Political Theory
This regime type involves rule by many for the common good.
What is polity?
This is the fundamental law that structures government.
What is a constitution?
This system divides power between national and regional governments.
What is federalism?
This principle requires the executive to maintain the confidence of the House of Commons
What is responsible government?
This document entrenches rights and freedoms in Canada.
What is the Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
This principle holds that no one has a natural right to rule in a democracy.
hat is equality (political equality)?
These are unwritten rules that guide political behavior but are not legally enforceable.
What are constitutional conventions?
These are powers not explicitly assigned and given to the federal government in Canada
What are residual powers?
This concept means cabinet ministers must publicly support all decisions.
What is collective responsibility?
This concept allows courts to review laws for constitutionality.
What is judicial review?
This theory argues rights are inherent and inalienable.
What is natural rights theory?
This term describes bringing the Constitution fully under Canadian control in 1982.
What is patriation?
This program redistributes wealth to ensure comparable public services across provinces.
What is equalization?
This term describes the Prime Minister as “first among equals.”
This principle ensures judges are free from political interference.
What is judicial independence?
This philosophy prioritizes the greatest happiness for the greatest number.
What is utilitarianism?
This formula requires 7 provinces representing 50% of the population to amend the Constitution.
What is the 7/50 amending formula?
Explain the difference between federal and unitary systems.
A federal system divides power constitutionally between levels of government; a unitary system concentrates power in a central authority.
his representative exercises the powers of the Crown in Canada.
Who is the Governor General?
Explain the difference between rights and freedoms.
Rights are legally protected entitlements; freedoms are liberties to act without government interference.
Explain the key difference between democracy and polity in Aristotle’s framework.
Polity = rule by many for the common good; democracy (in Aristotle) = rule by many in their own interest.
Explain why the Constitution is difficult to amend in Canada.
Because of the amending formula requiring broad provincial consent (e.g., 7/50), making agreement difficult across regions and interests.
Evaluate whether Canada is truly federal or quasi-unitary.
Canada is formally federal but has quasi-unitary features due to strong federal powers (e.g., spending power), though provinces retain significant autonomy.
Explain why some scholars call Canada a “prime ministerial government.”
Because the Prime Minister controls cabinet, party discipline, and key appointments, concentrating power in the executive.
Evaluate whether judicial review strengthens or weakens democracy.
Judicial review can strengthen democracy by protecting rights, but may weaken it by shifting power to unelected judges.