1. Political Spectrum: Left Wing vs Right Wing

2. Democratic countries believe in Liberal Democracy (liberalism) which is a commitment to the individual and the desire to construct a society which people can satisfy their interest and achieve fulfillment. In other words to be free and happy.
To simplify things for now, let us ignore the extreme left (communists) and the extreme right (fascists)… they are not liberals
We will be looking at the liberal left (NDP) and the liberal right (Conservatives)

3. The position on the Left and Right spectrum revolves around the following issues:
Speed of Change in Society
Government Control of the Economy
Sharing of wealth through social programs
Government’s role in citizens’ lives
Political Freedom vs. Political Control

4. Political Spectrum Split Page Notetaking
LEFT
RIGHT

5. Desire for Change Left Right
Support change in order to improve welfare of all citizens
Right
Tradition is important and change should be treated with caution

6. Economy
Left
Government should play a larger role in people’s lives ( social services, benefits )
Against Free Trade (favours protectionism)
More government ownership
Supports labour unions

7. Economy Right Government should play a small role
Private business should ensure needs of citizens are met
For Free Trade (Against protectionism)
Less government ownership
Against labour unions

8. Politics Left Rehabilitate criminals
Everyone has the right to vote regardless of education level, criminal activity and ability.
More freedom to individuals (in regards to social issues) and less power to police
Use diplomacy instead of war and military.

9. Politics
Right
Emphasis of law and order to protect society and its traditions
Punish criminals
The right to vote must be balanced with the need to protect property and traditional institutions from the “will of the masses.”
Less freedom to individuals (in regards to social issues) and more power to police.
Wars are a natural occurrence and are necessary for the preservation of a strong society, economic stability, and social order.

10. Social Left Pro-choice (ie: abortion) Equal opportunity Class equality
Social freedom
Ie: legalize marijuana

11. Social Right Independence (encouraged to look after ourselves)
Abortions are wrong
Class inequality
Believe in “traditional” values

12. Individualist or Collectivist?
Might be too confusing, but generally…
Right wing are socially collectivist but economically individualist
Left wing are socially individualist but economically collectivist

13. The Political Spectrum CANADA

14. Which Party Would You Choose to Represent your Interests?
Write down 5 values (what is most important to you in life). Remember values are not material things, rather what you feel strongly about and
Next write down three issues for Canadians (think nationally) that concern you the most. You should see a connection between your values and your concerns.
Finally, read the Parties of Canada info sheet and choose a party that you would likely vote for and support. Also think about if you fell to the left or right on the spectrum. Feel free to do more research on the net.
Write down on the piece of paper supplied the party that you would at this time support with an explanation for why. Hand in your ballot.

15. The Voting Problem
Looking at this data is this a good thing? Why or why not? How would you as an elected representative try to get more votes? You have to be realistic because you would not want to buy votes? What does buying votes mean?

16. Reasons for not voting:
Table 2 Factor Analysis of Reasons for Not Voting
Reasons for not voting: a)
I didn't know where or when to vote b)
I was not on the list of electors c)
I didn't think my vote would matter d)
I didn't like any of the candidates or political parties e)
I wasn't concerned with the issues of the campaign f)
I was ill g)
I was out of town h)
I was too busy i)
I just wasn't interested in the election j)
I think there are too many elections
Have students generate why they think citizens are not voting. Discuss and then share the findings from Elections Canada stats.

17. Trends in youth not voting
the gap between the youngest and oldest voters has become.
Turnout for young Canadians in the May 2011 election was considerably below the average – just 38.8 percent of Canadians aged and 45.1 percent of year olds voted.
Discuss as class. Could this be a group project where they interview youth to find out their reasons? Interview older siblings, cousins, neighbours, parents etc to thoughts.

18. Main reasons for not voting in 2000 election in percentages
Lack of interest
Age Groups
65+
55–64
45–54
35–44
25–34
18–24
Not interested; didn't care; apathy
14.8
29.0
18.3
19.7
27.3
28.0
Vote meaningless; doesn't count;
6.4
8.4
9.6
10.0
11.4
6.5
Forgot; unaware
4.2
0.0
1.2
2.0
3.9
complicated; confusing
2.3
2.5
0.7
Too busy with work/school/family
5.0
3.4
3.1
11.9
13.7
22.6
In you discussion:
Are these good excuses? How can we change the pattern? Will this have an impact on your future? Do the voting stations need to be opened longer – earlier in the morning later at night?