1. Political Ideologies and Parties

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

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

7. The Political Spectrum

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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

17. 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.

19. 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