1. Lesson 4: Political Parties

2. 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.

3. What is a political party? A political party is a group of like-minded individuals with a shared vision and political ideology. Anyone above the required age can be a member of a political party — for most parties the age is 14. Party members work together to achieve power through an election, form government and create meaningful political change. Each party also selects a leader, usually through a leadership contest or vote.

4. P.E.I. Political Parties There are 4 political parties in Prince Edward Island. –Green Party of PEI –New Democratic Party of PEI –The PEI Liberal Association –Progressive Conservative Association of PEI

5. P.E.I. Political Parties

6. 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, bigger government and more services, and parties on the right favouring tradition, small government and lower taxes.

7. 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?

8. What is a party platform? A series of declared principles and policies on jurisdictional 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. Political parties announce their platform through announcements, advertising and events, and share their ideas to attract support from voters.

9. 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 P.E.I. Liberals formed government with 22 out of 27 legislative seats.

10. 2011 Provincial Election Results Political PartyCandidates Elected Prince Edward Island Liberal Party22 Prince Edward Island Conservative Party5 Prince Edward Island Green Party0 Prince Edward Island New Democratic Party0 Island Party of Prince Edward Island0 Independents and no affiliation0

11. 2011 Provincial Student Vote Results Political PartyCandidates Elected Prince Edward Island Liberal Party14 Prince Edward Island Conservative Party6 Prince Edward Island Green Party1 Prince Edward Island New Democratic Party0 Island Party of Prince Edward Island0 Independents and no affiliation0 *Students only cast ballots in 21 out of 27 electoral districts/areas

12. 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?