 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?

 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.

 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.

 Samara classifies questions into the following categories:  1. Online discussion- ex. , messaging, blogging, facebook, twitter

 Samara classifies questions into the following categories:  2. Offline discussion- face to face, on the phone, letter writing, public speech, organize a meeting

 Samara classifies questions into the following categories:  3. Activism- ex. Signing a petition, boycotting a product, protest

 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

 Samara classifies questions into the following categories:  5. Formal engagement-  Ex. Contacting an elected official  Attending a political meeting  Volunteering in an election

 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.

 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.

 Read pp  Answer questions 1-2 on Page 123 based on the interview with the honourable Jean Augustine.  Record the definitions from p

 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.

 1. Select candidates to run for election  2. Organize election campaigns.  3. develop the party platform

 4. understand the needs and wants of the public.  5. engage citizens in politics.  6. if elected, form the government.

 A set of ideas and promises created during an election campaign to explain a political party’s position on important issues.

 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.

 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

 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).

 For much of Canada’s history, the Liberals and Conservatives dominated the federal arena.  Now, the number of registered federal political parties have increased.

 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.

These are parties whose political platform is to address one single issue or cause.

 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.

 Founded in the year 2000  Primary objective? Legalizing Cannabis.

 Founded in the year 2005  Dedicated to protecting animals and the environment

 Read up to page 128.  Answer Q# 1(p. 128)