Patterns of political participation (Canada)

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Running head: PATTERNS OF POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

Patterns of Political Participation in Canada

(Essay Topic #6)

Agnes Tieh

Political Science 278

May 19, 2004

In representative democracies, the people select representatives govern. The domination by white, male professionals in the legislatures of Great Britain, Canada, and the United States clearly show that it is not a true representation of the population. This paper will discuss patterns of political participation and why it occurs, using Canada as an example.

There are many forms of political participation available to citizens; the form of political participation that will be discussed is a high level of input such as being a representative in the legislature. Virtually any elector can become a candidate (except persons convicted of certain crimes, mental patients and those holding certain public offices or appointments). What is necessary is to file nomination papers, including signatures of 100 other electors, and deposit $1000 with a Returning Officer (Jackson & Jackson, 2002). "Opportunities to hold elected office is severely limited, however, by the small number of available positions, by the time and money required for successful campaigns, and by the practical necessity of