Understanding Suffrage and Electoral Systems

The video discusses the history and evolution of voting rights in Canada, highlighting key changes in suffrage over time. It addresses the issue of declining voter turnout and explores solutions like mandatory voting. Key electoral terms are explained, followed by a detailed comparison of the first-past-the-post and proportional representation systems, highlighting their advantages and drawbacks. The video concludes with a discussion on the challenges of finding the best electoral system.

What does the term 'suffrage' mean in the context of democracy?

• The right to suffer

• The right to vote

• The right to own property

• The right to free speech

When did women in Canada gain the right to vote?

• 1916

• 1917

• 1918

• 1920

What is one proposed solution to increase voter turnout in Canada?

• Extending voting hours

• Increasing the number of polling stations

• Mandatory voting

• Lowering the voting age

What is a 'constituency' in the context of elections?

• A political party

• A group of voters with similar interests

• A geographical area represented by an elected official

• A government office

Why are secret ballots important in elections?

• They allow voters to express their opinions without fear

• They prevent voter fraud

• They reduce election costs

• They ensure faster vote counting

What is the main feature of the first-past-the-post electoral system?

• The candidate with the majority of votes wins

• Votes are distributed proportionally among parties

• The candidate with the most votes wins, even without a majority

• All candidates must receive at least 50% of the votes

What is an 'artificial majority' in the context of Canadian elections?

• A majority based on public opinion polls

• A majority where all parties have equal seats

• A majority formed by coalition parties

• A majority where the winning party has less than 50% of the popular vote

How does proportional representation differ from first-past-the-post?

• It allocates seats based on the percentage of votes received

• It requires a majority vote for all candidates

• It allocates seats based on the number of ridings won

• It limits the number of political parties

What is a potential downside of proportional representation?

• It leads to more stable governments

• It reduces the number of political parties

• It can result in minority governments

• It eliminates fringe parties

Why might some Canadians be hesitant to adopt proportional representation?

• It is more expensive to implement

• It can lead to unstable governments

• It reduces voter turnout

• It favors larger political parties