Conventions of Responsible Government in Canada

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Questions and Answers

During the period of Emergency Federalism, which entity took on a more prominent role due to economic circumstances?

  • Municipal governments
  • Federal government (correct)
  • Indigenous governments
  • Provincial governments

Which phase of federalism is characterized by increased provincial autonomy and reduced federal involvement?

  • Collaborative and Open Federalism (correct)
  • Emergency Federalism
  • Cooperative Federalism
  • Regional Federalsim

What is the primary objective of equalization payments in the Canadian federal system?

  • To balance economic disparities between provinces (correct)
  • To provide funding for specific provincial programs
  • To encourage inter-provincial cooperation on economic development
  • To incentivize provinces to adopt federal policies

Which of the following best describes the current relationship between the federal and provincial governments?

<p>Collaborative and open federalism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a distinguishing characteristic of territorial governments in Canada?

<p>Sovereign power over their jurisdiction (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms aim to protect individual rights?

<p>By preventing democratic majorities from infringing on individual rights through legislation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best reflects the concept of asymmetrical self-government for Indigenous communities?

<p>Indigenous communities having different levels of self-government based on their specific needs and circumstances (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Multani v. Commission scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys case illustrate about the application of the Charter?

<p>The Charter can be applied to situations involving public schools and their policies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a minority government from a majority government?

<p>Minority governments are formed when a single party holds less than half of the seats in the House, requiring them to negotiate with other parties to secure their confidence. (B), Minority governments are more susceptible to political instability and rely on the support of other parties to pass legislation. (C), Minority governments can be more responsive to diverse interests and perspectives due to the need for compromise and consensus. (D), All of the above (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the principal function of the Crown in the Canadian system of government?

<p>To appoint and dismiss the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. (B), To act as a symbolic head of state, representing the country in ceremonial and diplomatic roles. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key concept of 'collective responsibility' in Canada's parliamentary system?

<p>All cabinet ministers are held accountable for the decisions and actions of the entire government, regardless of individual involvement. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the role of Parliament in Canada's political system?

<p>Parliament exists primarily to provide oversight and accountability for the government, ensuring its actions are in line with the will of the people. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was a federal system of government chosen for Canada?

<p>To accommodate the diverse interests and cultural identities of the various colonies that came together to form Canada. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the shift towards 'prime ministerial government' in Canada?

<p>The increasing power and influence of the Prime Minister's office due to its capacity to control the flow of information and resources. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most accurate characterization of the era of 'classical federalism' in Canada?

<p>A period marked by a clear separation of powers between the federal and provincial governments, with each level having distinct and equal authority. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the core underlying principle behind the concept of responsible government in Canada?

<p>The government must be accountable to the elected representatives of the people in the House of Commons. (D), All of the above (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one way in which the judiciary in Canada is considered an independent structure from the government?

<p>Judges are appointed by the judiciary itself. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the case of Canada (attorney general) v. Bedford demonstrate the concept of dual policy-making in Canada?

<p>The case demonstrated that the judiciary can strike down existing laws that are deemed unconstitutional. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key principle of liberal political culture?

<p>Promotion of economic equality. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between the Bloc Québécois (BQ) and other political parties in Canada?

<p>The BQ is a regionalist party, advocating primarily for the interests of Quebec. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of how the concept of regionalism plays a role in Canadian politics?

<p>The existence of a distinct legal system in Quebec that prioritizes civil law over common law. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Emergency Federalism

A period (1914-1960) where federal government power increased due to WWI, WWII, and the Great Depression.

Cooperative Federalism

A phase (1960-1995) characterized by collaboration between federal and provincial governments.

Collaborative and Open Federalism

The current phase (1995-present) allowing provinces more financial independence.

Federal Spending Power

The federal government's ability to allocate funds to provinces for involvement in their jurisdictions.

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Equalization Payments

Federal funds distributed to provinces with below-average tax revenue to ensure equitable resources.

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Territorial Government

Governments in territories with powers derived from the federal government, not sovereign.

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Municipal Government

Local governments governed by provincial authority, funded by property taxes and fees.

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Charter of Rights and Freedoms

A constitutional document from 1982 designed to protect citizens from majority rule abuses.

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Responsible Government

A system where the executive is accountable to the House of Commons.

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Crown's Role

The Crown acts on the advice of ministers, remaining primarily symbolic.

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Collective Responsibility

Ministers act together as a team under the Prime Minister's leadership.

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Confidence of the House

Cabinet must maintain the confidence of the House of Commons to govern.

