1. Canadian Government and Federal Election 2015 Social Studies 10

2. Part 1: Democracy and Government

3. Types of Government What is government? The people and institutions put in place to run or govern a country, state, province or community. The role of government is to make decisions and regulations for the people for whom it is responsible. The purpose of government is to protect its citizens and provide services. What types of government exist? There are different types of government around the world. They are distinguished by how they allocate power, and the types of rights and freedoms they give citizens. Click here for a videohere

4. Types of Government Oligarchy A form of government in which power rests with a small number of people, generally the people who are rich and powerful (due to bloodlines and wealth). People living under this system have some rights and freedoms (eg. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait) Theocracy A type of government where a god or deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler. Government policy and leaders are determined by religious officials who are seen to be directly guided a god or deity. Laws are interpreted by these religious authorities, such as bishops or mullahs, and are enforced by religious officials (eg. Iran, Vatican) Autocracy A type of government where one person has full control through the use of a party or military, without the participation or consent of the people. These countries tend to be socialist, communist or fascist societies with restrictive individual rights, freedoms and civil liberties, with a high level of security and restrictive media (eg. Syria, North Korea). These countries are usually one-party states where there is little opposition and can also be called a dictatorship. Democracy A type of government where power is shared by all the people and citizens are meant to participate equally in making decisions. Citizens elect people to represent them in government and make decisions on their behalf. They also have access to power and can run for office. In these countries people have rights and freedoms such as the freedom of speech and religion, and free and fair elections (eg. Canada, England).

5. Discussion Items What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of government? What does Democracy mean to you???

6. Structure of Canadian Government Canada has a federal system of parliamentary government: Government responsibilities and functions are shared between federal, provincial and municipal governments. Pop Quiz: Who is Canada’s Head of State?

7. Structure of Canadian Government The Queen (Elizabeth II)

8. Structure of Canadian Government Click here for a VIDEOhere In Canada, we live in a parliamentary democracy, which is a type of representative democracy. We are also a constitutional monarchy. The Queen, our head of state, holds symbolic power. Our government originates from British traditions and their system of government Can you think of a historical example of a monarchy that was an autocracy?????

9. Democratic Rights Because Canada is a democracy, we also have democratic rights and freedoms, including the right to vote (after 18 years of age) This has not always been the case – can you think of any examples??? British North America – Only affluent males can vote (1758-1866) Extending the Right to Vote to Women (1867-1919 Making the Vote Universal (1920-1960) Accessibility for All (1961-1997) Charter Challenges (1982-2004)

10. Democratic Rights Discussion Item: Mandatory Voting in Australia. Discussion Item: Current Examples of Fighting for Democratic Rights in the World.

11. Fights For Democracy Iraqis vote amid looming threat of violence (2011) Zimbabwe voters stand in line (2013) Ukraine votes for presidential poll (2014) Libya begins election amid violence (2012) Florida’s long lines on election day (2012) Scottish Independence (2014) ID Requirements in Canada (2015) Saudi women and the vote (2015) Safety in Sri Lanka (2015)

12. Part 2: Structure of Government and Division of Power

13. What do you already know about Canadian Government? Canada is a democracy The Prime Minister is the elected head of government Canada is a constitutional monarchy The Sovereign (Queen) is our head of state This comes from British traditions and influence in Canada Power is divided between federal, provincial and municipal governments

14. Structure of Canadian Government The Queen (Elizabeth II) Canada is governed by a constitution (rules and laws) as well as the reigning monarch of Britain Serves a symbolic role and carries out ceremonial duties Gives Royal assent to bills and signs all legislation into law Is represented in Canada by the Governor General

15. Governor General (David Johnston) The Queen’s representative in Canada Chosen by the Queen on recommendation by the Prime Minister Performs ceremonial functions on behalf of the Queen and the country Structure of Canadian Government

