Government Basics
What is Civics, and why do we learn it?
Civics is the study of the rights and duties of citizens and how governments operate. We learn it to understand our roles in society and our political systems.
What is the "popular vote" in an election?
The total number of votes cast by citizens for a candidate or political party.
What is the role of the Speaker of the House of Commons?
The Speaker ensures that parliamentary debates are conducted fairly and within the rules.
What is the political spectrum?
A system that categorizes political ideologies from left to right based on values like government control and individual freedoms.
What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)?
A declaration adopted by the United Nations outlining the fundamental rights and freedoms of all humans.
What type of government is ruled by one leader with absolute power?
Dictatorship.
What is first-past-the-post voting?
A voting system where the candidate with the most votes in a riding wins, regardless of whether they have more than half the votes.
What is a bill, and how does it become a law?
A bill is a proposed law. It must pass through multiple readings, debates, and votes in Parliament before becoming law.
Where does the Liberal Party fall on the political spectrum?
The Liberal Party is generally considered center-left.
What are the five fundamental freedoms in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression; freedom of peaceful assembly; freedom of association; freedom of conscience; and freedom of religion.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a democracy?
Advantages include equal participation and freedom. Disadvantages include slower decision-making and potential for inequality.
What is the difference between a minority and a majority government?
A majority government has more than half the seats in the legislature, while a minority government has fewer than half.
What is a responsible government?
A government that is accountable to the elected legislature and the public.
Name the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada
Pierre Poilievre.
What is the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)?
An international treaty that sets out the rights of children.
What is a Constitutional Monarchy?
A form of government where a monarch shares power with a constitutionally established government.
How does social media impact politics?
It helps spread political ideas, mobilize voters, and influence public opinion but can also spread misinformation.
Who is the Governor General, and what is their role?
The Governor General represents the monarch in Canada and performs ceremonial duties.
What is the main focus of the Green Party’s agenda?
Environmental sustainability and addressing climate change.
What is the purpose of Indigenous rights under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)?
To protect the rights of indigenous peoples, including cultural preservation and self-determination.
What are the three branches of government?
Executive, Legislative, and Judicial.
What is a riding?
A geographic area represented by a Member of Parliament.
What is self-governance?
The ability of a community or nation to govern itself without external control.
What is the purpose of a coalition government?
A coalition government is formed when no single party has a majority, and multiple parties work together to form a government.
Why did Canada not initially sign the UNDRIP?
Canada did not sign it at first due to concerns about the potential conflict with Canadian law and governance, but later signed it in 2016.