Question 1

Discuss differential political party support by region/province/territory in Canada. Outline several positive and several negative consequences of the patterns you note for people within the regions, and for Canada as a whole.

Accepted Answer

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Question 2

In 2015, about what share of the world's people lived in countries that can be considered politically "free"?

Accepted Answer

In 2015, approximately 40 percent of the world's population lived in countries that were considered politically "free" according to reports by organizations like Freedom House.

Question 3

What is the "democracy gap"? How does this concept relate to events in the Middle East in the 21ˢᵗ century? What has the role of Canada been in these events? Predict how these events will reshape our world, in Canada and globally.

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Question 4

Which of the following nations comes closest to having a political system that is "totalitarian"?

Accepted Answer

North Korea is known for having a highly centralized, oppressive government that exercises complete control over all aspects of public and private life. The ruling communist party, led by the Kim family, imposes strict censorship and severe punishment on those who dissent or criticize the regime, including forced labor camps and execution. This highly repressive system is often characterized as totalitarian.

Question 5

Which nations in the world today claim to be democratic?

Accepted Answer

Most high-income nations claim to be democratic, although there may be variations in the quality of democracy within each country. Low-income nations are less likely to claim to be democratic, although there may be exceptions. Mid-income nations are a mix, with some claiming to be democratic and others not.

Question 6

Pre-industrial societies, explained Max Weber, are characterized by having

Accepted Answer

Max Weber argued that pre-industrial societies relied mostly on traditional authority, based on customs and traditions that were deeply rooted in society. This type of authority was not based on personal qualities or legal provisions, but rather on the ancestral norms and habits of the community. In these societies, power was often concentrated in the hands of a few, such as clan leaders, tribal chiefs, or religious figures, who were seen as the legitimate representatives of their families or groups.

Question 7

Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Quebec entered Canadian Confederation in

Accepted Answer

Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Quebec all joined Canadian Confederation in 1867. 1776 is the year of the American Declaration of Independence, 1899 is the year of the South African War, and 1903 has no significance in relation to Canadian Confederation.

Question 8

The sociologist closely associated with the power-elite model is C. Wright Mills.

Accepted Answer

C. Wright Mills is closely associated with the power-elite model, as he argued that power is concentrated among a small group of wealthy and influential individuals who shape society and control its institutions.

Question 9

Young people in Canada, who are eligible to vote, do not often exercise this right. Why do you suppose this is? What can we do to increase voter participation among the young (i.e., 18- to 25-year-olds) at every level of government? Develop a clear strategy for all levels of government and explain why you think your strategies are the most appropriate actions to take.

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Question 10

While candidates running for U.S. president often demonstrate their religiosity, candidates running for Canadian prime minister are more likely to emphasize

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Question 11

If he were the U.S. president at the time, how might Barack Obama's first actions after 9/11 been different than George Bush's? How might Canada's actions have been different, as a result?

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Question 12

Quick Quiz: Short Answer Question
-Identify four factors that encourage political revolution.

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-Identify four factors...

Question 13

Quick Quiz:
-Traditional authority gains importance as a society becomes industrialized.

Accepted Answer

Traditional authority tends to lose importance as a society becomes more industrialized and modernized. Rational-legal authority becomes more common in such societies.

Question 14

Socialist societies base their claim to democracy on

Accepted Answer

Socialist societies base their claim to democracy on meeting the basic needs of all, which includes things such as healthcare, education, and housing. This is often called "equality of outcome" and contrasts with the capitalist idea of "equality of opportunity" which only ensures equal access to education and jobs. In socialist societies, the government is responsible for ensuring that everyone has access to basic necessities, which is seen as a fundamental aspect of democracy.

Quiz 17: Politics and Government