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Parties, the media and other influences on the Canadian electoral system
Political Parties in Canada
Political Parties
• People who run for election in government are affiliated with groups of like minded people
• The public then supports the group that believes the way they do
What are political parties?
MAJORITY: when one party wins more than 50% of the seats in the House of Commons
MINORITY: when one party has more votes than any other party, but does not receive more than 50% of the seats in the House of Commons
What role do political parties play in Canadian government?
At the federal level, a party needs at least 155 seats to be majority
Majority = complete control
The agenda of the party in power is most important
Most stable form of government because elections only occur once every four years
Majority Governments
Minority = balance of power
One party that has more seats than all other parties, but the other parties combined have more power
Party in power must work with the other major parties so that all agendas are treated equally
If the other parties lose faith in the party in power, they can basically overthrow them
Minority Governments
Once a candidate is elected, their job is to work with other MPs from their party to reach the goals of the party
Often, each MP from a party is given one particular topic to advocate for
Role changes depending on whether or not their party is in power
Elected Officials
Candidates often resort to slandering or attacking their competition
Political campaigns often become personal with candidates attempting to sabotage each other
Smear Campaigns
Groups of people who work together for one central cause
Often lobby the government for support for their causes
Interest groups are aware that one party may help their cause more so than any other, and they will campaign on behalf of that party
Interest Groups
Often plays a large role in elections
The media has the power to sway people toward or away from a certain party
Is the media a positive or negative influence on Canadian elections?
The Media