Question

QUESTION ONE: Consider the “fragment theory” of political culture. Would Canadian political culture be different had Confederation in 1867 been, say, the result of a revolution against Great Britain? Why or why not?

QUESTION TWO: Is Medicare a Canadian cultural value? Why or why not?

QUESTION THREE: Would the Canadian economy improve were there no provinces? Why or why not?

QUESTION FOUR: Should taxpayers worry about government budgetary deficits? Why or why not?

QUESTION FIVE: Imagine you are a finance minister tasked with eliminating the deficit. You can do so by cutting expenses by 15% overall. Your current cost overruns are in health, education, infrastructure (roads, buildings, etc.), and public safety. What will you cut? What are your priorities? What will be the consequences of your cuts? One more thing: you are facing an election in a few months.

QUESTION SIX: The National Film Board documentary series, The Champions, argues that Pierre Trudeau and Rene? Le?vesque had been in competition for most of their lives. Who do you think won? Explain.

Answer 1

1) Fragment theory was given by Louis Hartz. It suggests that many colonial societies ( e.g. U.S. and Canada) ohad riginated as fragments of the European society, which was large at that time.

If we consider America, its origin was an act of revolution against Great Britain. Hence, individual freedom and suspicion of government drives even today the political culture of USA. But Canada's origins were French settlers and they never rvolted against Great Britain. Hence, Canada turned out to be more Corporatist, Collectivist and Deferential.