- "The politics of Canada function within a framework of parliamentary democracy and a federal system of parliamentary government with strong democratic traditions."
This subfield examines the role of politics and law in Canadian society, including constitutional and governance systems.
Canadian Constitution: The system of laws and principles that govern the country's political structure and how it operates.
Federalism: The distribution of power between the federal government and the provinces/territories, and how they work together.
Civil Liberties and Human Rights: The legal rights granted to all Canadians and other key issues impacting civil society and individual well-being.
Immigration: Canada's policies on immigrants and refugees, along with the social, economic, and political implications of immigration to the country.
Canadian Political Parties: The major political parties in Canada and their respective platforms, histories, and influence.
Electoral System: The way Canadians vote and the election process, including the different types of electoral systems, voting patterns, and participation in politics.
Media and Politics: The relationship between the media and political leadership, including how political events and messaging are communicated to Canadians.
International Law: The role of Canada in maintaining international relationships, including their participation in international law and how it affects domestic policies.
Indigenous Rights: The relationships between Canada's Indigenous peoples and the broader Canadian society, including the legal, social, and political issues regarding Indigenous communities.
Public Policy: The government decisions that impact Canadians the most, including social, economic, and environmental policy making.
Canadian Politics: The study of the Canadian political system, including its history, institutions, and actors.
Comparative Politics: The study of different political systems and cultures around the world, with a focus on similarities and differences.
International Relations: The study of relationships between states, including diplomacy, foreign policy, and issues such as globalization, trade, and security.
Public Policy: The study of how government policies are formulated, implemented, and evaluated, including a focus on specific issue areas such as healthcare, education, and the environment.
Political Theory: The study of political thought and ideology, including political philosophy and the history of political ideas.
Constitutional Law: The study of the principles and practices that govern the creation, interpretation, and application of constitutions and other legal documents.
Criminal Law: The study of laws and procedures related to criminal offenses, including investigation, prosecution, and punishment.
International Law: The study of legal norms and principles that govern relations between states and other international actors, including treaties, human rights, and humanitarian law.
Indigenous Law: The study of legal traditions and practices of Indigenous peoples, including their relationship with Canadian law and legal systems.
Environmental Law: The study of laws and policies related to the protection and management of the natural environment, including laws related to pollution and sustainability.
- "Canada is a constitutional monarchy, in which the monarch is head of state."
- "In practice, the executive powers are directed by the Cabinet, a committee of ministers of the Crown responsible to the elected House of Commons of Canada and chosen and headed by the Prime Minister of Canada."
- "Canada is described as a 'full democracy', with a tradition of liberalism, and an egalitarian, moderate political ideology."
- "Extremism has never been prominent in Canadian politics."
- "Peace, order, and good government, alongside an Implied Bill of Rights, are founding principles of the Canadian government."
- "An emphasis on social justice has been a distinguishing element of Canada's political culture."
- "The country has a multi-party system."
- "The two dominant political parties in Canada have historically been the current Liberal Party of Canada and the Conservative Party of Canada."
- "Parties like the New Democratic Party, the Quebec nationalist Bloc Québécois, and the Green Party of Canada have grown in prominence, exerting their own influence to the political process."
- "Party discipline in Canada is stronger than in the United Kingdom."
- "More parliamentary votes are considered motions of confidence, which tends to diminish the role of non-Cabinet members of parliament (MPs)."
- "Such members, in the government caucus, and junior or lower-profile members of opposition caucuses, are known as backbenchers."
- "Backbenchers can, however, exert their influence by sitting in parliamentary committees, like the Public Accounts Committee or the National Defence Committee."
- "Many of its legislative practices derive from the unwritten conventions of and precedents set by the Westminster parliament of the United Kingdom."
- "Canada has placed emphasis on equality and inclusiveness for all its people."
- "Canada is described as a 'full democracy'."
- "The two dominant political parties in Canada have historically been the current Liberal Party of Canada and the Conservative Party of Canada."
- "Backbenchers can exert their influence by sitting in parliamentary committees, like the Public Accounts Committee or the National Defence Committee."
- "The traditional 'brokerage' model of Canadian politics leaves little room for ideology."