Canadian Government and Constitution

1. The Constitution

• Definition: The supreme law of Canada, defining the country's government, rights, and freedoms.
• Key Components:
  • British North America Act (1867): Established Canada as a federation.
  • Constitution Act (1982): Introduced the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, granting Canadians key civil liberties.
  • Division of Powers:
    • Federal Government: Responsible for national matters (e.g., defense, trade).
    • Provincial Governments: Handle local matters (e.g., education, health).
• Importance: Provides the framework for governance and protects individual rights.

2. Parliamentary System

• Model: Based on the British parliamentary system.
• Key Features:
  • House of Commons: Elected representatives (MPs) propose and debate laws.
  • Senate: Reviews and amends legislation.
  • Responsible Government: The Prime Minister and Cabinet's need for the confidence of the House of Commons to govern.
• Significance: Ensures democratic governance and accountability.

3. House of Commons

• Role: The lower house of Parliament where laws are debated and passed.

4. The Senate

• Role: The upper house of Parliament that reviews legislation passed by the House of Commons.
• Appointment: Senators are appointed by the Prime Minister, representing regions to ensure balanced regional input.
• Controversies: Critics argue for Senate reform due to accountability concerns; proposals include making the Senate elected.

5. Monarchy

• System: Canada is a constitutional monarchy.
• Roles:
  • Monarch (King/Queen): Ceremonial head of state.
  • Governor General: Represents the monarch in Canada.
• Significance: The monarchy symbolizes Canada's history and traditions, with limited practical power.

6. Governor General

• Responsibilities:
  • Grants royal assent to laws (the final step before a bill becomes law).
  • Ceremonial duties, such as presiding over state functions.

7. Prime Minister

• Role: Head of government and leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Commons.
• Powers:
  • Appoints cabinet ministers.
  • Sets government policy direction.
  • Represents Canada internationally.
• Importance: Bridges Canada's connection to the monarchy, playing important symbolic roles.
• Accountability: Must maintain the confidence of the House of Commons.

8. Political Parties

• Major Parties:
  • Liberal Party: Traditionally centrist.
  • Conservative Party: Right-leaning, focused on fiscal responsibility.
  • New Democratic Party (NDP): Left-leaning, focusing on social programs.
  • Bloc Québécois: Advocates for Quebec's interests.
  • Green Party: Focuses on environmental issues.
• Role: Provide platforms and leadership to guide government actions.

9. Elections

• Levels: Federal, provincial, and municipal.
• Voting System: First-past-the-post (the candidate with the most votes wins).

10. Bureaucracy

• Definition: Public service implementing government policies.
• Structure: Civil servants in various departments (e.g., health, education).
• Key Functions: Administer programs, provide expert advice, deliver public services (e.g., processing passports).
• Importance: Ensures smooth functioning of government operations.

11. Judiciary

• Structure:
  • Supreme Court of Canada: Highest court, interpreting the Constitution.
  • Other courts handle criminal, civil, and administrative cases.
• Role: Upholds the rule of law and protects citizens' rights, maintaining independence from government influence.
• Significance: Acts as a check on the legislative and executive branches.

12. Local Governments

• Levels: Provincial, territorial, and municipal governments.
• Responsibilities: Provincial responsibilities, such as education, healthcare, and transportation. Municipal responsibilities, such as water management, waste management, and policing.

13. Vocabulary

• Key Terms:
  • Riding: A geographical area represented by an MP.
  • Royal Assent: Formal approval of a law by the Governor General.
  • Confidence Vote: A test of whether the government has the support of the House of Commons.
• Importance: This vocabulary helps understand political terminology.