POLI 201

Exam Preparation Tips

  • Focus on three main parts: definitions, short answers, and long answers; all parts are weighted equally.

  • Emphasize preparation on short answers and definitions as they are prone to errors and can lead to losing points.

Key Dates

  • Exam Date: Thursday, January 9th.

Key Concepts

Democracy

  • Definition: Governance in which people rule through elections.

  • Mechanism: Electing members of parliament.

Democratic Deficit

  • Originated in the 1990s as a term denoting a lack of public participation in the Canadian state.

  • Key points:

    • Reports like the Spicer Commission and the Lordie Royal Commission on electoral reform highlight concerns.

    • Question: If only a fraction of the population votes, do the votes genuinely reflect the interests of the people?

Decline of Deference

  • Observed decline in the public's tendency to defer to authority figures.

  • Increase in voices from outside traditional power structures.

  • Institutions are seen as outdated, sticking to 19th-century frameworks.

Charter of Rights and Freedoms

  • Enacted in 1982; signifies a departure from the 1867 constitution.

  • Emphasizes the need for representation and inclusiveness.

Lecture Recap (January 13th)

Key Concepts Discussed

  • Democratic Deficit

  • Decline of Deference

  • Democratic Malaise

Course Benchmarks

  1. Inclusiveness

  2. Responsiveness

  3. Participation

  4. Representation

Course Map Overview

  • Key topics include: Constitution, responsible government, Executive, Parliament, Charter, federalism, party systems, political parties, and elections.

  • Emphasizes Canada’s unique institutional makeup compared to the U.S.

Indigenous Relations

  • Historical context: The absence of Indigenous consent in Canadian governance impacts representation today.

  • Important treaties: Treaty of Niagara (1676) and the Royal Proclamation (1763).

James Tully's Two Modes of Governance

  1. Colonial: Established relations legitimized in 1867; Indigenous peoples were excluded from decision-making.

  2. Nation-to-Nation: Recognizes co-sovereignty between the Crown and Indigenous peoples.

    • Foundational agreements include the Treaty of Niagara and the Royal Proclamation of 1763.

    • Sections 25 of the Charter confirm Indigenous rights.

Settler-Colonial Regime

  • The Indian Act (1876): Controlled various aspects of Indigenous life.

  • Challenge: Balancing the colonial past with the necessity for a dual government relationship.

Section 35 of the Charter (1982)

  • Grants treaty rights and recognizes existing Indigenous rights.

Understanding the Canadian Regime

  • Regime: Political principles that govern the form of government and how institutions interact.

  • Liberal democracy should include safeguards against the tyranny of the majority.

  • Importance of constitutional democracy in ensuring rights of all individuals.

Types of Democracies

  • Direct Democracy: Citizen involvement in decision-making.

  • Parliamentary Democracy: Elected representatives make decisions; can lead to accountability and representation issues.

Liberal Democracy defined

  • Emphasizes the balance between liberty and democracy.

  • Tackles concerns of political equality as opposed to social/economic equality.

Critique of Liberal Democracy's Functioning

  • Requires active political participation and informed citizens.

  • Growing apathy and concerns regarding voter engagement.

  • Robert Putnam's concept of declining social capital affects participatory metrics.

Importance of Education in Democracy

  • Citizens need political education to engage effectively.

  • Higher education correlates with civic participation.

Political Landscape Dynamics in Canada

  • Notable shifts in political power, such as the dramatic changes seen in the 1984 and 1993 elections.

  • Fast political landscape changes are common in Canadian politics.

Dictatorship vs. Liberal Democracy

  • Key differences include adherence to constitutionalism and rule by law. A liberal democracy has limits on authority.

Influential Philosophers

  • John Locke: Advocated for natural rights and social contracts as the basis for government legitimacy.

  • Emphasizes the need for modern constitutions to respect individual rights.

Constitution Structure

  • Canada's Constitution: Establishes the framework of government, including executive, legislative, and judicial powers.

  • Bicameral structure: Two chambers (Senate and House of Commons).

  • Federal vs. Unitary government distinctions.

Constitutional Limits on Government Power

  • Constitutional laws versus conventions.

  • Past inadequacies of the Bill of Rights (1960) in addressing provincial powers.

Processes for Amending the Constitution

  • Required substantial provincial consent for changes; notable challenges during patriation discussions in the 1980s.

Major Constitutional Events

  • Meech Lake Accord and the Charlottetown Accord aimed to address representation and governance but failed due to lack of broad support.

Transition to Popular Sovereignty (1982)

  • The Charter of Rights and Freedoms represents a shift towards a constitution grounded in popular will.

  • Alan Cairns' concept of a “citizens’ constitution.”

Legislative Structure and Function in Canada

  • Canadian legislature includes the House of Commons and the Senate.

  • Principles of responsibility and representation in a parliamentary system.

Opposition Function in Parliament

  • Critiques government actions and holds it accountable.

  • Maintains a watchdog role and engages in scrutiny of the executive.

Responsible Government Principles

  • Derived from the 1867 constitution; emphasizes ministerial accountability and separation of powers.

  • Historical underpinnings relate to Montesquieu's philosophy to prevent tyranny.

The Executive's Role in Canada

  • Comprised of the PM and Cabinet, operating through a framework of responsible government.

  • The PM holds significant power in setting the legislative agenda and influencing minor parties.

Conclusion

  • The dynamic relationship between the PM, Cabinet, and Caucus emphasizes the necessity for checks and balances within the Canadian political landscape.