Exam 18: Politics and Social Movements

In February 2012, students in Quebec started a series of protests in response to the then Liberal government's plan to raise tuition fees by $325 a year for five years, which would have brought tuition to $3,800 a year when fully implemented by fall 2016. The Liberals under Premier Jean Charest called an election for September and subsequently lost-in no small part due to the student protests-and the incoming Parti Quebecois government promptly cancelled the tuition hikes. Why has there been so little echo of the Quebec protests among students in the rest of Canada, given that university tuition is higher in every province? Would you participate in a movement to decrease postsecondary tuition fees? Why or why not? Discuss and make connections to information and theories found in this chapter.

Anneliese worked hard to protest the plans for a new shopping mall about to be built on parkland. She convinced a thousand people to demonstrate against the proposal and ultimately the mall was built in another location, not on parkland. What had Anneliese successfully created?

The power of the state is considered ultimate because it stands above all others.

A business entrepreneur wants to open a pharmacy, but finds himself bogged down in a quagmire of bureaucracy, rules, and regulations required to set up his business. Select the term that best describes whose responsibility it is to regulate such activities.

Which of the following groups of individuals would be LEAST likely to participate in a new social movement?

Salim has a television show on local cable that tells people about injustices in their neighbourhoods. What aspect of society would this media outlet for injustice be part of?

A respected economist claims that the U.S. financial bailout of 2008 was endorsed by Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, a former CEO of Goldman Sachs, and that he acted only in the interests of big business. Which theoretical perspective would support this assessment?

While the Save Darfur Coalition found on Facebook has over a million members, there has been little success in fundraising for the cause.

Which of the following is part of civil society?

What is the term for collective attempts to change all or part of the social order?

Petar was discussing the American "Declare Yourself" television commercials and campaign with a few of his friends. He explained that the goal was to encourage the participation of people in the electoral process. When asked why this was necessary, what would he respond?

Which of the following is a belief of elite theorists?

Which of the following conclusions was drawn by Clement and Olsen, students of John Porter who were continuing his work?

Which of the following would reflect a structuralist Marxist's view of the interplay between society and capitalism?

In what year did Canadian women win the right to vote in federal elections?

According to the text, what happens in a society where power is widely distributed?

What is a social movement?

What is the difference between the state and civil society? Give at least three examples of each.

Canada's socialist party (the NDP) has never formed the federal government or even had a representative in the federal cabinet.

Describe the basic tenets of resource-mobilization theory. Is it applicable to Canada? Why?