CPW 4U – The Political Process Test Review
Format – Multiple Choice, Fill in the Blanks / Matching, Short Answer, and Long Answer
Chapters Covered – 20, 21, 23, 24, and 25
Parliamentary and presidential systems – what are each? How does each work? Differences? Adavantages and disadvantages?
- Key Terms: separation of powers, legislative, executive, judicial, responsible government, party discipline, private member’s bill, head of state, head of government, confidence of the house, majority government, minority government, coalition government, bills, readings, caucus, backbenchers, constructive vote of confidence, system of checks and balances, electoral college, congress.
- role of the house of commons and senate and the legislative process
- role of the cabinet and the official opposition
Unitary and Federal Systems
-Understand the difference between both
-Difference between federalism and confederation
-Be able to assess federalism and critic Canada’s system
Interest Groups and Political parties – what are their roles? How effective are they? Different types? Know the party systems and give examples
-Key Terms: interest groups (anomic, associational, institutional, nonassociational), political consultants, lobbying, dilemma of interest-group politics, political parties, pragmatic party, ideological party, interest party, personal party, and the movement party,
Media – role of media in politics? Ethics of media in politics?
-Key Terms: priming and agenda setting, impact of social media on politics (esp 2011 election), wag the dog.
Elections and Electoral Systems – purpose? Various types? Why do people vote or not? Be able to apply your knowledge to electoral results.
-Key Terms: constituency, riding, seat, popular vote, gerrymandering, voter turnout?
Possible long answer questions:
- Which is most influential in Canadian politics media, political parties, or interest groups?
OR
- Compare the USA and Canada in terms of their system of government. Which do you prefer? Be sure to address the system of checks and balances, elections process, and party systems.