Canada's Federal Government System

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Questions and Answers

What defines an issue in the context of governance?

A subjective opinion without factual basis

An important problem or topic for debate with differing opinions (correct)

A minor concern that can be easily resolved

A widely accepted fact everyone agrees on

Which of the following accurately describes 'bias'?

An objective truth based on actual data

Favoritism or pre-existing assumptions towards one thing or against another (correct)

A measure of personal and group well-being

The action of governing a society

How is 'unbiased' defined?

Having a clear agenda to promote certain viewpoints

Having no pre-existing favoritism (correct)

A collective agreement reached by society

Personal opinions that shape perceptions of issues

What is meant by 'quality of life'?

A measure of personal and group well-being Signup and view all the answers

Which level of government is represented by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet?

Federal Government Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes governance?

The action of governing and making decisions for a group of people Signup and view all the answers

Which term is defined as a group of people who share a common geographic area and identity?

Society Signup and view all the answers

What role do MLAs and Premiers play in government?

They operate within the provincial government Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the head of both the executive and legislative branches in Canada?

The Governor General Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main functions of the executive branch in Canada?

Propose new legislation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes how members of the Senate in Canada are appointed?

Appointed by the Prime Minister Signup and view all the answers

Which group is primarily responsible for enforcing laws in Canada?

Judicial Branch Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of seats in the House of Commons in Canada?

338 Signup and view all the answers

What role do Senators play in the legislative process in Canada?

They protect minority interests Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest court in Canada called?

Supreme Court Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of government is responsible for determining government priorities and running daily government operations?

Executive Branch Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Auditor General?

To check on government operations Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if a new law violates the constitution?

It can be challenged in court Signup and view all the answers

Who can lobbyists represent?

Organizations hiring them Signup and view all the answers

What is one positive aspect of lobbying?

It ensures minority voices are heard Signup and view all the answers

What can happen to a political party if they fail to satisfy voters?

They can lose the next election Signup and view all the answers

What does accountability mean in the context of government?

Being answerable for actions Signup and view all the answers

What might influence an MP's actions according to lobbyists?

Lobbyists seeking support Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential negative effect of lobbying?

Creation of unfairness in access to policymakers Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of a majority government in Canada?

The party in power has a significant amount of power. Signup and view all the answers

Which electoral system does Canada currently use?

First-past-the-post system Signup and view all the answers

What describes a minority government in Canada?

The party must manage a coalition to govern. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a bill to become law in Canada?

Passage through the legislative branch. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major drawback of the first-past-the-post electoral system?

It can result in a significant mismatch between seats won and popular vote. Signup and view all the answers

Which electoral system is known for allowing voters to rank candidates?

Ranked ballot system Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary function of the Supreme Court in Canada?

Overturning laws deemed unconstitutional Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of a minority government being unable to pass bills?

It can cause the government to be toppled through a non-confidence vote. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the composition of Canada's Senate?

Senators must be at least 35 years old and own property Signup and view all the answers

Which country primarily uses a proportional representation system?

Germany Signup and view all the answers

What is a suggested reform for the Canadian Senate?

Implement term limits for Senators Signup and view all the answers

How often must Canadians participate in a federal election?

At least once every 5 years Signup and view all the answers

Which body forms the government in Canada after federal elections?

The House of Commons Signup and view all the answers

What is one negative aspect of the Senate mentioned in the content?

Appointments can be made with favoritism Signup and view all the answers

What ensures that all laws in Canada must fit within the framework created by the Constitution?

The Supreme Court can strike them down if unconstitutional Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason political parties present candidates in ridings?

To gain the most seats in the House of Commons Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Canada's government functions under a federal system with varying authority levels, leading to differing opinions on issues like climate change and healthcare. Facts are objective truths, while opinions are personal views. Bias indicates favoritism, while impartiality means the absence of it. A society is a group of individuals sharing a common identity in a specific area. Governance involves decision-making for groups, including the three branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial, across federal, provincial, and municipal levels.

Cabinet: Each cabinet member has a portfolio/specific area of responsibility.
The Executive branch carries out government functions, puts forward new legislation (bills).
Legislative Branch
- House of Commons (Members of Parliament)
- Senate
- Voting on and passing laws
Judicial Branch
- Courts and judges comprise this branch
- The Supreme Court is the highest level.
- The judicial branch interprets and enforces laws.

