unit 3 influencing government. 1.influencing government through our political parties contact your...
TRANSCRIPT
Unit 3
Influencing Government
1. Influencing Government through our Political Parties
Contact your MP
Run for MP
Volunteer for a political party
Donate money to a political party
Liberal Party of Canada rally
Roles within a Political Party Leader
chosen by party members at a convention
Full time employees Media relations Speechwriting Fundraising
Volunteers help to publicize party, especially during elections
How are they funded? Political parties can
only accept donations from:
Corporations in Canada Individual citizens of
Canada Unions in Canada
Why?
Funding continued Since 2003, parties also receive funding based
on their popular vote
If the party has 2% of the national vote, or 5% of the vote in a riding, they receive
$1.75 per vote per year
2. Influencing Government through Interest & Pressure Groups
Pressure groups include organizations whose interests include:
1. Economic 2. Medical / health related 3. Environment4. Religion5. Civil right concerns6. …….
Interest Groups and Pressure Groups Collection of
individuals who pursue common political goals e.g. students, teachers, tenants, farmers etc
Pressure government to enact or modify legislation favourable to their group
How do they pressure?1. Publicity campaigns (MADD)
2. Appear before Parliamentary Committees
3. Give funds to political parties
4. Organize demonstrations and rallies Joining is a good way to take
effective personal action
3. Influencing Government through a Lobby Group
When pressure groups become highly organized they are sometimes called lobby groups
A lobbyist is a person who is associated with a pressure group who attempts to influence decision makers through direct persuasion, discussion, or persistent attention
Successes: move airports and industries, establish parks and wildlife reserves, control pollution etc.
Lobby GroupsGrass-Roots Lobbying When an organization
gets many ordinary citizens to write or phone politicians on a specific issue.
Big Business Lobbying Very sophisticated
Many corporations hire full time lobbyists or consultants
They try to influence government decisions or gain contracts
Former cabinet ministers are barred from lobbying for 2 years after they have left government
They must all register with Canada’s Lobbyists Registration
Anti-tobacco lobby group work
4. Influencing Government through Protest
Protest
Hmmm.....How can you let your disapproval of government policies or practices be known??
some activists who are concerned with social justice believe that it is sometimes necessary to use more forceful action to achieve their goals.
Protest group when a group of activists come together at an event they have organized to
promote a cause ie) rallies, parades, marches, sit ins, public demonstrations and road blockades
ProtestsOther ways to get yourself heard
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