Parliamentary Government Overview

Electoral district = A territorially based constituency represented by an MP Opposition MPs = Members of Parliament who do not belong to the governing party Conventions = Unwritten rules of political behavior enforced by public opinion Responsible government = A system where the executive branch is accountable to the legislative branch

Social Democracy = Emphasizes the state's role in intervening in society and economy, regulating industrial sectors, redistributing wealth, and promoting public ownership. Welfare State Liberalism = Advocates for the government providing social welfare programs to citizens. Business Liberalism (Neoliberalism) = Prioritizes limited government intervention and individual autonomy in the economy. Neo-conservatism = Generally holds socially conservative views.

Prorogation = The postponement of Parliament without dissolving it, ending the legislative agenda for the year. Motion of Non-Confidence = A vote in Parliament that can lead to the fall of a government if it is defeated. Coalition Government = A formal agreement between two or more political parties to share power in government. Reserve Powers of the Governor General = The Governor General's constitutional authority to act independently of the government, such as dissolving Parliament or appointing a new Prime Minister.

<p>Quiet Revolution = A period of social and cultural transformation in Quebec that emphasized French identity and secularism. Night of the Long Knives = A meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and all provincial premiers except Quebec, resulting in an agreement to amend the Constitution without Quebec's consent. Meech Lake Accord = A constitutional agreement aimed at addressing Quebec's concerns, including recognizing Quebec as a distinct society and granting it a veto on amendments. Charlottetown Accord = A proposed constitutional amendment that built upon the Meech Lake Accord but failed to secure ratification from all provinces.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Federalism = A system of government where power is divided between a central government and regional governments. Brokerage Party = A political party that emphasizes appealing to a broad range of voters, often blurring ideological differences. Ideological Party = A political party that consistently adheres to a set of core beliefs and principles. Clarity Act = Legislation passed in response to the Quebec sovereignty referendum, outlining conditions for recognizing a province's right to separate from Canada.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Indian Act = Legislation aimed at regulating Indigenous societies in Canada, but which has been criticized for undermining their traditional way of life. Residential Schools = Government-funded boarding schools for Indigenous children, which forcibly assimilated them into European culture and resulted in widespread trauma. Treaty Rights = Legal rights granted to Indigenous peoples through treaties signed with the Canadian government. Self-Government = The right of Indigenous peoples to govern themselves within the Canadian federal system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>New Democratic Party (NDP) = Social democracy and welfare state liberalism. Liberal Party = Welfare state liberalism and business liberalism. Conservative Party = Business liberalism, some welfare state liberalism, and neo-conservatism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Federalists = Canadians who support the current federal system and favor Quebec's place within Canada. Nationalists = Canadians who believe Quebec should have more autonomy within Canada. Separatists = Canadians who believe Quebec should become an independent sovereign state.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Collective responsibility = A cabinet needs to have the support of the majority of members in the House of Commons Confidence = The obligation of cabinet members to defend all decisions made by the cabinet, regardless of personal opinion Reserve power = The power of the Governor General to act independently of the government, typically in times of crisis Confidence vote = A vote in the House of Commons that determines whether or not the government has the support to continue ruling</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Queen's Privy Council for Canada = A body that advises the Governor General on the exercise of his/her powers. Parliamentary secretaries = MPs appointed to assist cabinet ministers in their duties. Speech from the Throne = A speech delivered by the Governor General outlining the government's priorities for the upcoming year. Reserve power = The ability of the Governor General to act independently of the advice of the prime minister in certain circumstances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Party discipline = The expectation that members of a political party will vote in accordance with the party's position. Majority government = A situation where a single party controls more than half of the seats in the House of Commons. Minority government = A situation where no single party controls a majority of the seats in the House of Commons, requiring coalition or minority government. Caucus = A group of MPs from the same political party who meet to discuss party strategy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Executive/cabinet functions = Making decisions on how to spend tax dollars and exercising the executive authority of the Crown. Legislative (HOC) functions = Debating and passing laws, investigating and criticizing the government, representing constituents, and acting as an ombudsperson for citizens. Ombudsperson = A person or body that investigates complaints against public officials or organizations. Representation = The process of ensuring that the interests of different groups in society are reflected in government decision-making.