Civics unit 2

1. What are the 3 levels of government and their responsibilities?

1. Federal – Responsible for national and international matters (e.g., defense, immigration, trade, currency, postal service).
   
   

2. Provincial/Territorial – Responsible for regional issues (e.g., education, health care, transportation, natural resources).
   
   

3. Municipal – Local government responsible for communities (e.g., local policing, water, waste, parks, libraries, transit).
   
   

2. What are the 3 branches of government and their responsibilities?

1. Executive – Implements laws; includes the Prime Minister, Cabinet, and Governor General.
   
   

2. Legislative – Makes laws; includes the House of Commons and the Senate.
   
   

3. Judicial – Interprets and applies laws; includes courts and judges.
   
   

3. Who is our Prime Minister? Premier? Mayor?

This depends on your location, but generally:

• Prime Minister of Canada (as of 2025): Mark Carney(Liberal Party)
  
  

• Premier – Varies by province. (e.g., Ontario: Doug Ford;
  
  

• Mayor – Varies by city. (e.g., Toronto: Olivia Chow;
  
  

Let me know your city and province if you want your specific mayor and premier.

4. Define what is a Majority, Minority and Coalition government.

• Majority Government – A party wins more than half the seats in the House of Commons.
  
  

• Minority Government – A party wins the most seats, but less than half; must work with others to pass laws.
  
  

• Coalition Government – Two or more parties formally agree to share power and form the government together.
  
  

5. What is the difference between a Majority and a Minority government? Is one better than the other?

• Majority governments are more stable and can pass laws more easily.
  
  

• Minority governments must cooperate with other parties and are often less stable.
  
  

Better? Depends:

• Majority = more efficient.
  
  

• Minority = more compromise and representation.
  
  

6. What is the age to vote?

18 years old in Canada.

7. The term “backbencher” means what?

An elected Member of Parliament (MP) who is not a Cabinet Minister or party leader. They sit behind the front benches in the House of Commons.

8. What are the six persuasion techniques?

Identified Question

Common techniques used in product ads and political ads include: Using slogans or catchphrases Inciting fear Instilling a sense of hope or of a better future , 'Us vs. Them’framing Presenting ideas as obvious and beyond debate Appeals to nostalgia

Answer

In both product and political advertising, various techniques are employed to influence the audience’s perception and decision-making. Here’s a brief overview of each technique:

1. Using Slogans or Catchphrases: These are memorable phrases designed to capture attention and convey the essence of a message quickly. They help in creating brand recognition and reinforcing key messages.

2. Inciting Fear: This technique involves highlighting potential negative outcomes or dangers to persuade the audience to take action or adopt a particular viewpoint. It is often used to create urgency or emphasize the importance of a decision.

3. Instilling a Sense of Hope or a Better Future: Advertisements may focus on positive outcomes, promising improvements or solutions that inspire optimism and motivate the audience to support a product or idea.

4. ’Us vs. Them’ Framing: This approach creates a dichotomy between two groups, positioning one as favorable and the other as unfavorable. It can strengthen group identity and loyalty by emphasizing differences and conflicts.

5. Presenting Ideas as Obvious and Beyond Debate: By framing ideas as universally accepted truths, advertisers aim to minimize skepticism and encourage acceptance without questioning.

6. Appeals to Nostalgia: This technique taps into fond memories of the past, evoking emotions associated with simpler or happier times. It can create a sense of comfort and familiarity, making the advertised product or idea more appealing.

These techniques are powerful tools in shaping public opinion and consumer behavior, leveraging emotional and psychological triggers to achieve desired outcomes.

9. What is a political party? What is their role? How does this relate to the political spectrum?

• Political Party: An organized group with shared ideas and policies that seeks to gain power through elections.
  
  

• Role: To represent views, propose laws, form government or opposition.
  
  

• Political Spectrum: Parties fall across a range from left (liberal, progressive) to right (conservative, traditional). This helps voters understand their general ideology.
  
  

10. Who are the main leaders of Canada’s main political parties (as of 2025)?

• Liberal Party: Mark Carney
  
  

• Conservative Party: Pierre Poilievre
  
  

• New Democratic Party (NDP): Jagmeet Singh
  
  

• Green Party: Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault (co-leaders)
  
  

11. Define a parliamentary system.

A system where the executive (Prime Minister and Cabinet) is drawn from the legislature (Parliament). The government must maintain the confidence of the elected house to remain in power.

12. What is a Governor General?

The Queen's representative (now the King’s representative) in Canada. They carry out ceremonial duties and ensure Canada has a functioning government. Appointed by the Prime Minister.

13. The term Opposition means what?

The party (or parties) not in power, who hold the government accountable, critique policies, and offer alternatives.

14. How many MPs are there in the House of Commons?

338 Members of Parliament (MPs)

15. What is the Speaker of the House?

An MP elected by fellow MPs to moderate debates, maintain order, and ensure the rules of Parliament are followed in the House of Commons.