Lesson 4: Political Parties

What is a political ideology? A political ideology is a set of shared ideas or beliefs about how politics and government should function. Common ideologies include liberalism, conservatism, and socialism. Others include communism and fascism.

What is a political party? A political party is a group of like-minded individuals with a shared vision and similar political ideologies. Party members work together to achieve power through an election, form government and create meaningful political change. There are more than 20 registered political parties in Ontario.

Ontario Political Parties Canadians’ Choice Party Pauper Party Communist Party People First Republic Party Family Coalition Party Progressive Conservative Party Freedom Party Reform Party Green Party Socialist Party Libertarian Party The Only Party Liberal Party The Peoples Political Party New Democratic Party Vegan Environmental Party Northern Ontario Heritage Party Provincial Confederation of Regions Party Party for Human Rights Party for People with Special Needs

What is the political spectrum? The political spectrum characterizes beliefs, values and priorities, and provides a framework in which to view and evaluate political parties and policies. A linear spectrum is represented as a horizontal line, with parties on the left embracing change and parties on the right favouring tradition.

Political Spectrum Questions Should the minimum wage be increased or decreased? Should the government spend more or less on our armed forces? Should wealthier people pay more or less taxes?

What is a party platform? A series of declared principles and policies on party and regional issues concerning government and the public. While all the political parties may agree that education is a priority, they may have different ideas about how to improve the system or which aspects to focus on. Parties announce their platform through announcements, advertising and events, and share their ideas 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 2011 provincial election, the Ontario Liberals formed government with 53 out of 107 legislative seats.

Final Thoughts Why are political parties important? What advantages and disadvantages are there to running for a party? Would you ever join a political party?