WEEK 5

Political Parties

An organized group that nominates candidates and contests elections in order to influence the personnel and policies of government.

Functions of Political Parties

Recruiting candidates, raising money, aggregating interests, formulating policies, educating the public, and influencing public opinion.

What are Brokerage Parties?

Political parties that represent diverse interests and seek to build broad coalitions.

What is Wedge Politics?

Using controversial issues to divide people and gain support from one side.

Importance of a Leader in a Political Party

A leader guides decisions, shapes policies, and inspires support; their influence depends on the system and team.

Election Campaigns

Key strategies for candidates to share messages, gain support, and win votes through ads, speeches, and outreach.

What does 'Show me the money' mean in politics?

Money is essential for running a successful campaign.

Integrated Parties

Well-organized parties with members working together and sharing a common agenda.

Liberal Party

Dominant national party in Canada, pragmatic, with policies that shift over time.

Conservative Party of Canada

Party leaning towards economic libertarianism, preferring market solutions over government intervention.

New Democratic Party (NDP)

Most successful social democratic party in Canada, tracing origins back to the CCF.

Green Party

Focuses on environmental issues, facing challenges within Canada's electoral system.

People’s Party of Canada

A party consisting of social conservatives who broke away from the Conservative Party.

Left Wing Political Parties

Parties like NDP, Bloc Quebecois, and Green Party advocating for equality and social justice.

Right Wing Political Parties

Parties like Conservative Party and People's Party of Canada focusing on economic freedom and free markets.

Law of Curvilinear Disparity

The majority of the population is not ideologically motivated and is indifferent towards politics.

Ideologically Motivated Individuals

People who are likely to join political parties to follow their ideological convictions.

Key Concepts for Left Wingers

Emphasizes equality, social justice, social democracy, and environmentalism.

Key Concepts for Right Wingers

Focuses on economic freedom, free market principles, and economic liberalism.