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Collective responsibility = The principle that all cabinet members share responsibility for the decisions of the cabinet. Parliamentary secretary = An MP appointed to assist a cabinet minister in their duties. Cabinet = A committee of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada that exercises the executive authority of the Crown. Prime Minister = The leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Commons, who is responsible for forming the cabinet.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Majority government = A government formed by a party that controls more than half of the seats in the House of Commons. Minority government = A government formed by a party that controls less than half of the seats in the House of Commons, requiring the support of other parties to pass legislation. Confidence vote = A vote in the House of Commons that determines whether or not the government has the support to continue ruling. Caucus = A group of MPs from the same political party who meet to discuss party strategy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Party discipline = The expectation that members of a political party will vote in accordance with the party's position. Caucus = A group of MPs from the same political party who meet to discuss party strategy. Majority government = A government formed by a party that controls more than half of the seats in the House of Commons, allowing for more stable governance. Minority government = A government formed by a party that controls less than half of the seats in the House of Commons, requiring compromise and negotiation with other parties.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Representation = The process of ensuring that the interests of different groups in society are reflected in government decision-making. Majority government = A government formed by a party that controls more than half of the seats in the House of Commons, potentially leading to a lack of representation for minority viewpoints. Minority government = A government formed by a party that controls less than half of the seats in the House of Commons, typically requiring greater consideration of diverse perspectives. Caucus = A group of MPs from the same political party who meet to discuss party strategy, potentially limiting the representation of diverse ideas within the party.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Confidence = The support of a majority of members in the House of Commons that is necessary for a government to remain in power. Reserve power = The power of the Governor General to act independently of the government, typically in times of crisis. Queen's Privy Council for Canada = A body that advises the Governor General on the exercise of his/her powers. Speech from the Throne = A speech delivered by the Governor General outlining the government's priorities for the upcoming year.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cabinet = A committee of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada that exercises the executive authority of the Crown. Collective responsibility = The principle that all cabinet members share responsibility for the decisions of the cabinet. Parliamentary secretary = An MP appointed to assist a cabinet minister in their duties. Confidence = The support of a majority of members in the House of Commons that is necessary for a government to remain in power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Responsible government = A system where the executive branch of government is accountable to the legislature and ultimately to the people. Confidence = The support of a majority of members in the House of Commons that is necessary for a government to remain in power. Collective responsibility = The principle that all cabinet members share responsibility for the decisions of the cabinet. Governor General = The representative of the Canadian monarch in Canada, who appoints the prime minister and acts as a figurehead of the government.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Confidence = The support of a majority of members in the House of Commons that is necessary for a government to remain in power. Majority government = A government formed by a party that controls more than half of the seats in the House of Commons, allowing for stable governance. Minority government = A government formed by a party that controls less than half of the seats in the House of Commons, requiring compromise and negotiation with other parties. Caucus = A group of MPs from the same political party who meet to discuss party strategy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Legitimation = The process of debating and passing laws, giving them legal authority. Accountability = The process of investigating and criticizing the government, holding it accountable for its actions. Representation = The process of ensuring that the interests of different groups in society are reflected in government decision-making. Ombudsperson = A person or body that investigates complaints against public officials or organizations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Collective responsibility = The obligation of all cabinet members to defend all decisions made by the cabinet. Confidence = The support of a majority of members in the House of Commons that is necessary for a government to remain in power. Reserve power = The power of the Governor General to act independently of the government, typically in times of crisis. Party discipline = The expectation that members of a political party will vote in accordance with the party's position.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Executive branch = The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, led by the prime minister and the cabinet. Legislative branch = The branch of government responsible for making laws, consisting of the House of Commons and the Senate. Queen's Privy Council for Canada = A body that advises the Governor General on the exercise of his/her powers. Governor General = The representative of the Canadian monarch in Canada, who appoints the prime minister and acts as a figurehead of the government.