Studied by 0 people
Three Pillars of Canadian Democracy
Parliamentary Government (PG), Federalism (F), and Charter of Rights and Judiciary (CRJ).
Constitution
The document outlining the fundamental mechanics of how a country operates, including the distribution of power.
Parliamentary Government
A system of government where the executive derives its democratic legitimacy from, and is directly accountable to, the legislature (parliament).
Westminster Parliamentary Democracy
A parliamentary system that follows the British model, characterized by a fusion of executive and legislative powers.
Governor General
The representative of the Crown in Canada, responsible for opening and closing Parliament and carrying out ceremonial duties.
Cabinet
A group of senior government officials, primarily consisting of heads of government departments, who advise the Prime Minister.
Constitutional Democracy
A form of democracy in which the powers of government are limited by law.
Confidence of the House
The requirement that a government must maintain the support of the majority of members in the House of Commons to remain in power.
Federalism
A system of governance that divides authority between a central government and regional governments.
Indigenous Government
A constitutional order of government recognized in Canada, representing Indigenous peoples' rights and governance.
Executive Power
The authority to enforce laws and administer public policy, typically vested in the head of government.
Judiciary
The judicial branch that interprets and applies the law, ensuring that legislation complies with the constitution.
Charter of Rights and Freedoms
A key document that outlines and protects the civil liberties and rights of all Canadians.
Regionalism
Political dynamics that arise from the distinct interests and identities of different geographic regions within Canada.
Plural Identities
The existence of multiple distinct cultural or social identities within a single nation.
Competing Liberalisms
A political dynamic in Canada characterized by differing interpretations and implementations of liberal values among political parties.
Constitutional Conventions
Unwritten rules that govern political practices in Canada and guide the behavior of political actors.
House of Commons
The lower house of Parliament, consisting of Members of Parliament (MPs) elected to represent Canadian citizens.
Senate
The upper house of Parliament, appointed to provide sober second thought on legislation, representing regional interests.
Provincial Government Powers
The authorities granted to regional governments in Canada, which are distinct from the powers of the federal government.
Concurrent Powers
Powers that are shared by both the federal and provincial governments, such as healthcare and education.
Section 2 of the Charter
The section that grants fundamental freedoms, including thought, expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
Section 1 of the Charter
The 'reasonable limits' clause that allows certain rights to be limited by law if justified in a free and democratic society.
Judicial Independence
The principle that the judiciary should be independent from other branches of government and free from outside influence.
Prorogation
The formal discontinuation of a parliamentary session by the Governor General, which can halt legislative activity.
Coalition Government
A type of government formed when multiple political parties unite to gain a majority in the legislature.
Clarity Act
A Canadian law that outlines the terms under which a province may separate from Canada, requiring clear questions in referendums.
Electoral Reform
Changes made to improve the electoral system, often to enhance representation in the legislative body.
Ombudsperson
An official appointed to investigate complaints made by individuals against public authorities or government agencies.
Prime Minister
The head of government in Canada, selected as the leader of the party that wins the most seats in the House of Commons.
Party Discipline
The expectation that members of a political party will vote in line with party policies and leadership decisions.
Crown
The symbolic representation of the monarchy in Canada, associated with constitutional and ceremonial duties.
Majority Government
A government formed by a political party that holds more than half the seats in the House of Commons.
Minority Government
A government in which one party holds the most seats, but fewer than half of the total, requiring cooperation with other parties.
Cabinet Confidentiality
The principle that discussions and deliberations within the Cabinet remain private and confidential.
Prerogative Powers
Powers that the Governor General may exercise in certain circumstances, without ministerial advice, such as appointing or dismissing a Prime Minister.
Electoral Districts
Geographic areas represented by Members of Parliament (MPs) in the House of Commons.
Public Lands
Lands owned and managed by the government, with various uses, including parks, reserves, and production.
Internal Trade
Trade that occurs between provinces within Canada, subject to specific regulations and agreements.
Voting Rights
The entitlements granted to citizens to vote in elections, subject to certain age and residency conditions.
Rights of the Accused
Legal protections afforded to individuals accused of crimes, including the right to a fair trial.
Judges' Power
The authority that judges possess to interpret the law and constitutional provisions, including their ability to strike down legislation.
Electoral System
The method by which votes are translated into political representation in a legislative body.
Accountability
The obligation of the government and its officials to answer for their actions and decisions to the public.
Social Contract
The theory that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to form a society and accept certain obligations.
