PowerPoint 4: Political Parties

Political Beliefs People develop different opinions about society and how things should be run in their community, province and/or country. A political ideology is a group of shared beliefs or principles about how society and government should work.

What do YOU believe? Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? The government should be small and provide fewer services so we do not have to pay a lot in taxes. Companies that pollute our air and water should suffer consequences. Tradition is a more important than change in our society. We should give more money and aid to poorer countries. 3

What is a political party? A political party is an organized group of people who share similar political beliefs and goals. Parties are made up of ‘members’ from the public. Party members work together to achieve power through an election and try to accomplish their goals. Each party also selects a leader, usually through a leadership contest.

Nova Scotia Political Parties There are 5 registered political parties in Nova Scotia: Atlantica Party Association of Nova Scotia Green Party of Nova Scotia Nova Scotia Liberal Party Nova Scotia New Democratic Party Progressive Conservative Association of Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia Political Parties

What is a party platform? A party platform explains the party’s ideas to deal with major issues and how to make improvements. While all political parties may agree that the economy is important, they may have different ideas about how to improve it and the steps that should be taken. During elections, parties share their platform through announcements, advertising and events, and try to attract support from voters.

How does a party form government? The party that elects the most number of representatives or wins the most seats usually forms government. At the provincial level, the leader of the party that forms government becomes the premier. After the 2013 provincial election, the Liberal Party formed government because they had won 33 out of 51 legislative seats.

2013 Provincial Election Results Political Party Candidates Elected Popular Vote Nova Scotia Liberal Party 33 45.7% Progressive Conservative Association of Nova Scotia 11 26.3% Nova Scotia New Democratic Party 7 26.8% Green Party of Nova Scotia 0.9% Independents 0.3% Source: Elections Nova Scotia 9

2013 Provincial Student Vote Results Political Party Candidates Elected Popular Vote Nova Scotia Liberal Party 32 45.6% Progressive Conservative Association of Nova Scotia 11 27.6% Nova Scotia New Democratic Party 8 23.3% Green Party of Nova Scotia 2.5% Independent 1.0% Source: CIVIX 10

Final Thoughts Why are political parties important? Would you ever join a political party? Which political party do you like the most and why?