Political Liberalism

Enlightenment philosophies (Locke, Rousseau, Montesquieu, Mill) Aboriginal influences US Revolution French Revolution

Mandatory Voting Voter turnout 2008 record lows Why? Federal:58.8% Provincial: 40.6% Calgary 2004 – 20% Why? Apathy!! (when things are going well, we care less about government) The electoral system means that minority voices don’t really matter Lack of trust in politicians, or don’t feel like the political parties represent individual views effectively

Mandatory voting Australia, Belgium (most citizens support this law) Pros: higher voter turnout = true reflection of electorate’s wishes, citizens pay closer attention as they have to participate, stronger democracy Cons: Spoiled ballots = not a true reflection of people’s wishes, uneducated voters who don’t care, cost to enforce ($20 fine, but if not paid – court), coercion vs freedom