and pretty good life.

Should Canada no longer be a Constitutional Monarchy?

Canada should no longer be a Constitutional Monarchy because a person can only be head through heredity for example, if you are the eldest child of the head, then you are next in line for the title. Since becoming head is only through heredity, people are not able to elect a head so if we were going to soon have a new leader, we may not know if they would be a good leader or a bad one. If the new head is not a good match for the title, we cannot do anything about it. The head has a lot of power so, we would need a good head for the sake of our lives.

Should Canada no longer be a Constitutional Monarchy?

Canada should no longer be a Constitutional Monarchy because a person can only be head through heredity for example, if you are the eldest child of the head, then you are next in line for the title. Since becoming head is only through heredity, people are not able to elect a head so if we were going to soon have a new leader, we may not know if they would be a good leader or a bad one. If the new head is not a good match for the title, we cannot do anything about it. The head has a lot of power so, we would need a good head for the sake of our lives.

Should the Canadian Senate be abolished? Your answer must reference either the textbook or other readings. Make sure to cite your source.

The Canadian Senate should not be abolished because senates are the ones that can approve or reject bills. If a bill is a really bad one, we need senators to reject the bill to avoid it becoming a necessary law. Senators could also approve bad bills and even reject good beneficial bills or laws, but since Senators are like guards, we still need them to avoid the possibility of having to follow these bad unnecessary laws.

Currently tax dollars pay entirely for the following things: roads, medical services, and education. Many complain that these services are poor and could be improved. Should the government consider adding fees to help pay for these services? Fees such as tolls for using certain roads, fees for diagnostic medical services (skip the line), or even charging kids supply fees at the beginning of the school year?

Pick one of the above and explain the benefits and the disadvantages. Alternatively, you can come up with your own example.

The government should consider charging supply fees at the beginning of the school year because it would be easier for families who do not have the resources to go and buy their own supplies. Supplies may also be better and compatible for each subject and if you just pay the supply fees, your materials will be complete for the whole school year (some families may forget at least one supply when going supply shopping on their own) and may also be in good shape to use in future grades. The disadvantages of the fees for supplies may be the cost of the supplies fee. Some families may not be able to afford the supplies if the supplies are overly expensive (reason may be of quality) or out of their budget. Preferences could also be a problem. Some supplies may just not work out for some people.

List the three most important responsibilities of your federal government. Explain one of your choices.

The three most important responsibilities of the federal government are criminal law, Aboriginal peoples, and foreign trade and relations. Foreign trade and relations is one of the most important responsibilities because when a country trades with another country, the items or exports they both receive are most likely to be beneficial to their nation. If a place has something they do not need or have extras of, they can trade it with something else from another area that may need it more. The place then will give something back which may also help the other country. Foreign trade is able to help the citizens of a place when they are given something important that will benefit their lives. Trades will help a country’s people. Foreign relations are also important because if a place is in trouble, that place can communicate with another area they are allies with to help them when they are in need or even at war.

What do Liberals believe in?

(Left Wing)

Liberals tend to believe in…

-government being engaged in lives of citizens

-making sure there is a balanced amount of opportunities through law

-guaranteeing social changes will happen

-subsidies like welfare, medicare, and pension benefits that will help citizens

-paying for higher tax prices to ensure beneficial community services

-having a small military during the time when the area is not at war

What do conservatives believe in?

(Right Wing)

-very little engagement in people’s lives

-people being accountable of oneself

-continuing people's beliefs that are important and social patterns

-providing emergency treatment such as safe water

-providing personal charity

-paying lower tax prices to uplift citizens spending and making their own businesses

-having a strong military force for the area

What is a policy and how does it relate to a platform?

A policy is a preparation of an idea of a political party or government to reach a specific plan. A policy relates to a platform because a platform is something people are wanting others to believe in and in elections parties will declare their platform to the citizens. A platform is a group of policies a party guarantees to happen when a party gets elected.

What are the 6 areas that government policy falls into?

