Parties, the media and other influences on the Canadian electoral system

Political Parties in Canada

Political Parties

• People who run for election in government are affiliated with groups of like minded people

• The public then supports the group that believes the way they do

What are political parties?

MAJORITY: when one party wins more than 50% of the seats in the House of Commons

MINORITY: when one party has more votes than any other party, but does not receive more than 50% of the seats in the House of Commons

What role do political parties play in Canadian government?

At the federal level, a party needs at least 155 seats to be majority

Majority = complete control

The agenda of the party in power is most important

Most stable form of government because elections only occur once every four years

Majority Governments

Minority = balance of power

One party that has more seats than all other parties, but the other parties combined have more power

Party in power must work with the other major parties so that all agendas are treated equally

If the other parties lose faith in the party in power, they can basically overthrow them

Minority Governments

Once a candidate is elected, their job is to work with other MPs from their party to reach the goals of the party

Often, each MP from a party is given one particular topic to advocate for

Role changes depending on whether or not their party is in power

Elected Officials

Candidates often resort to slandering or attacking their competition

Political campaigns often become personal with candidates attempting to sabotage each other

Smear Campaigns

Groups of people who work together for one central cause

Often lobby the government for support for their causes

Interest groups are aware that one party may help their cause more so than any other, and they will campaign on behalf of that party

Interest Groups

Often plays a large role in elections

The media has the power to sway people toward or away from a certain party

Is the media a positive or negative influence on Canadian elections?

The Media