The British Monarchy

The British Monarchy is Canada's head of state, represented by the Governor General.
The Governor General presides over both executive and legislative branches.
Current sovereign is King Charles III.

Executive Branch specifics

Prime Minister Selection: Chosen as the leader of their political party. Elected as an MP in their riding; their party wins the most seats in the election.
Cabinet Selection: Elected as an MP in their riding. Appointed a portfolio/area of responsibility by the Prime Minister.
Executive Branch Duties
- Proposing new laws (bills)
- Meeting in Cabinet to determine government priorities
- Running the day-to-day operations of government departments.

Legislative Branch specifics

House of Commons Membership and Selection
- MPs have 338 seats
- Elected by Canadians in their riding, based on receiving the most votes.
Senate Membership and Selection
- Made up of 105 Senators.
- Appointed by the Prime Minister, with position lasting until age 75.
Legislative Branch Duties
- Vote on laws
- MPs represent people in their riding/seat (constituency)
- Support party priorities and agendas.
- Senators act as a safeguard for minority interests, representing specific regions of Canada (e.g., West, Ontario, Quebec, Maritimes).
- Senators provide a sober second thought to laws

Judicial Branch specifics

Judicial Branch Members
- Judges and other court personnel
- Supreme Court justices are appointed by the Prime Minister (highest court level)
Judicial Branch Duties
- Enforce laws
- Review (interpret) laws potentially challenged by those affected
- Overturn laws deemed unconstitutional

Canada's Constitution

Canada’s Constitution is the foundational legal framework of the country
It outlines the rules for governance.
It defines the responsibilities of each government branch and places limitations on governmental power.
Other laws must align with the Constitution or risk being deemed invalid by the Supreme Court.

Focus on the Senate

Senators must adhere to specific age and property ownership criteria.
Positive aspects of the Senate include providing balance against the House of Commons, representing regional interests and ensuring minorities have a voice.
Potential issues with the senate involve the rejection of bills, frequently made through favoritism in appointment processes.

Elections in Canada

Elections are held every 5 years.
Voting is one of the most important ways citizens participate in electing representatives for Canada’s House of Commons.
Each riding/seat is assigned the same number of Canadians, aiming for equal representation.
Candidates run for election under specific political parties.
The party with the most elected candidates forms the government.

Majority and Minority Governments

Majority Government: When one party receives over half of the seats in the House of Commons elections. They usually have the stable, and greater power to pass laws.
Minority Government: One party wins fewer than half the seats in the House of Commons. They need to work with other parties to pass laws.

Electoral Reform

Canada currently uses the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) system of elections.
FPTP advantages include simplicity, whereas disadvantages can exist due to a discrepancy between vote count and actual seats acquired. Other systems reviewed are proportional representation and ranked ballot systems.

Proportional Representation System

Used in countries like Germany, this system allocates seats in parliament based on the percentage of votes received by each party.

Ranked Ballot System

Used in Australia, this system allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. It mitigates "strategic voting" and facilitates the election of smaller parties. Also useful if no candidate wins more than 50% of the vote.

Passing Bills

Flowchart of how a bill turns into a law:
A Cabinet minister proposes a bill, then there is a vote in the House of Commons and a vote in the Senate. The Governor General approves the bill.
The Courts can intervene if the bill violates the Constitution and it might lead an appeal to the Supreme Court's judgment.

Accountability

Accountability means answerability to someone/something for your actions.
An example of an accountable officer in Canada's government is the Auditor General. The Auditor General checks on the government's operations and provides advice on government spending.

Who Are They Accountable To?

Members of Parliament (MPs) are accountable to voters, and their leadership within their party.
Cabinet Ministers are accountable in part to the Prime Minister.
Senators are accountable to no one (until age 75).

Media and Government

Media plays an important role in the relationship between the government and citizens.

Lobbyists and Interest Groups

Lobbyists are individuals hired by an organization to advocate for causes on behalf of an organization.
Interest groups are organizations that lobby the government to support their causes, potentially impacting policies to benefit their groups.
A notable pro to lobbying is expertise that is brought to the government's attention, and an example of a minority group interest brought forth.
Cons of lobbying can be more money given to lobbyists, which can create more access and unfairness towards governmental groups. Lobbyists seek to assist MPs to advance in elections.

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Description

Explore the complexities of Canada's federal government system and its implications on societal issues. This quiz covers key concepts like governance, critical thinking, and the quality of life in Canada. Test your understanding of what makes Canada a society.