Public Administration
The implementation of government policy and the management of public services.
Taxation Powers
Authorities granted to different levels of government to impose taxes and generate revenue.
Constitutional Amendments
Changes made to the constitutional document governing a country, often requiring consensus from various levels of government.
Sovereignty
The authority of a state to govern itself and control its own affairs, free from external interference.
Economic Disparities
Inequalities in wealth and employment across different regions within Canada.
Indigenous Rights
The rights and entitlements of Indigenous peoples in Canada, including self-governance and land claims.
Residential Schools
Government-funded religious schools aimed at assimilating Indigenous children, often criticized for cultural genocide.
Chamber of Sober Second Thought
A term referring to the Senate's role in reviewing and suggesting amendments to legislation passed by the House of Commons.
Ridings
Electoral districts from which Members of Parliament are chosen.
Political Culture
The attitudes, beliefs, and values that underpin a specific political system or society.
Aboriginal Self-Government
The concept that Indigenous peoples in Canada should govern themselves, reclaiming control over their own affairs.
Representation by Population
The principle that electoral districts should have roughly equal populations to ensure fair representation.
Natural Resources
Raw materials, such as minerals, forests, and water, that are naturally available in the environment.
Provincial Autonomy
The degree of self-governance afforded to provincial governments in Canada, allowing them to make independent decisions.
Social Justice
The view that everyone deserves equal economic, political, and social rights, and opportunities.
Cultural Identity
The identity or feeling of belonging to a group, defined by associated cultural characteristics.
Multiculturalism
The coexistence of diverse cultures in a society, which is embraced as a key aspect of Canadian identity.
Referendum
A direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal and can result in the adoption of a new law.
Powers of Disallowance
Historic powers allowing the federal government to nullify laws passed by provinces, not actively used in contemporary governance.
Asymmetrical Federalism
A form of federalism in which some regions have different degrees of power and autonomy compared to others.
International Relations
The way countries interact diplomatically and politically with each other.
Right to Privacy
The right of individuals to keep their personal information and activities private.
Administrative Justice
The administration of justice by government agencies, often concerning regulatory and disciplinary measures.
Municipal Responsibilities
Duties and powers that local or municipal governments have, including zoning and local law enforcement.
Judicial Review
The power of courts to examine and invalidate actions of the executive and legislative branches if deemed unconstitutional.
Taxpayer's Cost
The fiscal expense incurred by citizens due to government actions, such as elections or public services.
Centrifugal Forces
Factors that pull regions or groups apart within a political entity, often leading to demands for greater autonomy.
Delegated Authority
Powers given to one body or agency to act on behalf of another, particularly in relation to federal and provincial interactions.
Royal Commission
An independent inquiry set up by a government to investigate specific issues and make recommendations.
Party Systems
The structure of political parties in a political system, categorizing how they operate and interact with one another.
Majoritarianism
A political theory that the numerical majority should have the predominant influence in decision-making.
Civic Engagement
Participation of citizens in political processes, including voting, campaigning, and civic discussions.
Welfare State
A government that provides social and economic measures to support its citizens, ensuring basic needs are met.
Liberal Values
Principles centered on democracy, individual rights, freedom, and equal opportunity.
Political Ideologies
Comprehensive sets of beliefs and values that outline how society should be organized politically.
Senatorial Appointment
The process by which Senators are appointed in Canada, which remains a point of contention regarding democratic legitimacy.
Oath of Office
A formal promise made by individuals before assuming an official government position.
Campaign Finance
The funding of political campaigns, which can significantly influence political outcomes.
Meritocracy
A political system where individuals advance based on ability and talent rather than wealth or social class.
Environmental Policies
Laws and regulations aimed at protecting the environment and addressing climate change.
Public Policy
The principles and decisions made by government concerning public issues and governance.
Judicial Activism
The judicial philosophy that courts can and should use their power to promote justice and address social issues.
Citizenship Rights
Rights granted to individuals by virtue of their citizenship which guarantee protection and freedoms.
Direct Democracy
A form of democracy in which citizens directly participate in decision-making processes.
Power Dynamics
The relationships of power and influence between different political entities.
Political Accountability
The responsibility of government officials to report, explain, or justify their decisions to the public.
Grassroots Movements
Organizations or campaigns that arise from the community level, influencing political action or change.
Diversity of Opinion
The existence of multiple perspectives and viewpoints within a society, particularly in political discourse.