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Minority Government Dynamics

Minority governments must collaborate with other parties to maintain responsible governance.

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Prime Ministerial Government

Power becomes concentrated in the office of the Prime Minister.

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Parliament's Role

Parliament enacts laws and holds the cabinet accountable to the public.

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Eras of Federalism

Different phases of federalism include quasi-federalism and classical federalism.

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Canada (AG) v. Bedford

A Supreme Court case where laws restricting sex work were struck down for endangering safety.

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Role of Judiciary

Judiciary acts as an impartial body, independent from government, ensuring equality under law.

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Liberal Political Culture

A political framework emphasizing equality, liberty, and protection of rights within democracy.

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NDP Political Evolution

The New Democratic Party began ideologically but is shifting towards mainstream politics.

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BQ as a Protest Party

Bloc Québécois advocates for Quebec's interests, viewing it as underrepresented.

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Study Notes

Conventions of Responsible Government

  • Canada adopted conventions from the UK
  • The executive is accountable to the House of Commons (HoC)
  • The Crown acts on the advice of ministers
  • Ministers must be Members of Parliament
  • Collective responsibility: ministers act together under the Prime Minister (PM)
  • The Crown appoints ministers with the confidence of the House
  • The PM resigns if the House loses confidence

Dynamics of Minority vs. Majority Governments

  • A cabinet with a parliamentary majority is likely to maintain confidence
  • Majority governments usually have responsible government with a single party having the majority of seats in the HoC
  • Minority governments must align their policies to gain confidence from other parties to form a responsible government

Collective Responsibility of Cabinet

  • Ministers act as a team directed by the PM
  • Cabinets are responsible for implementing public policy

Prime Ministerial Government

  • Power is concentrated in the hands of the PM
  • The Canadian regime is trending toward prime ministerial government
  • The PM's office has become more significant in Parliamentary government

Role of Parliament

  • Initially advised the Crown on legislation
  • Now determines cabinet legitimacy and ratifies legislation (often in a party-disciplined manner)
  • A modern Parliament is responsible for holding the cabinet accountable to the public

Why Canada is a Federation

  • Compromises were needed to unite diverse colonies
  • French minority opposed a dominant central government

Eras/Periods of Federalism

  • Federalism is a contract between levels of government
  • Quasi-federalism (1867-1896): initiatives primarily handled by Ottawa
  • Classical federalism (1896-1914): provincial governments gain power
  • Emergency federalism (1914-1960): increased federal power due to World Wars and Depression
  • Cooperative federalism (1960-1995): cooperation between federal and provincial governments
  • Collaborative and Open Federalism (1995-Present): higher provincial autonomy

Federal Spending Power

  • The federal government controls finances for the provinces
  • Equalization payments ensure provinces have similar levels of economic revenues

How Indigenous, Territorial, and Municipal Governments Fit Within Federalism

  • Territories have a Premier and cabinet responsible to an elected legislature
  • Similar to provinces, but with delegated powers from the federal government
  • Municipalities are controlled by the provincial legislature, with revenue through taxes, licenses, and fees.
  • Indigenous governments are regulated by the Indian Act and Nunavut with unique self-governance structures.

History of Charter

  • Protects rights from democratic majorities
  • Enshrined in the Canadian Constitution in 1982

Role of the Judiciary in Canadian Democracy

  • Impartial and unbiased, with recourse to higher courts to ensure neutrality
  • The court's authority to deliver decisions is independent from legislative and executive branches

Liberal Political Culture

  • Focus on equality, liberty, and democratic values
  • Protects the private sphere and minority rights

History of the Five Main Political Parties

  • NDP started as an ideological party
  • BQ was/is a party for Quebec's interests
  • Liberals are a historically significant party
  • Conservatives developed through various periods
  • Green Party exists as a political party

Public Opinion of Regionalism in Canada, Multiculturalism in Quebec

  • Canadian public opinion exhibits regional variations
  • Quebec displays significant multiculturalism

Roles of the Governor General (GG)

  • Reserve powers and influence
  • Reform options to enhance GG's role
  • Decentralization is proposed

History of Autonomism in Quebec

  • Focus on the role of the GG, function of the House of Commons, theories of representation, ministerial responsibilities, composition of the senate, power distribution, centralization vs decentralization, reasons for evolution in power, fiscal imbalances, executive federalism, rights in the Charter, balancing power, examples, reference cases, basis of regionalism, history of plural identities, political ideologies, types of parties, understanding prorogation, and the story of the 2008 crisis.

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