Question 1

Describe the political spectrum.Distinguish between social issues and economic issues and explain what categories of the Canadian population tend to be liberal and conservative with regard to each type of issue.Where do the major political parties fall on the political spectrum?

Accepted Answer

The political spectrum refers to the range of political beliefs and ideologies, from left to right, that individuals and groups hold. On the left side of the spectrum, there are typically more progressive and liberal views, while on the right side, there are more conservative and traditional views.

Social issues refer to matters that affect society and individuals, such as healthcare, education, civil rights, and social welfare. Economic issues, on the other hand, pertain to matters related to the economy, such as taxation, government spending, trade, and business regulation.

In Canada, the population tends to be more liberal on social issues, with younger individuals, urban dwellers, and those with higher levels of education and income being more likely to hold liberal views. On the other hand, the population tends to be more conservative on economic issues, with older individuals, rural residents, and those with lower levels of education and income being more likely to hold conservative views.

The major political parties in Canada also fall on the political spectrum. The Liberal Party of Canada is considered to be center-left, with a focus on social progress and government intervention in the economy. The New Democratic Party (NDP) is further to the left, advocating for more extensive social programs and wealth redistribution. The Conservative Party of Canada is center-right, with a focus on fiscal responsibility and free-market principles. The Bloc Québécois is a Quebec-based party that advocates for Quebec's interests and is generally center-left on social issues and center-right on economic issues. Finally, the Green Party of Canada is left-leaning on both social and economic issues, with a strong focus on environmental sustainability.

Question 2

According to Max Weber,why does society need to transform power into authority? In what three ways does this transformation take place? What is the link between traditional authority and preindustrial production? How are rational-legal authority and industrial/postindustrial production linked?

Accepted Answer

Max Weber believed that society needs to transform power into authority in order to create a stable and legitimate system of governance. Power refers to the ability to influence or control others, while authority is the legitimate use of power. Without authority, society would be in a constant state of conflict and chaos.

Weber identified three ways in which power can be transformed into authority: traditional authority, charismatic authority, and rational-legal authority. Traditional authority is based on long-standing customs and traditions, often found in preindustrial societies. Charismatic authority is based on the personal qualities of a leader, such as their charisma or ability to inspire others. Rational-legal authority is based on a system of rules and laws, and is often found in industrial and postindustrial societies.

The link between traditional authority and preindustrial production lies in the fact that traditional authority often arises in societies with preindustrial modes of production, such as agriculture or craft-based economies. In these societies, authority is often based on the customs and traditions that have developed over time, and is passed down through generations.

On the other hand, rational-legal authority is linked to industrial and postindustrial production because it is based on a system of rules and laws that are necessary for complex, bureaucratic organizations to function effectively. In these societies, authority is derived from the legal framework that governs economic and political activities, and is often associated with formal institutions such as government and corporations.

In summary, Max Weber believed that society needs to transform power into authority in order to create a stable and legitimate system of governance. This transformation takes place through traditional, charismatic, and rational-legal authority, each of which is linked to different modes of production and societal development.

Question 3

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?

Accepted Answer

If Barack Obama were the U.S. President at the time of 9/11, his first actions might have been different than George Bush's. Obama was known for his more diplomatic and multilateral approach to foreign policy, so it is possible that he would have focused on building international coalitions and seeking diplomatic solutions rather than immediately launching military actions. He may have also placed a greater emphasis on addressing the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty and political instability in the Middle East.

As a result, Canada's actions may have also been different. Canada has historically aligned itself closely with the United States on matters of national security, but under Obama's leadership, there may have been more emphasis on diplomatic and humanitarian efforts rather than military intervention. Canada may have also played a larger role in international coalitions and peacekeeping efforts in the aftermath of 9/11. Overall, the approach to addressing the aftermath of 9/11 may have been more focused on diplomacy and international cooperation under Obama's leadership.

Question 4

What is the "democracy gap"? How does this concept relate to events in the Middle East in the 21^st 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 5

Summarize the major arguments of the three theoretical models of political power.What do the three models have in common? What are their major differences? To what extent does each assess Canadian society as democratic? Why?

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Question 6

What have sociologists learned about the causes and character of war? That is,why do nations go to war? What strategies seem able to prevent war? Finally,how is terrorism a new form of twenty-first century warfare?

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Question 7

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,etc. ,and for Canada as a whole.

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Question 8

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.

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 17: E: Politics and Government