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)