Elections in BC
Introduction
Elections are contests of leadership, ideas, politics, and power. They provide citizens an opportunity to decide on their next government and the future direction of their country, province, or community. A political party is a group of like-minded individuals with a shared vision and political ideology. Political parties are made up of members of the general public and anyone above the required age (usually 14 years old) can become a member. During an election the candidates campaign in order to try and secure constituent support and win a seat in the legislative assembly. Let's watch this video to get a better idea of how it all works.
|
|
Activity
- In a group of 3, research a candidate that is running in this school's riding, Vancouver Quilchena.
- The candidates in this riding are:
- Michael Barkusky - BC Green Party
- Heather McQuillan - BC NDP
- Andrew Wilkinson - BC Liberal Party
- The candidates in this riding are:
- Using candidate and party websites, online resources and campaign literature, conduct research into the following:
- Who is the local candidate and what party are they affiliated with?
- What does the political party stand for? Who is the current leader of the party?
- What are the party's logos, slogans, posters and advertisements What are the key messages?
- What are the party's or candidate's main priorities or policy ideas (platform)? What is their vision for BC?
- Prepare a short presentation about your candidate and their platform to give to the rest of the class.
- While the other groups are presenting, take notes using Activity Sheet 6.2.
- BONUS ACTIVITY - View the leaders debate tonight and evaluate the leaders performance. Please use Activity Sheet 6.3 to do so.
Conclusion
Reflection for your election scrapbook. Choose at least one of the following prompts:
Reflection for your election scrapbook. Choose at least one of the following prompts:
- What advantages or disadvantages might there be for a person who runs as an independent or without an affiliation to a party?
- Should candidates be forced to follow the party's stance on some issues, or every issue?
- What are the strengths and limitations of each candidate in your electoral district? Who do you feel will most effectively serve the community?
- Which party or candidate's platform do you most agree with?
Extension
Review the following PowerPoint presentation. Review the following key terms and concepts and include them in your scrapbook:
Review the following PowerPoint presentation. Review the following key terms and concepts and include them in your scrapbook:
- electoral system
- candidate
- electoral district
- Single-Member Plurality/First Past the Post
- premier
- political party
- party leader