Mock exam POLS 2300
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School
University of Guelph *
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Course
2300
Subject
Political Science
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
Pages
8
Uploaded by SargentFang5161
Mock exam POLS 2300
SECTION I – SENTENCE COMPLETION Format: 15 questions, each
worth 1 mark. Use the word bank provided on the last page. Example
Questions:
•The Indian Act of 1876 and the Residential Schools, operational from
1884 to 1996, were key elements in Canada's era of
Assimilation
.
•The concept of
Patronage/
Bureaucracy
in Canadian Public Service
highlights the balance between political advice and non-partisan service
delivery.
•The
Bureaucracy/
Bicameral
structure of Parliament in Canada includes
the Senate as the upper house and the House of Commons as the lower
house.
Canada's parliamentary system is bicameral, meaning it has two chambers:
the Senate and the House of Commons
•The shift from French Canadian nationalism to
Multinational
occurred
during the 1960s, significantly impacting Canada's political landscape.
•Fiscal
Federalism
in Canada involves the redistribution of revenue
between federal and provincial governments.
•The debate around Section 33 of the
Charter of Rights and Freedoms
,
known as the notwithstanding clause, has a significant impact on the
Canadian political system.
•The
Brokerage
theory in Canadian politics addresses how major parties
adopt a centrist approach to appeal to a broad electorate.
•
Settler colonialism
refers to the non-withdrawal of colonizers and the
establishment of sovereign claims in Canadian history.
•The role of elections in
representative???
democracy is fundamental for
the representation of citizen preferences.
•In Canadian law, the distinction between
Common law???
and Civil Law
is crucial for understanding the legal framework
. •The
Charter of Rights and Freedoms/
Confederation
Act of 1867
established Canadian federalism, a key component of Canada's
Constitution.
•The principle of
Judicial review
ensures the impartiality and independence
of the judiciary in the Canadian legal system.
•The concept of
Regionalism/
Multinationalism
in Canada emphasizes the
coexistence of multiple nations within the state, including conquered
indigenous nations.
•The
Western alienation
movement in Western Canada reflects political and
economic estrangement within the region.
•
Federalism
in Canadian politics involves the division of powers between
federal and provincial governments.
Word Bank:
-
Assimilation
-
Bicameral
-
Bilingualism
-
Brokerage theory
-
Bureaucracy
-
Charter of Rights and Freedoms
-
Coalition governments
-
Confederation
-
Federalism
-
Judicial review
-
Multinational
-
Nationalism
-
Parliament
-
Parti Quebecois
-
Patronage
-
Public service
-
Regionalism
-
Settler colonialism
-
Sovereignty
-
Supreme court of Canada
-
Treaties
-
Western alienation
-
Westminster
-
Rule of law
Group 1:
•Discuss the evolution of Quebec nationalism from the Quiet Revolution to
the present day. How has this movement shaped Canadian politics and
identity?
•Analyze the impact of the Indian Act and Residential Schools on the
relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian state. What are
the ongoing implications of these policies?
Group 2:
•Evaluate the role and function of the Canadian Senate. What are the main
arguments for and against Senate reform, and what would be the
implications of such reforms?
•Examine the concept of federalism in Canada. How does the division of
powers between federal and provincial governments affect Canadian
politics and policy-making?
Group 3:
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•Assess the impact of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms on Canadian
society and politics. Discuss its role in shaping Canadian judicial activism
and legislative processes.
•Describe the characteristics and functions of political parties in Canada.
How do these parties influence the Canadian political landscape and voter
behavior?
Group 4:
•Explore the concept of Western Alienation in Canadian politics. What are
its historical roots, and how does it manifest in contemporary political and
economic issues?
•Discuss the significance of the rule of law and judicial independence in the
Canadian legal system. How do these principles contribute to the
functioning of democracy in Canada?
Group 5:
•Analyze the role and challenges of public service in Canada. How does
the relationship between the political executive and bureaucracy impact
governance and policy implementation?
•Examine the various types of electoral systems used in Canada, both at
the federal and provincial levels. Discuss their advantages and
disadvantages in the context of Canadian democracy.
Discuss the evolution of Quebec nationalism from the Quiet Revolution to
the present day. How has this movement shaped Canadian politics and
identity?
The evolution of Quebec nationalism can be traced from the Quiet
Revolution in the 1960s, marked by a surge in secularism and demands for
increased autonomy, to contemporary times. The movement has
significantly shaped Canadian politics by contributing to constitutional
debates, notably the failure of the Meech Lake and Charlottetown Accords.
The emphasis on Quebec's distinct identity has influenced federalism,
leading to measures recognizing Quebec as a "distinct society" in the
Constitution. This movement has contributed to debates around
multiculturalism, bilingualism, and national unity, impacting Canada's
identity as a diverse and inclusive nation.
Analyze the impact of the Indian Act and Residential Schools on the
relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian state. What are
the ongoing implications of these policies?
The Indian Act and Residential Schools have had profound and lasting
effects on the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian
state. The Indian Act, with its assimilationist policies, marginalized
Indigenous cultures and communities. Residential Schools further
exacerbated this by forcibly removing Indigenous children, causing cultural
trauma. The ongoing implications include intergenerational trauma,
socio-economic disparities, and challenges in preserving cultural identity.
