1. Parties, the media and other influences on the Canadian electoral system Political Parties in Canada

2. Political Parties

3. People who run for election in government are affiliated with groups of like minded people The public then supports the group that believes the way they do What are political parties?

4. MAJORITY: when one party wins more than 50% of the seats in the House of Commons MINORITY: when one party has more votes than any other party, but does not receive more than 50% of the seats in the House of Commons What role do political parties play in Canadian government?

5. At the federal level, a party needs at least 155 seats to be majority Majority = complete control The agenda of the party in power is most important Most stable form of government because elections only occur once every four years Majority Governments

6. Minority = balance of power One party that has more seats than all other parties, but the other parties combined have more power Party in power must work with the other major parties so that all agendas are treated equally If the other parties lose faith in the party in power, they can basically overthrow them Minority Governments

7. Once a candidate is elected, their job is to work with other MPs from their party to reach the goals of the party Often, each MP from a party is given one particular topic to advocate for Role changes depending on whether or not their party is in power Elected Officials

8. Candidates often resort to slandering or attacking their competition Political campaigns often become personal with candidates attempting to sabotage each other Smear Campaigns

9. Groups of people who work together for one central cause Often lobby the government for support for their causes Interest groups are aware that one party may help their cause more so than any other, and they will campaign on behalf of that party Interest Groups

10. Often plays a large role in elections The media has the power to sway people toward or away from a certain party Is the media a positive or negative influence on Canadian elections? The Media