Social Studies 30-1 - Unit 2: Democratic Systems

Democracy

A form of government in which power is ultimately vested in the people.

1. A decision-making process

2. A social system

3. A vision for society

Political System

A method of conducting government and the making of laws.

The Democratic Agreement

The rule of the few will produce a government that passes laws for the benefit of the few. The rule of the many will create a government that legislates on behalf of the majority.

=> Government of the people will be government for the people

=> Elected officials are accountable to the voters

Majority Rule

In a democracy the majority rules with limits on dissent, those who disagree must respect the wishes of the majority without resorting to violence.

Civil Liberties

Democracy requires a guarantee of these:

1. Freedom of speech/expression

2. Freedom of the media

3. Freedom from arbitrary arrest and prosecution

4. Protection for minority groups in society

=> Freedom of association with the freedom to organize

Rights and Freedoms

Citizens must have formal equality before law with similar political and legal rights.

=> Rule of Law

Universal Suffrage

Government powers are limited by the nation's constitution.

=> The people must be able to remove their leaders as needed and to replace them with more suitable representatives

Accountability

- Frequent elections at guaranteed intervals
- Democratic procedures for changes in the political leadership of the country

Free Elections

- No fraud, bribery, or intimidation
- Use of secret ballots

Peaceful Transition of Power

Elections will be held frequently and at guaranteed intervals thus ensuing accountability of those elected.

=> Representatives recognize and accept the Will of the People

Power of the Purse

The idea that funding comes from representatives.

Independent Judiciary

A system that can and will challenge the government if needed.

Multi-party System

The ability for citizens to create new parties.

Freedom of the Press

The right of journalists to publish the truth without restriction or penalty.

Lobbying

The ability to form interest groups.

=> Large corporate interests throw money at problems

Ombudsman

An official appointed to investigate individual's complaints against maladministration, especially that of public authorities.

Voter Apathy

- Huge problem historically for Canada

- Does my vote really matter?

=> Result of impoverished individuals who may lack access, knowledge, or experience linguistic challenges

Tyranny of the Majority

The potential of a majority to monopolize power for its own gain to the detriment of minority rights and interests.

Party Solidarity

- MPs will vote the way their party wants them to

- "Crossing the floor" is a dangerous move

=> Are constituents' values really represented?

Bureaucrats

The appointed officials who operate government agencies from day to day.

=> Do they hold more power than those who are actually elected?

Coup d'Etat

A sudden overthrow of the government by a military government.

Direct Democracy

When all citizens vote on every issue in the government.

=> Used in plebiscites or referendums

Representative Democracy

Choosing someone to represent the voters and act on their behalf.

Constituency

Electoral districts where each elected official represents roughly the same number of people.

First Past the Post

The candidate with the most votes received in the election wins the contested seat.

=> Parliament may be over-represented by "winners" while the "losing" party is under-represented

Popular Vote

The majority of votes cast in an election.

Proportional Representation

The system that allows seats in proportion to their share of the popular vote.

Mixed Member Proportional Representation

A variety of proportional representation that has members of the public cast 2 votes rather than 1.

How Canada Votes

- By riding
- Single-member constituency
- Multi-party
- Prime Minister for as many term limits (elections every 4 years)

Single-member Constituency

- First past the post
- Nation divided into ridings; within ridings people vote
- The person with the most votes wins that seat

Senate Reform

"Sober second thought"
- Appointed by PM

Responsible Government (Rule of Law)

The executive is responsible to the legislative, and can be removed under certain circumstances.

Vote of Non-Confidence

This occurs when a proposed bill receives less than a majority of votes in the House of Commons, defeating the government and forcing it to resign.

Coalition Government

A government in which two or more parties join together to form a majority in a national legislature.

Snap Election

An election called earlier than expected; a new Prime Minister needed immediately.

Republican Democracy

- Power held by the people
- 2-party system
- Four-year terms with a two-term limit
- Checks and balances between branches of government
- Utilizes Electoral College

Electoral College

A body of people representing the states of the US, who formally cast votes for the election of the president and vice president.

=> Based on state election

Fixed Election

- On the Tuesday following the first Monday of November in years divisible by four, the people vote for the electors. - On the Monday following the second Wednesday of December the electors meet and vote for the president.