Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a branch of the Canadian government?
Which of the following is NOT a branch of the Canadian government?
The Prime Minister is the formal head of state in Canada.
The Prime Minister is the formal head of state in Canada.
False
What is the primary role of the Senate in Canada?
What is the primary role of the Senate in Canada?
To represent the interests of different areas and provide sober second thought on bills.
The __________ branch consists of courts of law and ensures rights are respected.
The __________ branch consists of courts of law and ensures rights are respected.
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Match the following government roles with their descriptions:
Match the following government roles with their descriptions:
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Which of the following is the correct sequence of the House of Commons bill process?
Which of the following is the correct sequence of the House of Commons bill process?
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Justices of the Supreme Court can serve until they are 70 years old.
Justices of the Supreme Court can serve until they are 70 years old.
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What is the minimum number of judges required to avoid a tie in the Supreme Court?
What is the minimum number of judges required to avoid a tie in the Supreme Court?
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What is one disadvantage of the First Past the Post (FPTP) electoral system?
What is one disadvantage of the First Past the Post (FPTP) electoral system?
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Every bill in Canada must be publicly lobbied by registered lobbyists to be considered valid.
Every bill in Canada must be publicly lobbied by registered lobbyists to be considered valid.
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What must lobbyists document according to the Federal Accountability Act?
What must lobbyists document according to the Federal Accountability Act?
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A __________ bill affects only the individuals or groups that proposed it.
A __________ bill affects only the individuals or groups that proposed it.
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Match the type of misinformation with its description:
Match the type of misinformation with its description:
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What is a key function of the legislative branch?
What is a key function of the legislative branch?
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Canada's political parties have no influence on the electoral system.
Canada's political parties have no influence on the electoral system.
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What does 'tactical voting' refer to in the context of election systems?
What does 'tactical voting' refer to in the context of election systems?
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Lobbying is the process through which individuals and groups articulate their interests to __________ to influence public policy.
Lobbying is the process through which individuals and groups articulate their interests to __________ to influence public policy.
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Match the branch of government to its function:
Match the branch of government to its function:
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Study Notes
Canadian Government Structure
- Canada's government is based on the British North America Act, establishing a federal and provincial system with three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.
- Confederation occurred in 1867.
Executive Branch
- The Prime Minister (PM) holds significant power, although the Queen is the formal head of state.
- The PM appoints cabinet ministers, who form the executive branch, proposing most laws.
- Ministerial portfolios and appointments are determined by the PM.
Legislative Branch
- Also known as Parliament, comprising the House of Commons, Senate, and the Governor General.
- House of Commons:
- Elected Members of Parliament (MPs) represent their constituencies.
- MPs vote and debate bills initiated by the cabinet.
- House proceedings are bilingual
- Representation is based on population.
- Senate:
- Senators are appointed by the PM.
- Represents the interests of various Canadian regions.
- The Senate can introduce bills but primarily debates and votes on those originating in the House of Commons.
- May offer a "second thought" on legislation.
- Has the power to reject bills from the House of Commons, but this is rare.
Prime Minister's Office
- Part of the executive branch, composed of the PM and staff.
- Shows bias (partisan) in policy decisions.
- The PM appoints senators, ministers, the Governor General, and judges.
Judicial Branch
- Consists of various courts (provincial, federal, tax, Supreme Court).
- The final authority on legal issues, ensuring respect for rights.
- Judges interpret and apply laws.
Supreme Court of Canada
- Established in 1875, replacing the Privy Council in London as Canada's highest court.
- Comprised of nine justices (three from Quebec, three from Ontario, two from Western provinces, one from Atlantic Canada)
- Justices can serve until 75 with 10 years of experience in other courts.
- The Governor General appoints justices with PM and Cabinet advice.
- Operates with a minimum of five judges to prevent ties.
Bill → Law Process
- House of Commons Bill Process:
- First reading: introduction of the bill, no debate or voting.
- Second reading: debate and vote on general principles.
- Committee stage: amendments and detailed review.
- Report stage: further review on amendments.
- Third reading: final debate and vote.
- Senate Bill Process (following House passage):
- Similar stages as House bill process.
Types of Bills
- Public bills: proposed by the cabinet, require government funding and affect public.
- Private member bills: proposed by MPs or senators focusing on specific groups .
- Private bills: driven by specific petitions, often affecting only those who requested the bill.
Electoral System
-
First-Past-the-Post (FPTP):
- Advantages: efficient, clear representation, stable government.
- Disadvantages: inaccurate representation, votes can be wasted.
- Proportional Representation (PR):
- Advantages: more accurately reflects voter preferences, helps smaller parties.
- Disadvantages: less stable governments, can be complex.
Lobbyists and Accountability
- Lobbyists: individuals who influence MPs and groups' opinions on bills and issues.
- Federal Accountability Act (2016): Lobbyists must document meetings and affiliations.
- Commissioner of Lobbying: responsible for overseeing lobbyists.
Media and Misinformation
- Parliamentary Press Gallery: The venue for reporters to cover Parliament.
- Media portrayals, bias, and partisan attacks on candidates are common during elections.
- Misinformation and disinformation can arise in various forms including fabricated, manipulated, imposter , and misleading content.
Key Terms
- Government: The people or group with power to govern.
- Governance: The systematic process of governing.
- Cabinet: Group of ministers appointed by the PM.
- Governor General: Represents the Queen in Canada, has special advisory roles.
- Political Party: Group sharing similar views on governance.
- Platform: A political party's agenda of policies.
- Bill: A proposed law.
- Lobbying: Expressing interests to influence policy.
- Media: Instruments for information dissemination.
- Journalists: Those who collect, report, and analyze information.
- Bias: Favoring an opinion based on assumptions.
- Mis/disinformation: False or misleading information.
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Description
Explore the essential elements of Canada's government structure established by the British North America Act. This quiz covers the three branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial. Understand the roles of the Prime Minister, Parliament, and the Senate in the Canadian political system.