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Individual ministerial responsibility = Minister must resign for policy mistakes or inability to defend a policy Prime ministerial control of government = The Prime Minister's power derives from constitutional conventions Bicameralism = Power shared between two separate chambers Federalism = Division of powers between central and regional governments</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Prime Minister's Office (PMO) = Group of political staff providing political advice Privy Council Office (PCO) = Ensures public service implements government policies Deputy Prime Minister = Serves as second-in-command to the Prime Minister Cabinet = Group of ministers who guide discussions and reach consensus</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Chamber of Sober Second Thought = Reviews legislative proposals from the House of Commons Senators = Must be property owners to hold office Senate's power = Restricted to recommending minor improvements to bills Senate appointments = Senators are appointed by the Prime Minister</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Section 91 = Establishes executive legislative jurisdiction of the federal government Section 92 = Defines the powers of the provincial governments Bicameral representation = House of Commons and Senate share legislative power Equal regional representation = Senate ensures concerns of less populated regions are heard</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Central Canada's preference = Favored a unitary system over a federal union Lower Canada and Maritime colonies = Wanted jurisdiction over their own governmental matters Perceived failures of the U.S. = Reluctance due to associations with war and slavery Cost concerns = Two levels of government would incur more expenses than one</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Right to advise Crown on Cabinet appointments = Influences composition of the most powerful body Control over party = Dependent on political circumstances and constitutional rules Confidence of the House of Commons = Prime Minister's position relies on support of elected officials Political advice from PMO = Staff provides guidance on political situations</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Dissolution of Parliament = Advises Governor General on calling new elections Cabinet committee system = Organizes the machinery of government Key appointments = Advises on Senate and judiciary appointments Leading spokesperson for the cabinet = Guides discussions and ensures consensus</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Contract between governments = Each level derives authority from the constitution Jurisdiction conflict = Common source of disputes in federal systems Unequal representation = House of Commons dominates due to more represented provinces Fear of majorities = Senate created to protect minority rights</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>House of Commons = Members are elected and represent population Senate = Members are appointed and represent regions Consensus building = A key role of the Prime Minister in cabinet meetings Political staff = Typically partisan activists in the PMO</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Dominance of the House of Commons = Controls the government and influences the Senate Senate's powers = Rarely exercised to oppose the House of Commons Legislative review = Senate typically makes recommendations rather than full amendments Property ownership requirement = Eligibility criteria for becoming a Senator</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Federal government = Governs areas of national importance Provincial government = Handles regional matters and local issues Bicameral system = Parliament consists of two chambers Responsible government = Accountability of ministers to the legislature</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Section 91 = Establishes federal powers including residual powers Section 92 = Outlines provincial powers and responsibilities Constitutionalism = Supremacy of the constitution over government actions Fiscal Federalism = Balancing government responsibilities with financial capabilities</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Quasi-federalism = 1867-1896 Classical federalism = 1896-1914 Emergency federalism = 1914-1960 Cooperative federalism = 1960-1995</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Direct taxation = Provinces Conditional grants = Federal government Federal spending power = Federal government Property and civil rights = Provinces</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Residual power = Power not reserved for provinces is federal Disallowance power = Federal government can block provincial legislation Reservation power = Lieutenant governors can withhold royal assent Concurrent jurisdiction = Shared powers over specific policy areas</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Centralization = Federal government holds primary authority Decentralization = Provinces have more autonomy Nation-based federalism = Focus on nationhood within governance Territorial federalism = Focus on geographic regions in governance</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Ottawa's financial power = Influence over health care funding Conditional grants = Funding tied to specific requirements Unconditional grants = Funding without tight conditions Regionalism in Canada = Political balance between centralization and decentralization</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Executive federalism = Management of cash transfers for policy objectives Charter = Established to protect individual rights Judicial power = Authority to resolve legal disputes Legislative power = Ability to create laws and set policies</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Health care financing = Leveraged by federal conditions Economic leadership = During wartime and significant crisis Provincial autonomy = Increased