Social Studies 30-1 LG 5 Response Guide: Political Systems

Flashcards about political systems.

What are some principles that are important for democracy, according to the survey in Learning Activity 1?

Public participation in decision-making, accountability of leaders, the rule of law, and individual rights.

According to the text, what are three important features of a good government?

Honesty, strong leadership, interaction (including with foreign nations), and intelligence.

How has Canada’s bilingualism shaped its political culture?

By promoting multiculturalism, linguistic diversity, and national unity, influencing governance and identity, especially in Quebec, where language rights are a central political issue.

In Canada, how impactful are individual citizens in decision making?

Individual citizens are only impactful in decision making to the extent which they are represented in local parliamentary house of commons leaders.

According to the text, what point made by John Locke resonates with the author?

The government was organized by the people, and that it should only rule with the consent of the people, with its sole purpose being to protect the individual rights and freedom of citizens.

According to the text, what is Montesquieu's point regarding humans?

Humans eventually begin to perceive one another as unequal, in this view people begin to see one another as less humans, meaning we begin to violate the natural rights of one another.

Name features of a political system mentioned in the text.

Government, constitution, leadership, political parties, and interest groups.

List some rights and freedoms granted in most constitutions, according to the text.

Freedom of speech, right to vote, right to a fair trial, freedom of religion, protection from discrimination, right to privacy.

What are the main functions of political parties, according to the text?

Political parties act as a link between the people and the government. They attempt to educate and instruct people and to mobilize the population through the use of media, local party organizations and various social and economic organizations. Political parties recruit and train leaders.

What limits should be placed on interest groups, according to the text?

Interest groups should have limits on campaign finance, lobbying transparency, ethical guidelines, equal representation, monopolization prevention, and foreign influence restrictions to maintain fairness, democracy, and prevent undue power concentration.

According to the text, should there be any restrictions on the way media report or comment on political events or the lives of politicians, and why?

While a free press is essential to democracy, some restrictions are necessary to prevent misinformation, protect privacy, and maintain national security. Media should report political events fairly and accurately, avoiding deceptive narratives or baseless accusations. Safeguards against defamation and unwarranted intrusion into politicians' private lives ensure ethical journalism while preserving public trust.

According to the text, should elected representatives speak more for their voters or their political party and why?

Elected representatives should prioritize constituents' voices over party loyalty to ensure genuine democracy. Blind adherence to party directives can suppress local concerns. A balanced approach allows MPs to challenge harmful policies, fostering accountability and integrity.

According to the text, why can it be said that elected representatives often do not reflect the choices of voters in Canada’s election system?

Canada’s first-past-the-post electoral system often results in representatives who do not fully reflect voter choices. Candidates can win seats with less than 50% of the vote, leaving many citizens unrepresented. Additionally, voters may feel compelled to choose between major parties rather than truly reflecting their political preferences, limiting diverse representation.

According to the text, should the voting age in Canada be dropped to age 16, and why or why not?

Position: No, the voting age in Canada should not be lowered to age 16. First Argument: At 16, many students are still in school and haven't faced real-world responsibilities like taxes or full-time work. Understanding how policies affect the economy, healthcare, and employment requires experience beyond classroom learning. Second Argument: Teenagers are heavily influenced by their families, teachers, and social media, making independent voting decisions harder.

How does Canada’s First-Past-the-Post election system work?

Canada uses the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) system, where the candidate with the most votes in each riding (district) wins a seat in the legislature. A candidate does not need a majority (over 50%) of the votes—just the highest total among competitors. The party with the most seats forms the government, even if it did not win a majority of the total votes nationwide.

How does the Proportional Representation election system work?

Proportional Representation (PR) distributes seats based on the percentage of votes each party receives. Instead of electing individual candidates per district, PR ensures that parties gain legislative seats in proportion to their overall voter support. This system allows smaller parties to secure representation, making governments more reflective of the electorate’s choices.

What is an initiative?

An initiative allows citizens to propose laws by gathering enough signatures on a petition. If successful, it forces a public vote, giving people direct influence over legislation without relying on elected representatives.

What is the difference between a referendum and a plebiscite?

A referendum is a formal vote on a proposed law, with binding results. A plebiscite gauges public opinion but doesn’t require government action. Both allow citizens to express their views directly on political issues.

How does the concept of responsible government help parliamentary democracies to carry out the will of the people?

Responsible government ensures that elected officials are accountable to the legislature and, ultimately, to the people. If the government loses support in parliament, it must resign, forcing leaders to align policies with public interests to stay in power.

In a single-member constituency system (such as Canada has), how are the number of ridings determined?

In Canada’s single-member constituency system, ridings are determined based on population size. Ideally, each riding represents around 100,000 people to ensure fair representation. More populated regions receive more ridings to reflect their larger voter base.

Explain briefly how the President is elected in a Presidential Democracy, such as the United States.

In a U.S. presidential election, citizens vote for electors pledged to support their chosen candidate. These electors form the Electoral College, which ultimately decides the winner. Each state gets a number of electors based on its representation in Congress. Most states use a winner-takes-all system, meaning the candidate with the most votes in a state gets all its electoral votes. The candidate who secures 270 or more electoral votes wins the presidency—sometimes without needing the most overall popular votes.

What does Peter Levine suggest are the characteristics of civic-mindedness?

Civic-mindedness requires people to actively participate in democracy, consider multiple perspectives, work together on shared issues, and care about the broader community beyond their immediate circle. Education plays a key role in developing these values.

List two reasons why voter turnout is generally decreasing in Canada.

Political Apathy – Many citizens, especially younger voters, feel disconnected from politics or believe their vote won’t make a difference. Distrust in Government – Some voters feel politicians don’t represent their interests, leading to disengagement from the electoral process.

What is the 'elite theory of democracy'?

Elite theory suggests that democracy is controlled by a small, powerful group rather than the general population.

Why is the influence of lobby groups a concern for democracy?

Lobby groups represent specific interests and can sway politicians through funding and advocacy. This raises concerns that policy decisions may favor wealthy or well-connected groups rather than the broader public.

What are some of the goals of authoritarian governments?

Authoritarian governments aim to maintain strict control over political power, often prioritizing stability, national unity, and suppression of dissent. They may seek economic growth, military strength, or ideological enforcement, but usually limit political freedoms to preserve their rule.

How could authoritarianism be beneficial to a struggling country?

In times of crisis, authoritarianism can provide swift, decisive leadership without bureaucratic delays. A strong government can stabilize the economy, enforce necessary reforms, and maintain order. By focusing on national unity and efficiency, authoritarian rule may quickly rebuild infrastructure and create security. However, long-term success depends on balancing control with citizen needs.

What is a single-member constituency?

A system where each electoral district elects one representative to government.

What is responsible government?

A government that must maintain the support of elected representatives to stay in power.

What is terror/force?

Using intimidation, violence, or oppression to maintain power and suppress opposition.