The six areas that government policy falls into is social, which is health and education. Financial, that is taxes and money supply. International, which is defense, trade, and foreign relations. Public works, which is  transportation and construction. Resources is another, which is fisheries, agriculture, and energy. Lastly, legal, which is justice.

How do interest groups try to influence policy?

Interest groups try to influence policy by mailings, petitions, media interviews, showing up at government committees, publicizing campaigns, doing demonstrations, going on meetings with the government and party officials, and more.

What are other names/titles for interest groups?

Other names or titles for interest groups are lobby groups and pressure groups

Why are modern nations representative democracies rather than direct democracies?

Modern nations are representative democracies and not direct democracies because the population of a modern nation is too big to be able to gather all citizens to argue and vote on laws that have an act on the citizens. To be able for citizens to have a word in government, citizens vote for representatives to represent the citizens' voices.

How often are federal and provincial elections? How often are municipal elections?

Federal and provincial elections usually happen every five years and municipal elections happen every three years.

How much was the cost of the 2004 federal election?

The cost of the 2004 federal election was $200.3 million. Canadian taxpayers had to pay that amount of money.

Steps to the election process in Canada

The Governor general or lieutenant governor commands or declares an election

The Chief electoral officer organizes workers. Voting locations will also be chosen and reserved, announcements that will be mailed to people, and ballot boxes are delivered to ridings.

Promotions for elections start. Promotions such as advertising, appearances in publicity, or discussions.

Election day happens. People who are voting go to locations where you are able to vote, after votes will be numbered by officials of elections.

Voting results will be announced.

The successful runner will then be a member of the House of Commons or legislative.

How often are electoral boundaries reviewed in Manitoba to take into account population shifts?

Electoral boundaries are often reviewed in Manitoba every 10 years to take into account population shifts.

Where do the terms “right-wing” and “left-wing” come from?

The terms “right-wing” and “left-wing” come from the French revolution in 1789. In the French gathering, the conservative politicians that were voted for sat to the right of the Speaker's chair and now today, if you are conservative you will be seated on the right. Back to the French Revolution, liberals who were elected sat on the left side to the Speaker.

Summarize the 7 major influences on policy.

The 7 major influences on policy are political party membership, civil service advice, judicial opinion, economic realities, intergovernmental concerns, international pressures, and interest groups.

Political party membership is when citizens who are involved in government also have a say in change. These citizens who are doing work in government are at the grassroots level. These citizens are able to be representatives at meetings and are able to suggest resolutions to problems. Civil service advice is when those who are civil servants are able to give opinions on policies. These people are professionals. They must have things planned out, like money, alternatives, and an action plan. Judicial opinion is when court has an impact on laws. Laws must respect the Charter of Rights and Freedom, and if it does not, the court can reject the law. Economic realities, this is where the winners of an election must keep the promises of its voters. Though there could be problems to fulfill the promises. Intergovernmental concerns are when different governments in different areas who are experiencing the same problems can communicate on solutions that can benefit many citizens of their area. International pressure is the relationship between areas. If one area does have a good relationship with another, they cannot reject their opinions. Depending on the relationship between two countries, foreign policy, defense, and trading can happen or not. Also, people who are educated on a topic are able to gather with other individuals to make a cause or chase a goal. These are called interest groups. For the group’s goals to be achieved, they must convince policy makers. Some groups want to influence the court to change some things in the Charter.

Describe an example of a government policy that had temporary positive consequences but long-term negative consequences. Who were the stakeholders in this policy?

A government policy that had temporary positive consequences but long-term negative consequences was Manitoba banning the sales and drinking of liquor in 1916. During the ban, the amount of crimes went lower. Though criminals and those who sell things illegally made alcohol and ended up making sales which made Manitoba's crimes increase. Taxes from the government on alcohol disappeared. People who agreed on the banning of liquor said that people were supporting the soldiers who were fighting in the war (World War I) if they used grain for food and not alcohol. The soldiers who came back from the war replied saying that they had rights on whether they can drink or not. The banning of liquor ended up being disliked by many, Manitoba changed the law (1923) and now the government sells and controls alcohol; this is still the law today. Stakeholders are those buying alcohol, the soldiers, government, and alcohol stores.

