Democracy, illiberalism, impositions & challenges

Question 1

Rule of law

Answer 1

a principle of governance in which all persons, institutions and entities are accountable to laws. Associated w/ John Locke & Montesquieu

Question 2

Separation of powers

Answer 2

a division of powers among different branches of gov., which each has different powers & responsibilities that do not overlap; executive, legislative, and judicial. Montesquieu closely related

Question 3

Federalism

Answer 3

the existence of levels of gov. into a central/federal body, and smaller regional governments. Immanuel Kant associated

Question 4

representative democracy

Answer 4

citizens elect officials to run gov. Elections held periodically in order that the gov. is responsive to the people. Different parties are available to allow people to have different perspectives

Question 5

pressure groups

Question 6

republic democracy

Answer 6

three branches of governemnt:
-Executive: president & cabinet
-Legislative: congress
-Judicial- judges & court system
Checks and Balances- the system is designed to prevent one branch from becoming too powerful

Question 7

direct democracy

Answer 7

believes that all citizens voices are important and valuable. Only truly practical w/ small groups of people. Need for a forum to assemble people to meet and vote. Instruments of direct democracy used in representative democracy.
-initiatives: citizens draw up a petition which can force a public vote on an issue
-Referendums/Plebiscites: citizens vote directly on issues
-Recalls: most voters choose to remove an elected official

Question 8

illiberalism/illeberal democracy

Answer 8

when organisations, groups or gov. that claim to embrace liberal democratic ideals make undemocratic decisions and take undemocratic actions

Question 9

Constitutional monarchy

Answer 9

the head of state is the monarch, although they are limited by a constitution

Question 10

The PATRIOT Act

Answer 10

Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001. Allowed US gov. to take action in the name of security that rejects liberal values.

Question 11

The Emergencies Act

Answer 11

Authorised the taking of special temporary measures to ensure safety and security during national emergencies and to amend other Acts in consequence thereof.

Question 12

Dissent

Answer 12

an opinion, philosophy or sentiment of non-agreement or opposition to a prevailing idea or policy enforced under the authority of a government, political party or other entity or individual.

Question 13

Doukhobors

Answer 13

a sect of Russian dissenters, many of whom now live in western Canada. They are known for a radical pacifism which brought them notoriety during the 20th century.

Question 14

environmentalism

Answer 14

concern about and action aimed at protecting the environment.

Question 15

Individualism

Answer 15

the habit or principle of being independent and self-reliant.

Question 16

Role of the media

Answer 16

communication of info and messages to the masses.

Question 17

Independent courts

Answer 17

judicial officers of the Court, such as Judges, Justices and Judicial Justices of the Peace, have the freedom to decide each case on its own merits, without interference or influence of any kind from any source, including the other branches of government.

Question 18

Canadian Supreme Court

Answer 18

highest court in the judicial system of Canada

Question 19

Constitution Act of Canada

Answer 19

The Constitution Act, 1982 is a landmark document in Canadian history. It achieved full independence for Canada by allowing the country to change its Constitution without approval from Britain. It also enshrined the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in Canada’s Constitution, the highest law of the land.

Question 20

Prime Minister

Answer 20

leader of the majority party in the House of Commons and is not directly elected by the people

Question 21

MP

Answer 21

member of parliment. elected representative at the federal level.

Question 22

Majority government

Answer 22

A majority government is a government by one or more governing parties that hold an absolute majority of seats in a legislature

Question 23

Coalition government

Answer 23

form of government in which political parties cooperate to form a government. The usual reason for such an arrangement is that no single party has achieved an absolute majority after an election

Question 24

Back benchers

Answer 24

Member of the governing party who are not in the cabinet are called back benchers bc their seats in the House of Commons are behind those of the Cabinet Minister

Question 25

Voter apathy

Answer 25

lack of interest among voters in the elections of representative democracies. Political apathy or lack of interest is often cited as a cause of low turnout among eligible voters in jurisdictions where voting is optional, and the donkey vote where voting is compulsory.

Question 26

House of Commons

Answer 26

the lower house of the Parliament of Canada. Together with the Crown and the Senate of Canada, they comprise the bicameral legislature of Canada. The House of Commons is a democratically elected body whose members are known as members of Parliament.

Question 27

democracy

Answer 27

a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.

Question 28

senate

Answer 28

has 105 members which are appointed by governor general. Supposed to be appointed based on regions. Approve all laws passed by the House.

Question 29

Governer General

Answer 29

Commander-in-Chief of Canada. He or she visits military bases and honours Canadian military personnel on behalf of The King. The governor general also fulfills important ceremonial duties: promoting a sense of identity

Question 30

Minority government

Answer 30

formed when no political party has a majority of seats in the House of Commons. As a result, the political party that forms the minority government requires the support of another political party (or parties) to pass laws.

Question 31

First past the post

Answer 31

the official who receives the largest share of votes wins