16. Prime Minister (Stephen Harper) Serves as the head of the Federal Government, leader of Canada, as well as the leader of their political party Selects a Cabinet to represent the various Government departments Provides leadership and direction to government with the support of a cabinet. Structure of Canadian Government

17. House of Commons Many laws in Canada first begin as bills in the House of Commons. 308 elected members from ridings across Canada, devote most of their time to debating and voting on bills. Also a place where Members represent constituents' views, discuss national issues and call on the government to explain its actions. Structure of Canadian Government

18. Senate The Senate is comprised of 105 unelected Senators who represent the various regions of Canada The Senate can change or reject any bill and provides the final review of any bill that has been passed in the House of Commons No bill can become law until it has passed the Senate Structure of Canadian Government

19. The Cabinet Composed of elected party members selected by the Prime Minister Each member of the Cabinet is responsible for a particular department (Justice, National Defence, Environment) Structure of Canadian Government

20. 3 Levels of Canadian Government Federal (Ottawa) Provincial (Victoria) Municipal (Kelowna)

21. 3 Levels of Canadian Government

22. QuestionFederalProvincialMunicipal What is the name of the role represented by the Sovereign at this level? Who currently holds this position? Governor General David Johnston Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon n/a What is the official title of the leader at this level of government? Who currently holds this position and which party does he or she represent? Prime Minister Stephen Harper Conservative Party Premier Christy Clark BC Liberal Party Mayor Colin Basaran What is the official name of the elected members at this level of government? How many members are there? Who currently holds this position for your geographic area? Member of Parliament (MP) 308 Ron Cannon Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) 58 Steve Thomson Councillors 8 Where does this level of government meet (name of building and city)? House of Commons Ottawa BC Legislature Building Victoria Council Chambers Kelowna What are two or more responsibilities at this level of government? Foreign Affairs, Immigration, Currency, National Defence Education, Health, Environment, Agriculture, Advanced Education Waste management, libraries, community services, local parks

23. Activity: “Who Makes The Decision?” Write you answers on a piece of paper 3 Levels of Canadian Government

24. Who makes the decision? 1.A new bridge over Okanagan Lake 2.What you have to learn in school 3.How old you have to be before you can drive 4.How often your garbage gets picked up 5.How old you have to be to vote 6.If we should go to war 7.How many firefighters your town has 8.How old you have to be to buy alcohol 9.The names of different streets 10.Who is allowed to move here from other countries 11.The days that you are allowed to water your lawn 12.How much money you are given when unemployed 13.How we respond to foreign emergencies (Japan Earthquake) Choose: Local, Provincial, or Federal 1.Provincial 2.Provincial 3.Provincial 4.Municipal 5.Federal 6.Federal 7.Municipal 8.Provincial 9.Municipal 10.Federal 11.Municipal 12.Federal 13.Federal

25. Reflection Please complete the reflection on page 5 of your booklet, using the visual here: You can also read p. 65 and look at the visual on p. 66 of your textbook for more detail.

26. Part 3: The Political Spectrum

27. Political Spectrum Complete the ‘quiz’ on page 6 of your booklet and record your score on page 7. Okay, now you have a number and one opinion about where you might be on the political spectrum… … but WHAT DOES THAT MEAN???

28. Political Spectrum/Ideologies Political parties often associate themselves with political ideologies. An ideology is a set of opinions about the role of government This linkage between ideologies and political parties can 'line up' Canadian political parties in different spots across what is called the political spectrum. In Canada left wing parties usually support higher levels of government involvement in the lives of citizens, e.g., more government programs, higher taxes. Right-wing parties generally prefer a society where there is less reliance on government, e.g., fewer government programs, lower taxes.