Summarize how a bill becomes law.

A bill becomes a law by first starting off as an idea. The prime minister and cabinet ministers talk about policies that have possibilities to become laws. The cabinet ministers are in charge of making sure the policy gets checked by public servants in their division. The prime minister on the other hand makes sure the policy is drafted and examined by government lawyers. When trying to make a policy into a law, it is then called a bill. Cabinets must show support to a bill even if they dislike or disapprove of it. Senators, private members of parliament can also introduce bills. When senators want to propose a bill that would be an individual bill while private members of parliament proposing a bill would be a private members bill. Though it will be harder for the bills they want to become laws to be laws since having support from cabinet members is not necessary so bills from senators and private members of parliament bills will have a hard time to pass as a new law.

The next step is the first reading. In the first reading there would not be any votes yet but the cabinet or private member or senate must give the bill to the House of Commons.

The second reading would be after. This is where voting, discussions, and debates would happen. Members of Parliament discuss the consequences of the bill and its motive. Debates or discussion can take very long, time limits can be applicable if opponent parties allow it. After the discussion or debate, voting takes place. If a bill is approved, it is accepted in principle and the bill can move on to committee.

In the committee stage, a standing committee will examine the bill, everything about it. That group of Members of Parliament from all parties get opinions from professionals and the public and also ask questions.

In the reporting stage after the standing committee does the work, they distribute the report and may suggest changes. The bill gets sent back to the House of Commons and changes will be looked at and voted and debated on. If passed, the bill moves on to the next step.

There will then be a third reading where the changes are voted and debated on. More changes can be suggested. Votes can then be made and if a bill passes, it moves on the senate (only if the bill is for the federal government).

When the bill passes the Senate, the bill also gets put through the stages it did in the Commons but now will also be done with the Senate. The senate can reject or delay the bill, though senates usually accept bills by tradition. Senates can also suggest changes though the bill must go back to the Commons for approval. The bill now is looked at and accepted by all votes of representatives.

The bill will be then signed as an act to a statue by the governor general. In the approval it will say “Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons, enacts as follows ...,” since the governor general is in charge of this and was not voted to do it, they will not reject to give approval traditionally. If the bill is for the provincial government, the lieutenant governor signs the bill.

The last stage is where the bill officially becomes a law following its approval or the date(s) written in the act.

Judging from the quotation from the royal assent, who might you think makes the laws in Canada?

Judging from quotations from the royal assent, I will say the Queen has the power to approve the laws in Canada because in the quotation it states, “Her Majesty,” which applies to the Queen.

How does the law ensure that everyone has enough time to vote on election day?

The law ensures that everyone has enough time to vote on election day by making voting available for 12 hours and if people have jobs and cannot get off work, 3 consecutive hours is used to vote without losing wages

What has been a consistent problem for elections over the years?

A consistent problem for elections over the years is the low participation of voters in Canada. In 2004 the percentage of voters was a little over 60%, which was the lowest since the 1898's election. The percentage of voters made Canada have the worst records out of 29 industrialized countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Canada was only ahead of Poland, Switzerland, and the States. There are places where voting is mandatory, like Australia, Belgium, and Greece, voting records there were between 80-100%.

Summarize the difference in attitudes towards change for those leaning left, center, and right.

The difference in attitudes towards change for those leaning left, center, and right is that a party on the left wants the government to help citizens have equal opportunities. They think the unfairness between income and citizens is too much. They want the government to manage business behaviors and make sure there are good environments in work, and they want the government to provide social programs to the people.

A party on the right is careful with changes usually when it is about spending and regulations in government. They find social order important, and they also value peoples traditional organizations like conventional families, religion, military, and the police.

A party in the center uses both opinions of the left and right side (determined by problem). Usually does not have a problem but when needed, can propose changes.

