Canadian Government Structure

Canadian Parliament

• Rule of Law: No one, not even the Prime Minister, is above the law.
• Constitutional Monarchy: Canada's head of state is the Queen of England, but the Governor General represents her in Canada. The constitution is supreme.
• Governor General: Technically has power to govern Canada, but acts on the Prime Minister's advice.
  • Responsibilities: Ensures a PM and government (in case of emergency), swears in PM, judges, cabinet; summons, prorogues, and dissolves Parliament, delivers Speech from the Throne, gives Royal Assent, signs documents, represents Canada abroad, presents awards, commands armed forces, and visits personnel.

Executive Branch

• Members: Queen, Governor General, Prime Minister, Cabinet.
• Job: Implements laws, maintains the rule of law and Canadians' well-being.

Cabinet

• Members: Prime Minister and ministers chosen by PM.
• Tenure: Ministers can be replaced.
• Composition: Typically elected Members of Parliament (MPs).
• Responsibilities: Each minister has a specific department and responsibilities. This can change.
• Term: Entire cabinet resigns with the Prime Minister.

Legislative Branch (House of Commons)

• Membership: Elected by Canadian citizens.
• Seats: 338 seats representing all Canadians.
• Principle of Confidence: Majority rule. Government needs confidence of a majority of MPs to stay in power.
• Party Discipline: Parties require MPs to vote with party policies. Whips ensure this.
• Majority/Minority Governments: Majority governments have over 50% seats, minority governments have less than 50% and need support (coalition) for votes
• Vote of Non-Confidence: Minority government loses power if a vote of no confidence fails a crucial bill (usually the budget). This leads to resignation and a new election.

Legislative Branch (The Senate)

• Membership: Appointed by the Prime Minister.
• Role: Second legislative house, reviews bills passed by the House of Commons.
• Powers: Cannot introduce money bills (taxes or spending).
• Rationale: Provides "sober second thought" on bills. Senators not in political parties may have a better perspective on what's best for all Canadians
• Accountability: Not accountable to the same extent as elected MPs; this is a criticism.

How a Bill Becomes Law

• Stages: First Reading, Second Reading, Committee Stage, Report Stage, Third Reading, Senate approval, Royal Assent.
• First Reading: Bill is read and printed.
• Second Reading: Members debate the bill's idea.
• Committee Stage: Committee reviews the bill clause-by-clause.
• Report Stage: Amendments can be made.
• Third Reading: Final debate and vote.
• Senate: Similar process of review.
• Royal Assent: Bill becomes law after approval by both chambers.

Federalism

• Rationale: Needed due to Canada's large size to manage diverse needs.
• Levels of Government: Federal, Provincial, Municipal governments share responsibilities.

Division of Powers

• Federal Powers: National defense, foreign affairs, employment insurance, banking, federal taxes, post office, fisheries, shipping, railways, telephones, pipelines, Indigenous lands/rights, criminal law.
• Provincial Powers: Direct taxes, hospitals, prisons, education, marriage, property and civil rights, health care.
• Shared Powers: Agriculture, immigration.
• Equalization Payments: Federal government helps less wealthy provinces achieve Canadian standards through funds.
• Municipal Powers: Local issues (by-laws, emergencies, animal control, road maintenance)

This quiz covers the fundamental aspects of the Canadian Parliament and Executive Branch, including the roles of the Governor General, Prime Minister, and Cabinet. Test your knowledge on the constitutional principles and responsibilities that shape Canada’s governance.