PowerPoint 4: Political Parties

What is a political ideology? A political ideology is a set of shared ideas or beliefs about how politics and government should function. Common ideologies include liberalism, conservatism, and socialism. Others include communism and fascism.

What is a political party? A political party is a group of like-minded individuals with a shared vision and common political ideology. Anyone above the required age can be a member of a political party — for most parties, that age is 14. Party members work together to achieve power through an election, form government and create meaningful political change. Each party also selects a leader, usually through a leadership contest or vote.

Federal Political Parties There are 20 registered political parties in Canada. Animal Alliance Environment Voters Party of Canada Bloc Québécois Canadian Action Party Christian Heritage Party of Canada Communist Party of Canada Conservative Party of Canada Democratic Advancement Party of Canada Forces et Démocratie Green Party of Canada Liberal Party of Canada Libertarian Party of Canada Marijuana Party Marxist-Leninist Party of Canada New Democratic Party Party for Accountability, Competency and Transparency Pirate Party of Canada Progressive Canadian Party Rhinoceros Party The Bridge Party of Canada United Party of Canada

What is the political spectrum? The political spectrum characterizes beliefs, values and priorities, and provides a framework in which to view and evaluate political parties and policies. A linear spectrum is represented as a horizontal line, with parties on the left embracing social equality, bigger government and more services, and parties on the right favouring tradition, smaller government and lower taxes.

Political Spectrum Questions Should the minimum wage be increased or decreased? Should the government spend more or less on our armed forces? Should wealthier people pay more or less in taxes?

What is a party platform? A series of declared principles and policies on jurisdictional issues concerning government and the public. While all the political parties may agree that education is a priority, they may have different ideas about how to improve the system or which aspects to focus on. Political parties announce their platform through announcements, advertising and events, and share their ideas to attract support from voters.

How does a party form government? The party that elects the most number of representatives or wins the most seats usually forms government. At the federal level, the leader of the party that forms government becomes the prime minister. After the 2015 federal election, the Liberal Party formed government with 184 out of 338 legislative seats.

2015 Federal Election Results 9

2015 Federal Election Results 10

2015 Federal Student Vote Results 11

Final Thoughts Why are political parties important? What advantages and disadvantages are there to running for a party? Would you ever join a political party? Why or why not?