29. Political Spectrum/Ideologies Often anti-capitalist Pro-choice Pro gay/women's rights Anti-racist Pro public ownership of public services Often anti-war Planned economy Pro civil liberties Tend to be secular (non-religious) Pro capitalist Free market economics Patriotic/Nationalistic Anti-abortion Pro religion Anti - gay rights Security before civil liberties Supports private ownership of public services

30. Political Ideology Main Characteristics Communism extreme left wing Seeks elimination of social classes Believes in economic equality, opposed to capitalism Government owns all modes of production, no private enterprise Socialism left wing Believes in a more equal society, more personal freedoms Believes in gov’t regulation of some sectors of the economy Uses taxes to reduce difference between rich & poor Liberalism Centre Believes gov’t should provide social welfare programs Believes in economic freedom Believes in equal rights Political Spectrum/Ideologies

31. Political Ideology Main Characteristics Conservatism Right Wing Supports social traditions in society Believes in a small role for gov’t in society & economy (Laissez-Faire) Believes in law and order, with less emphasis on personal freedoms. Believes in lower taxes, and fewer gov’t services. Fascism Extreme Right Wing Relies on strong, central gov’t., often using violence & intimidation No tolerance of any political opposition. Strong sense of nationalism & advocates a strong military Engages in social restructuring, strong beliefs about race. Political Spectrum/Ideologies

32. A political party is a group people who share the same ideas about the way the country should be governed. They work together to introduce new laws, and alter old laws. Political parties have "platforms" which are the basic beliefs and goals that a party has. Canadian parties at the federal level are often only loosely connected with parties at the provincial level, despite having similar names. Political Parties

33. Place the Federal Parties on the political spectrum on page 8 of your booklet.

34. 2011 Federal Election Results Voter Turnout 61%

35. CBC Vote Compass We will be taking one more QUIZ that will place you on the political spectrum. Be prepared to compare and contrast the results with the quiz we have already completed. Use your own postal code OR the OKM code – V1W 1T4 There are 30 questions. If there are questions you do not understand, please ask or answer “I don’t know’.

36. What can you do to become an informed voter???

37. Part 4: Major Parties and Issues

38. Research Time Use pages 10 and 11 in your booklet to research 4 major political parties and their leaders for this federal election Start with the party websites (listed in your booklet), and then make sure you use other sources that are CREDIBLE if needed. This will help you decide how you might cast your vote on October 19 th ! Intro Video

39. Part 5: Leaders Debate

40. Leaders Debate View the video clips and complete page 13 of your booklet.

41. Part 6: Voting Process

42. What is an electoral riding? Also known as an electoral district. a riding is a geographical area that is represented in the House of Commons by an MP, or in provincial elections an area represented by an MLA only voters who live within the geographical bounds of an electoral district are permitted to vote in an election held there. Elections

43. Our riding is called: Kelowna-Lake Country Elections

44. QuestionFederalProvincialMunicipal How often are elections held? At least every 4-5 years At least every 4 years Every 3 years When is the next election? Monday October 19, 2015. Tuesday, May 9, 2017 2017

45. Voter Turnout Click here for video Why do you think this was “Rick’s Rant”? Why might someone choose to vote or not to vote? What do you think can be done to increase voter turnout?

46. Voter Turnout - Federal

47. Voter Turnout - Provincial Up to 58% in 2011

48. Voting Process What examples can you think of about ways to collect a vote? You might have seen different strategies used by teachers, coaches, friends or family members. What do we use in Canada for federal, provincial and municipal votes?

49. What is “First Past The Post?” The candidate with the highest number of votes in their riding is elected (do not have to have the majority of votes) 'winner-takes-all‘ What is “Proportional Representation”? The number of seats a party wins is determined by the percentage of vote they receive 2013 Election Results in BC Elections Political Party% VoteSeatsStatus Liberal Party4449 (58%)Government NDP4034 (40%) Official Opposition Green Party81 (1%)-

50. Part 7: Post Election Analysis

51. 2015 Federal Election Results Prime Minister Member of Parliament

52. Predictions Look back at your prediction on page 17 and comment.

53. Student Vote Results

54. Reflection Please complete your final reflection and self-assessment before handing your booklet in.