1. Politics and Culture
NL Studies 2205
October 2010

2. Politics & Culture Introduction
How does a government influence a country’s culture?
What age do you think is appropriate age for citizens to have the right to vote? Why?
Think of all the different ways that government controls or regulations affect your life.

3. Politics & Culture
Legal controls on the sale of alcohol & tobacco to young people is one example of how legislation affects our culture
What are some other notable examples that impact us?

4. Canada’s Government
Canada uses the parliamentary system of government which involves the following process:
People in each district or riding elect a representative to sit in government on their behalf
Candidate with the highest number of votes in each district or riding becomes the federal MP or the provincial MHA
The political party with the most elected representatives forms the government

5. Types of Government Majority = 50% +1 Minority = Less than 50%
Coalition = Less Than 50%

6. Majority Government
The party with the majority of the seats forms the government and will be able to successfully pass legislation during its term

7. Minority Government
The party with the largest number of the seats can form the government
However, when it does not have the support of other parties when passing important pieces of legislation that are considered matters of confidence (budget), an election may be called.

8. Coalition Government
If no single party has a clear mandate to form the government, two or more parties may seek to work together and share in the exercise of power
An election may be called if a vote of non- confidence occurs

9. Constitutional Democracy
Democracy = rule of the majority (decision can be made that will influence everyone)
To guard against this, we have a Constitutional Democracy in Canada
While the majority makes decisions, our rights as individuals are protected against government decisions by the constitution