in the cooperative era Role of premiers = Key in delivering services through executive federalism</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Collaborative federalism = Marked by flexible relations post-1995 Emergency federalism = Focused on national leadership during crisis Classical federalism = Balanced powers between provinces and feds Cooperative federalism = Increased revenue capacity for provinces</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Disallow provincial law = Federal government intervention Withhold royal assent = Power of lieutenant governors Fund health care = Federal spending condition Negotiate fiscal arrangements = Federal and provincial cooperation</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cooperative = Intergovernmental collaboration Executive = Secretive negotiations among leaders Emergency = Decisive national response during crises Classical = More equal distribution of power</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Ottawa's fiscal power = Wields influence over provincial practices Residual power allocation = Federal controls unallocated areas Duration of quasi-federalism = 1867 to 1896 Health care funding conditions = Federal government stipulations for provinces</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Supremacy = Constitution prevails over government Political authority = Distributed among legislative, executive, and judicial branches Entrenchment = Protection of constitutional principles Amendment = Process for changing the Constitution</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Fundamental Freedoms = Thought, expression, peaceful assembly, association Democratic Rights = Right to vote and run for office Legal Rights = Right to life, liberty, and security of the person Equality Rights = Equal protection of the law without discrimination</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Judicial Independence = Judges protected from political interference Judicial Review = Power to interpret the Constitution Judicial Activism = Judges take an active role in policy Judicial Restraint = Judges limit their own power in decision-making</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Section 1 = Reasonable limits on rights and freedoms Section 33 = Override clause allowing governments to bypass Charter rights Section 8 = Protection against unreasonable search or seizure Section 2 = Guarantees fundamental freedoms</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parliamentary Supremacy = Parliament decides the interpretation of laws Constitutional Supremacy = Constitution is the highest law Judicial Activism = Judges may interpret laws in favor of rights Federalism = Division of powers between national and regional governments</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Royal Proclamation of 1763 = Recognized Indigenous people's interests in land Treaties between 1870s and 1920s = Official surrender of Indigenous land for benefits Canadian Constitution Act of 1982 = Established the Charter of Rights BNA Act of 1867 = Created the dominion of Canada</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Right to a lawyer = Legal Rights Freedom of peaceful assembly = Fundamental Freedoms Right to vote = Democratic Rights Equal protection under the law = Equality Rights</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Rational and non-arbitrary = Means must be justifiable Least impairment = Impair rights as little as possible Appropriate balance = Good outweighs rights impairments Pressing and substantial = Must respond to significant problems</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Expansive geography = Differences in political economy throughout Canada Population distribution = Regional identities shaped by demographics Economic disparities = Varying levels of wealth and prosperity Federalism = Structural relationship between national and regional governments</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Judicial Independence = Judges' protection from political interference Judicial Supremacy = Judicial authority over legislative actions Constitutional Review = Evaluating laws for constitutional compliance Judicial Review = Overseeing legality of government actions</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Notwithstanding Clause = Allows laws to override specific Charter rights Reasonable Limits Clause = Rights subject to justifiable limitations Override clause = Enables temporary suspension of rights Entrenched Rights = Rights protected by the Constitution itself</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Impartiality = Judges must remain neutral in cases Lifetime Tenure = Judges appointed for life Fixed Salaries = Judges' compensation not subject to interference Administrative Independence = Judicial bodies operate independently from government</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Section 33 = Allows governments to override Charter rights temporarily Section 1 = Identifies reasonable limits to rights Oakes Test = Evaluates if law restrictions are justified Charter Rights = Rights guaranteed by the Canadian Charter</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Treaties = Surrender of Indigenous land for settlements Royal Proclamation = Recognition of Indigenous land interests Land Claims = Legal acknowledgment of Indigenous land rights Self-Government Agreements = Rights for Indigenous governance over local matters</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Section 2 = Rights of thought, belief, opinion, and expression Section 7 = Right to life, liberty, and security Section 15 = Right to equality without discrimination Section 11 = Rights related to legal proceedings</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cultural distinctions = Political cultures differing by region Economic disparities = Wealth levels varying across provinces Identity politics = Political affiliations shaped by identity Geographical factors = Natural resources impacting local economies</p> Signup and view all the answers

