Political Ideologies and Parties

Political Ideologies Canada is governed by one or more political parties. Most are organized around political and social principles—an ideology—that guide them in everything they do.

Democracy Democracy is a system of government in which people freely choose in elections who will govern them direct democracy citizens vote directly on every issue representative democracy citizens elect a politician who then makes decisions for them on their behalf

Main Principles of Democracy Equality and Freedom Equality : All citizens are equal before the law, meaning that everyone is subject to the same laws, and no one is above the law. Freedom : The rights and freedoms of people living in a democracy are protected by a constitution or other written laws

The Upside Down Totalitarian governments are authoritarian, as opposed to democratic, and control every aspect of life within a country culture, religion, government, and economy use harsh laws and restrictions on freedom to maintain their power.

The Political Spectrum is a visual used to illustrate how various political ideologies relate to one another.

The Political Spectrum

Communism system in which all property and resources are collectively owned by a classless society and not by individual citizens. activity is controlled by a totalitarian state dominated by a single political party. censorship

Socialism a system in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the state citizens have equal access to products and resources Balance of public and private ownership At times it is multi-party gov’t, but it can be a single party state less fortunate taken care of.

Liberalism supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them under a free electoral system Freedoms and rights, multi-party gov’t marginalized helped private and public ownership.

Conservatism multi-party gov’t In favour of maintaining established political and social institutions and values. - Dose not support reform supports laissez-faire capitalism low taxes for business limited involvement in economy by gov’t.

Fascism system led by a dictator and single party having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition Government controls economy, industry, and military aggressive nationalism and often racist. Extreme censorship

Anarchy The type of government where there is no government at all. Every person is left to fight for themselves. This type of government usually ends up in people fighting over food, water, land and other things. There is no police to keep the peace.

Left Wing Beliefs Supports change to improve the welfare of all citizens. Government should play a larger role in people’s lives, especially in providing social services. Law and order are important to protect the rights of all citizens fairly and equally.

Right Wing Beliefs Tradition is important and change should be treated with caution Government should play a small role in a capitalist system. Private businesses should ensure the needs of citizens are met. Law and order are important to protect society and its traditions.

Centre Beliefs Tradition is important, but change must be supported if most people want it Government should play a role only when it is deemed nessesary Law and order are encouraged to protect the rights of individuals

Party Platform A list of priorities and a plan for governing published by a political party. This platform helps the public to understand what the party stands for and it reminds party members about goals and core beliefs.

How do Political Parties Maintain Control of Members Patronage is the giving, by premiers and prime ministers, of offices and rewards in return for loyalty or favours to the party. Party Whip is a member of the legislature assigned the role of ensuring all members of the party are present in the legislature to support party interests