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Types of Government. Our Government Canada’s government operates on the principle of democracy . Democracy means “ rule by the people ”. A true democracy must include the following: Regularly scheduled elections A choice between at least 2 parties Universal suffrage
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Our Government • Canada’s government operates on the principle of democracy. • Democracy means “rule by the people”. • A true democracy must include the following: • Regularly scheduled elections • A choice between at least 2 parties • Universal suffrage • An independent court system • A constitution
There are 2 types of democracies: • Direct Democracy: • Citizens vote on all decisions made by government. • Representative Democracy: • Elected representatives make decisions on our behalf. • This is the type of democracy we have in Canada.
Canada is also a monarchy: Monarchy means “rule by one person” – the Queen.
There are 2 types of monarchies: • Absolute Monarchy: • King or Queen has absolute power. • Constitutional Monarchy: • King or Queen’s powers are limited by a constitution. • Monarch’s role is to provide “royal assent”. • This is the type of monarchy we have in Canada • *Because the Queen lives in England, the governor generalrepresents her in Canada.
Other types of government: • Communism: • It is the duty of the government to enforce economic equality. • This means that everyone shares equallyin a country’s wealth. • How can we achieve this? • The rich must be overthrown in a violent revolution, so that the workers can take over. • Reality: Communist countries were actually characterized by censorship, dictatorship, and a lack on individual freedoms.
Other types of government: • Socialism: • This is a mild, democratic form of communism • How is it different from communism? • Equality can be achieved through elections – revolution is not necessary • Government is democratic • People are still allowed to own private property • Government owns only some aspects of the economy
Other types of government: • Fascism: • The most dominant features of fascism are • Extreme nationalism • Purpose of individual is to serve the state • All resources are used to build a powerful military • Belief in action over thought • Belief in imperial wars of conquest