Reconciliation efforts, such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission,
aim to address these issues, but disparities persist. Indigenous rights and
self-determination continue to be central to discussions on reshaping the
relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian state.
Group 2:
Evaluate the role and function of the Canadian Senate. What are the main
arguments for and against Senate reform, and what would be the
implications of such reforms?
The Canadian Senate, as the appointed upper house, plays a revising and
scrutinizing role in legislation. Arguments for reform often center on issues
of legitimacy, as Senators are not elected. Proponents of reform advocate
for a more democratic and accountable Senate. However, concerns exist
regarding potential regional imbalances and challenges in achieving a
consensus on reform. Implications of reform could include increased
representativeness, improved regional balance, and a more effective
revising chamber. However, finding a consensus on the nature and extent
of reforms remains a challenge.
Examine the concept of federalism in Canada. How does the division of
powers between federal and provincial governments affect Canadian
politics and policy-making?
Federalism in Canada involves the distribution of powers between the
federal and provincial governments. This division affects Canadian politics
and policy-making by allowing each level of government to address issues
within its jurisdiction. It provides flexibility but also leads to
intergovernmental tensions. The division of powers impacts policy areas
like healthcare, education, and natural resources, with provinces having
significant autonomy. This dynamic federal structure reflects the country's
regional diversity, but ongoing debates persist over the appropriate balance
between federal and provincial authority.
Group 3:
Assess the impact of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms on Canadian
society and politics. Discuss its role in shaping Canadian judicial activism
and legislative processes.
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms, enshrined in the Constitution in 1982,
has had a profound impact on Canadian society and politics. It guarantees
fundamental rights and freedoms, shaping judicial decisions through a
framework of constitutional interpretation. Judicial activism has increased
as courts interpret and uphold Charter rights, influencing legislative
processes. The Charter has been central in addressing issues such as
marriage equality, reproductive rights, and freedom of expression, playing a
crucial role in defining the balance between individual rights and the
collective good.
Describe the characteristics and functions of political parties in Canada.
How do these parties influence the Canadian political landscape and voter
behavior?
Political parties in Canada play a crucial role in the political landscape.
They organize political competition, articulate policy platforms, and form
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governments. The major parties, including the Liberals, Conservatives, and
New Democrats, influence voter behavior by presenting distinct policy
positions. First Past the Post electoral system encourages a two-party
system at the federal level. Regional parties also play a role, reflecting
diverse interests. The party system affects governance, policy formulation,
and political culture, contributing to the dynamic nature of Canadian
politics.
Group 4:
Explore the concept of Western Alienation in Canadian politics. What are its
historical roots, and how does it manifest in contemporary political and
economic issues?
Western Alienation stems from historical grievances, including perceived
neglect and disputes over resource management. It manifests in
contemporary issues such as frustration with federal policies, especially in
the resource-rich Western provinces. Economic disparities, environmental
concerns, and feelings of political marginalization contribute to this
alienation. Movements like the Reform Party and sentiments supporting
provincial autonomy reflect these issues. Addressing Western Alienation
involves acknowledging historical grievances and fostering a more inclusive
and responsive federal approach.
Discuss the significance of the rule of law and judicial independence in the
Canadian legal system. How do these principles contribute to the
functioning of democracy in Canada?
The rule of law and judicial independence are foundational principles in the
Canadian legal system. The rule of law ensures equality before the law,
preventing arbitrary use of power. Judicial independence safeguards the
judiciary from political interference, allowing impartial and fair adjudication.
These principles contribute to the functioning of democracy by upholding
individual rights, ensuring checks and balances, and promoting the
accountability of government actions. The judiciary, through its
independence, acts as a safeguard against potential abuses of power,
reinforcing the democratic values enshrined in the Canadian Constitution.
Group 5:
Analyze the role and challenges of public service in Canada. How does the
relationship between the political executive and bureaucracy impact
governance and policy implementation?
The public service in Canada plays a crucial role in policy development,
implementation, and service delivery. Challenges include maintaining
neutrality, adapting to changing political priorities, and ensuring diversity.
The relationship between the political executive and bureaucracy impacts
governance as elected officials set priorities, and public servants provide
expertise and continuity. Striking a balance between responsiveness to
elected leaders and maintaining the non-partisan nature of the public
service is essential for effective governance and policy implementation.
Examine the various types of electoral systems used in Canada, both at the
federal and provincial levels. Discuss their advantages and disadvantages
in the context of Canadian democracy.
Canada employs a mix of electoral systems, including First Past the Post at
the federal level and various systems at the provincial level. The
advantages of FPTP include simplicity, but it can lead to distorted
representation. Proportional representation systems enhance fairness but
may result in political fragmentation. Mixed-member proportional
representation aims to combine these benefits. Evaluating these systems
involves considering representation, stability, and the ability to reflect
diverse voter preferences. Ongoing debates on electoral reform highlight
the complex relationship between electoral systems and the democratic
values they seek to uphold.