Lesson 4: Political Parties

What is a political ideology?

• A political ideology is a set of shared ideas or beliefs
about how politics and government should function.
• Common ideologies include liberalism,
conservatism, and socialism. Others include
communism and fascism.
 What is a political party?
• A political party is a group of like-minded individuals
with a shared vision and similar political ideologies.
• Party members work together to achieve power
through an election, form government and create
meaningful political change.
• There are more than 20 registered political parties in
Ontario.
 Ontario Political Parties
Canadians’ Choice Party Pauper Party
Communist Party People First Republic Party
Family Coalition Party Progressive Conservative Party
Freedom Party Reform Party
Green Party Socialist Party
Libertarian Party The Only Party
Liberal Party The Peoples Political Party
New Democratic Party Vegan Environmental Party
Northern Ontario Heritage Party
Provincial Confederation of Regions Party
Party for Human Rights
Party for People with Special Needs
 What is the political spectrum?
• The political spectrum characterizes beliefs, values
and priorities, and provides a framework in which to
view and evaluate political parties and policies.
• A linear spectrum is represented as a horizontal line,
with parties on the left embracing change and
parties on the right favouring tradition.
 Political Spectrum Questions
• Should the minimum wage be increased or
decreased?
• Should the government spend more or less on our
armed forces?
• Should wealthier people pay more or less taxes?
 What is a party platform?
• A series of declared principles and policies on party
and regional issues concerning government and the
public.
• While all the political parties may agree that
education is a priority, they may have different ideas
about how to improve the system or which aspects
to focus on.
• Parties announce their platform through
announcements, advertising and events, and share
their ideas to attract support from voters.
 How does a party form government?
• The party that elects the most number of
representatives or wins the most seats usually forms
government.
• At the provincial level, the leader of the party that
forms government becomes the premier.
• After the 2018 Ontario election. The
Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, led
by Doug Ford, won a majority government with
76 of the 124 seats.
 Final Thoughts
• Why are political parties important?

• What advantages and disadvantages are there to

running for a party?

• Would you ever join a political party?