Federal government has sole authority to legislate on criminal matters.

Authority of the federal government over areas not assigned to provinces.

Outlines provincial powers including local matters, hospitals, and charities.

Both federal and provincial governments can legislate in certain areas like immigration.

Federal government can block provincial legislation it disapproves of.

Lieutenant governors can hold provincial bills for federal review.

Federal government's ability to spend money with conditions, influencing provincial policies.

Funding from federal government that comes with stipulations for use by provinces.

Block funding that allows provinces freedom in spending while meeting national standards.

The shift from a strong federal union to a more distributed power structure among provinces.

Period when national government had more power than provinces.

Increased collaboration between federal and provincial levels to address service demands.

The approach to managing the financial relationship between federal and provincial governments.

Principle that the constitution governs society, limiting government power.

The authority to create laws and set public policies.

Canadian law meant to regulate Indigenous people and lands, undermining their identity and culture.

About 25% of Canada's population, rooted as a founding group.

Debate over cultural recognition and rights related to diverse populations in Canada.

Official recognition of diverse cultures, promoting heritage retention over assimilation.

Various ideologies promoting personal freedoms and government roles in society.

Political ideology emphasizing equality and state intervention in the economy.

Advocates for state-provided welfare programs to support citizens.

Political party that appeals widely to various groups, avoiding ideological extremes.

To temporarily suspend parliament, delaying legislative activities without dissolution.

A formal agreement between multiple political parties to share cabinet roles.

1960s movement in Quebec that focused on secularism and French identity awakening.

1982 incident where Trudeau negotiated changes without Quebec's support.

Legislation to determine if a referendum on Quebec's separation is clear before negotiations.

1987 proposal recognizing Quebec as a distinct society but failed to gain full support.

Attempt in 1992 to gain support for the constitution, addressing diverse issues including Indigenous self-government.

Ministers act as a team, sharing responsibility for all decisions.

Ministers must have the majority support of the House of Commons.

A government accountable to elected representatives, ensuring democracy.

The representative of the monarch in Canada, performing ceremonial and constitutional duties.

A government where a party controls over half the seats in the House of Commons.

A government formed by a party controlling less than half of the House seats.

Executive authority for major decisions, overseeing government operations.

Responsibilities of the House, including lawmaking and holding government accountable.

When government must resign or seek a new mandate after losing confidence.

Guidelines ensuring diversity in cabinet appointments.

Ensures party members support cabinet decisions for stability.

MPs advocate for the constituents' concerns to the government.

Power to make critical governmental decisions, like budget allocations.

Power exercised by the Governor General in exceptional situations.

Group of MPs from the same party supporting party decisions.

A form of government where the executive derives its democratic legitimacy from, and is directly accountable to, the legislature (Parliament).

A territorial electoral district represented by an elected Member of Parliament (MP).

Members of Parliament who support the ruling party and form the government.

Members of Parliament who do not support the ruling government and may challenge its decisions.

The largest opposition party in Parliament, granted special privileges.

Unwritten rules in political practice enforced by public opinion rather than law.

The formal title to executive power held by the Crown, exercised on ministerial advice.

A cabinet minister must resign for policy mistakes or defense failures.

The PM has powers shaped by conventions, including advising on cabinet posts.

Political staff monitoring situations and giving advice to the Prime Minister.

Non-partisan civil servants ensuring public service implementation of government policies.

Power shared by two separate chambers in governance, requiring mutual agreement.

Elected chamber where the executive is selected, representing population equality.

Chamber that reviews legislation and represents regional interests; not elected.

Senators review bills but typically do not oppose the HOC majority.

Division of power between central and regional governments, both equal.

The PM's power is linked to the confidence of the House of Commons.

Member of the cabinet acting as second in command to the Prime Minister.

The PM must cultivate consensus among cabinet members in decision-making.

Senate representation is based on regional equality, unlike HOC's population basis.

A constitutional guarantee of individual rights preventing majority rule from violating minority rights in Canada.

The principle that Parliament has ultimate power to decide laws and their interpretation.

The Constitution is the highest law, overriding any conflicting laws or government actions.

Judges' ability to make impartial decisions without interference from other branches of government.

Rights to thought, expression, assembly, and association protected under the Charter.

Rights granting every citizen the ability to vote and run for office.

Rights ensuring life, liberty, security, and fair legal treatment.

Section 33 allows government to override certain Charter rights temporarily for public interest.

Section 1 stipulates that rights can only be limited in a justifiable way.

A legal test to determine if a law limiting rights is justifiable under Section 1.

A legal case highlighting constitutional issues, such as R vs Oakes on the presumption of innocence.

Recognition of diverse cultural, economic, and political identities within Canada affecting governance.

Document recognizing Indigenous land rights and the Crown's exclusive authority to purchase land.

Legally binding agreements between Indigenous peoples and the Crown regarding land and rights.