Political Liberalism Part 1

John Locke

17th century English philosopher who opposed the Divine Right of Kings and who asserted that people have a natural right to life, liberty, and property.

Montesquieu

French political philosopher who advocated the separation of executive and legislative and judicial powers (1689-1755)

Limited Government

A principle of constitutional government; a government whose powers are defined and limited by a constitution/law.

universal suffrage

Equal voting rights for all adult citizens of a nation

Feminism

the belief that women should possess the same political and economic rights as men

bicameral legislature

A law making body made of two houses (bi means 2). Example: Congress (USA) is made of two house - The House of Representatives and The Senate.

Bureaucracy

A system of managing government through departments run by appointed officials

Party Solidarity

Key aspect of Canadian politics, all members of the party vote within the party. Rarely are they allowed a free vote

cabinet ministers

Directs the federal government by determining priorities and policies, as well as ensuring their implementation. Each has a specific portfolio affecting critical areas of national policy and law.

caucus

A meeting of local party members to choose party officials or candidates for public office and to decide the platform.

Checks and Balances

A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power

Separation of powers

dividing the powers of government among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches

civil servant

a person who works for a government

Riding

Area marked by population to be represented by an elected government official

Constitutional Monarchy

Constitutional Monarchy

A King or Queen is the official head of state but power is limited by a constitution.

electorate

all the people in a country or area who are entitled to vote in an election.

Federal Government

The level of government that is required to look after the entire country's needs.

Filibuster

a tactic for delaying or obstructing legislation by making long speeches

first past the post

An electoral system in which individual candidates compete in single member districts; voters choose between candidates and the candidate with the largest share of the vote wins the seat.

free press

a press not restricted or controlled by government censorship regarding politics or ideology

Lobby Groups

group of private citizens with specific concern to try and influence government

majority tyranny

A situation in which a majority uses the principle of majority rule but fails to respect the rights and interests of the minority.

Minority Government

Refers to a party in the House of Commons that forms the government with the most seats; however, less than 50% of the seats are under this parties control