Post on 23-Dec-2015
transcript
Chapter 5:The Political Process
CHV 2O1Mr. Head
Let’s think about it…
Why is it important to understand how the political process works?
What are some ways that individuals and groups can be involved in the political process?
Learning goalsIn this chapter, we are learning to….
Develop and understanding of the political process.
Explain the ways in which individuals and groups are part of the political process in Canada.
Develop an understanding of the differences among political parties and their policies.
Describe different types of governments.
Becoming involved in the political process.
Samara is a Canadian organization that encourages increased participation in Canadian politics.
The overarching goal is to measure the various ways Canadians participate in politics between elections.
Becoming involved in the political process.
Samara classifies questions into the following categories:
1. Online discussion- ex. Email, messaging, blogging, facebook, twitter
Becoming involved in the political process.
Samara classifies questions into the following categories:
2. Offline discussion- face to face, on the phone, letter writing, public speech, organize a meeting
Becoming involved in the political process.
Samara classifies questions into the following categories:
3. Activism- ex. Signing a petition, boycotting a product, protest
Becoming involved in the political process.
Samara classifies questions into the following categories:
4. Civic engagement- ex. Working with others on an issue in your community, active in a group organization, donating to a political cause, volunteering
Becoming involved in the political process.
Samara classifies questions into the following categories:
5. Formal engagement- Ex. Contacting an elected official Attending a political meeting Volunteering in an election
Becoming involved in the political process.
End Results? In three of the five categories, over 50% of participants engaged in NONE of the activities list.
Turn to page 121 in your text.
After analyzing the various ways in which people participate in politics between elections, identify which of the activities in the poll you believe to be the most effective forms of political participation? Explain your reasoning.
Politician
Someone who is active in politics and who is, or wants to be, an elected representative
To become a politician, a person must be at least 18 years, and a Canadian citizen.
Your task…
Read pp. 116-125. Answer questions 1-2 on Page 123
based on the interview with the honourable Jean Augustine.
Record the definitions from p. 124-125
Political parties
Politicians at the provincial and federal levels usually belong to organizations called Political parties.
They are rare, if not non-existent, at the municipal level.
At the provincial and federal level, they play a crucial role in our political system.
The roles of political parties
1. Select candidates to run for election
2. Organize election campaigns.
3. develop the party platform
The roles of political parties
4. understand the needs and wants of the public.
5. engage citizens in politics.
6. if elected, form the government.
Party Platform
A set of ideas and promises created during an election campaign to explain a political party’s position on important issues.
Canada’s main political parties
Platform
Believes in a smaller, limited government. Supports lower taxes for people and
businesses. Less supportive of environmental
initiatives. In favour of increased spending on the
military. Believes in harsh treatment of those who
break the law.
Platform
Supports a balance between the public sector and private business
Socially progressive: supports changes in traditional values
Supports social programs such as health care and old age pension
Platform
Promotes economic equality. Supports spending on social programs. In favour of taxing large corporations and
the wealthy. Supports a wide range of human and civil
rights. Has ties to organized labour( ex. Unions).
Political parties- historically
For much of Canada’s history, the Liberals and Conservatives dominated the federal arena.
Now, the number of registered federal political parties have increased.
Regional Parties
Some political parties have been formed based of geographic area.
1. The western block party- seeks political independence of western Canada
2. Reform Party- became the official opposition party at one time. Ultimately merged with the progressive conservatives.
3. Bloc Québecois- focuses its efforts on the province of Québec. Was the official opposition party at one point.
Protest Parties
These are parties whose political platform is to address one single issue or cause.
Rhinoceros Partyof Canada
Makes ridiculous promises (ie. Creating a budget of $5 million
toward creating an army of clowns that will save the world).
Their objective in doing so is to raise awareness to the empty promises the primary political parties make during elections.
Marijuana Partyof Canada
Founded in the year 2000
Primary objective?Legalizing Cannabis.
Animal alliance Environmental Voters Party
Founded in the year 2005
Dedicated to protecting animals and the environment
Your task…
Read up to page 128.
Answer Q# 1(p. 128)