Politics and Government Study Guide

Structure

25 multiple choice questions

10 true/ false questions

5-10 matching questions

Paragraph - Be Prepared 1. Discuss the Senate’s role in Canada’s political system. Why is the Senate a controversial legislative body? OR 2. Evaluate the benefits of the addition of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to the Canadian Constitution. (Your answer should consider both the benefits and the concerns regarding the Charter.) 10 Fill in the Blank

1 Paragraph Question (You choose)

Themes

Ideologies

Political spectrum

Political Parties & Elections

Political parties & platforms (federal/provincial)

Leaders (look them up if you are unsure….)

Election Processes (Dissolution, Enumeration, …)

Electoral System (FPTP vs Prop. Rep)

Levels of Government

Federal powers

Provincial power

Municipal powers

Branches of Government

Legislative

- Role of Senate (Chamber of “sober second thought…”)

- Reform, Abolish, Keep as is?

- House of Commons

- constituencies (ridings), MPs, caucus, party solidarity, party whip,

Official opposition, shadow cabinet, Speaker of the House

- Minority vs. Majority government – Vote of non-confidence

Executive

- Role of Prime Minister & Cabinet

- patronage, cabinet solidarity, order in council, prorogue

- Prime Minister’s Office, Privy Council, Ministries & Civil Service

- Role of Governor General (Who?) – Why is it called a constitutional monarchy?

Judicial

- Supreme Court of Canada

- Charter of Rights and Supreme Court of Canada – Judicial Activism?

- Number of Judges on Court (Quebec?)

- Who is Beverly McLaughlin?

Political Influence, Media & Protest

Pressure group

Lobbyist

Ways in which mass media has a great influence on government

Civil Disobedience – what is it?