Two Cheers for Minority Government: The Evolution of Canadian Parliamentary Democracy

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Peter Russell

Two Cheers for Minority Government

The Evolution of Canadian Parliamentary Democracy

Peter Russell

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English

University of Toronto Press
22 March 2024

Elections & referenda; Political parties; Political campaigning & advertising

Two Cheers for Minority Government presents a concise, accessible analysis of the prevalence of minority governments in Canada. Using the Canadian case to reflect on the processes and procedures of the parliamentary system, Peter H. Russell explores the tendency for people in parliamentary government to prefer elections which result in one party getting a margin of seats.

Russell aims to explain why a minority government is not only a likely outcome of parliamentary elections in Canada but is also, for most, the best possible outcome. He argues that the best result of parliamentary actions is for no party to end up with a majority of seats in the lower house. This makes for government that is more accountable to the people.

The new edition reveals how the increasing frequency of parliamentary elections that do not result in majority governments is a positive development for democracy. Ultimately, Two Cheers for Minority Government aims to help both citizens and politicians understand and make the most of the opportunities presented by minority governments.

By: Peter Russell
Imprint: University of Toronto Press
Country of Publication: Canada
Edition: 2nd Revised edition
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 25mm
Weight: 1g
ISBN: 9781487547011
ISBN 10: 1487547013
Pages: 192
Publication Date: 22 March 2024
Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , Primary , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Acknowledgments to the Second Edition 1. Introduction 2. Alternatives 3. Canada’s Fifteen Federal Minority Governments 4. Minority Governments and Hung Parliaments in the Provinces and Territories 5. Minority Governments Aplenty – Elsewhere 6. Prime Ministerial versus Parliamentary Government 7. Stabilizing Minority Government 8. Sustaining and Advancing Parliamentary Democracy Notes Index About the Author

Peter H. Russell is a professor emeritus of political science at the University of Toronto.

Reviews for Two Cheers for Minority Government: The Evolution of Canadian Parliamentary Democracy

"""This is a lively, up-to-date, and always provocative second edition. Russell illustrates the democratic virtues of minority government and raises legitimate concerns about the ever-increasing power of prime ministers. The result is a work that substantially enriches our grasp of Canada's parliamentary democracy. All Canadians - particularly our elected officials - will benefit from listening to Peter Russell."" - Ryan K. Balot, Professor of Political Science and Classics, University of Toronto ""This book should be read by everyone, including every Canadian voter, who wishes to understand our parliamentary democracy. It is not only a lucid and profound myth-buster that takes on wide-spread misconceptions about majority governments, but is also a fair-minded and appreciative account of how minority governments - Maxwell A. Cameron, Professor, Department of Political Science and School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, University of British Columbia"