Party on the left disapproves parties in the center that do not go far for changes while the party on the right disapproves parties in the center for going too far for changes.

Why might someone running as an independent candidate have a hard time winning an election?

Someone running as an independent candidate may have a hard time winning an election because an independent runner is not a part of a party. Being a part of a party as a candidate is important because if you are an independent, you would not have any support from anyone else to campaign and be supported for elections.

Summarize the reasons for electoral reform.

The reasons for electoral reform are lack of representation, declining voter turnout, controversial election results, and ineffective opposition.

Lack of representation is when voters are choosing to support the little parties even though the amount of representation in Parliament is unfair. Declining voter turnout happens because people are choosing not to vote because they think the result and vote has already been chosen. Electoral reform thinks that people are more likely to vote if citizens feel that the amount of spots were closer to represent its percentage of the popular vote. Controversial election results are when the result is not fair, otherwise saying someone wins an election even though they got lower than another party.

Ineffective opposition is when voters do not feel represented when the party who wins manages without working opposition in Parliament

What is the difference between ‘first past the post’ and proportional representation voting systems?

The difference between ‘first past the post’ and proportional representation voting is that first past the post voting the winner takes all and when there are more than 2 parties in an election, a party who gets most seats with even lower votes will win. Proportional representation voting is when you get seats which is determined by the percentage of how many people vote for you for example, if you got 20% of votes, you get 20% of seats. People who are voting must vote for parties and not individuals. The parties will then choose people from its party list to own the seats they win. Members of Parliament are voted by parties, and not voters in ridings

Why is a voters list and giving each polling station a set number of ballots necessary?

A voters list and giving each polling station a set number of ballots is important because having a voters list tells you who is eligible to vote and if someone who wants to vote is not allowed to do so. This may help make sure no one suspicious is voting, like someone a part of a candidate's party. A set number of ballots are necessary because we do not want extra votes to be given to a candidate. This would make voting and the elections unfair. This will mess all the elections up and may end up having elections again.

Consider the requirements for running for office. Why might these requirements ensure that only serious candidates run for office? Do you think that candidates should have to live in the riding they represent? Explain.

The requirements ensure that only serious candidates run for office because people need to vote for a party that will do good in office and if all candidates do not seem responsible or right to be elected for, voters would not know who to vote for or even choose not to vote. Voters also want their chosen candidate to keep their promises, candidates must then be responsible and know what they are doing. I think candidates should live in the riding they represent because they need to know the problems in the area they are representing to help fix them. It would be hard to make a change in your area if you are not even there. It would be hard because the candidates may not be able to represent and inform others if they do not know what is happening in their area they do not even live in.

Voting in Australia is compulsory for citizens. Non-voters are fined unless they present a reasonable excuse. Should Canada adopt a similar policy? Explain.

Canada should have a policy where voting is mandatory because if you do not like the party that is running in the present time, citizens can vote for other candidates that they think are more suitable. For a suitable candidate, voters must vote for a party that is suitable, keeps their promise, and is responsible. Candidates are responsible for representing their peoples problems, wants, and voices. People must vote for the right candidate to be able to possibly avoid having or keeping a bad representative. Voting has also been called the most important act of political participation in a democracy. The government is also worried about voter turnout. Voter turnout is when not many voters are voting in elections. Canada had one of the worst voter percentages in 2006, having only 64% of people voting. Where voting is mandatory like in Australia, the percentage of voters was around 90%.

Are Canadian elections fair? Do they produce a government that represents the wishes of the people? Explain.

Canadian elections do not seem fair because citizens think results have already been made before citizens could vote. People say for citizens to vote, the amount of spots won in a party has to be close to the percentage they got from the popular vote. There are also controversial elections. This is when a party has lower votes than another party but still ends up winning the election. Sometimes the government grants the wishes of the people. Problems for parties not keeping their promises could be money, lack of planning, and others. For the wishes of voters to happen, voters need to vote for parties that are trustworthy to grant their promises.