Canadian Parliament Structure Quiz

Canadian Parliament Structure

• Rule of Law: No one is above the law, including the Prime Minister.
• Constitutional Monarchy: Canada's head of state is the Queen of England, represented by the Governor General. The head of state is not more powerful than the constitution.
• Governor General: Acts on the Prime Minister's advice, but can advise, encourage, and warn. Has emergency powers. Swears in the Prime Minister, Chief Justice, and cabinet ministers. Summons, prorogues, and dissolves Parliament. Delivers the Speech from the Throne, and gives Royal Assent to acts of Parliament. Signs official documents and regularly meets with the Prime Minister. Represents Canada abroad, receives dignitaries, and presents awards. Commander-in-chief of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Executive Branch

• Composed of the Queen, Governor General, Prime Minister, and Cabinet.
• The Prime Minister appoints Cabinet members, and members can be replaced. Usually Cabinet members are elected Members of Parliament.
• Cabinet manages government departments and is responsible for putting laws into place.
• The Prime Minister determines each minister's responsibilities.
• Cabinet resigns when the Prime Minister resigns.

Legislative Branch - House of Commons

• Members are elected by Canadian citizens.
• 338 seats, representing all Canadians.
• Confidence Principle: Government requires the confidence of a majority of MPs to govern.
• Laws, budgets, and policies require a majority vote to pass.
• Political parties have party whips to ensure party discipline.
• Majority Government: 50% + seats
• Minority Government: Less than 50% seats, usually forms coalitions.
• Vote of Non-Confidence: If a minority government loses the confidence of the majority, they resign, and an election is called.

Legislative Branch - The Senate

• Canada's second legislative house.
• Senators are appointed by the Prime Minister, not elected.
• Cannot introduce money bills.
• Purpose: Provides "sober second thought" on bills passed by the House of Commons to ensure they are in the best interest of Canadians.
• Accountability issue: Senators are not elected and therefore not as accountable to citizens as MPs.

Parliament Procedure

• Bill Process:
  • First Reading: Bill is read and printed, no debate.
  • Second Reading: Members debate the bill's idea and its impact on Canadians.
  • Committee Stage: Committee members study the bill, gather information, and suggest changes.
  • Report Stage: Committee presents the bill to the House, allowing everyone to debate and suggest changes.
  • Third Reading: Members debate and vote on the revised bill.
  • Senate: Bills follow a similar process in the Senate.
  • Royal Assent: Once passed in both Houses, the bill receives Royal Assent and becomes law.

Federalism

• Canada is a federal system, with different levels of government (federal, provincial, municipal).
• Federalism is needed given Canada's large geography.
• Division of Powers: Federal, provincial, and municipal governments have differing responsibilities.
• Federal Powers:*
• National Defence
• Foreign Affairs
• Employment Insurance
• Banking
• Federal Taxes
• Post Office
• Fisheries
• Shipping, Railways, Telephones, Pipelines
• Indigenous lands and rights
• Criminal Law
• Equalization Payments: Attempts to create similar health, education, and welfare standards in all provinces.
• Provincial Powers:*
• Direct Taxes
• Hospitals
• Prisons
• Education
• Marriage
• Property and civil rights
• Health care
• Shared Powers:* (with federal)
• Agriculture and Immigration.
• Municipal Powers:*
• Very local issues
• By-laws
• Local emergencies
• Animal control
• Road maintenance

Test your knowledge of the structure of the Canadian Parliament, including the roles of the Governor General, Prime Minister, and the principles of the rule of law and constitutional monarchy. This quiz covers key responsibilities and powers within Canada's political framework.