Podcast
Questions and Answers
In a parliamentary government, each MP represents a territorially based constituency known as an ______ district or riding.
In a parliamentary government, each MP represents a territorially based constituency known as an ______ district or riding.
electoral
Ridings are constructed based on ______ by population.
Ridings are constructed based on ______ by population.
representation
MPs who support the government are called ______ MPs, while others are considered opposition MPs.
MPs who support the government are called ______ MPs, while others are considered opposition MPs.
government
The largest opposition party is known as the ______ or “Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition”.
The largest opposition party is known as the ______ or “Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition”.
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Conventions are enforced by ______ opinion.
Conventions are enforced by ______ opinion.
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Responsible government is a regime where legislative and executive power are ______ together in a cabinet.
Responsible government is a regime where legislative and executive power are ______ together in a cabinet.
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The principle of responsible government demands that the executive obtain the ______ of the House for the use of its power.
The principle of responsible government demands that the executive obtain the ______ of the House for the use of its power.
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The Crown, although holding formal executive power, will use it only “on the ______ of” its ministers.
The Crown, although holding formal executive power, will use it only “on the ______ of” its ministers.
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If a cabinet minister makes a mistake or cannot defend a policy, they must ______
If a cabinet minister makes a mistake or cannot defend a policy, they must ______
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The ______ is the most powerful body in the Canadian government.
The ______ is the most powerful body in the Canadian government.
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The Prime Minister's main power stems from their right to advise the Crown on the assignment of ______ posts.
The Prime Minister's main power stems from their right to advise the Crown on the assignment of ______ posts.
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The Prime Minister must cultivate the ______ of their cabinet, guiding discussions and determining when consensus is reached.
The Prime Minister must cultivate the ______ of their cabinet, guiding discussions and determining when consensus is reached.
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The Prime Minister serves as the leading ______ for the Cabinet.
The Prime Minister serves as the leading ______ for the Cabinet.
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The Prime Minister is not directly elected to their position by the ______.
The Prime Minister is not directly elected to their position by the ______.
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The Prime Minister's power is directly related to their control over their ______ party.
The Prime Minister's power is directly related to their control over their ______ party.
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The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) is a group of political staff responsible for ______ the general political situation and giving the Prime Minister political advice.
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) is a group of political staff responsible for ______ the general political situation and giving the Prime Minister political advice.
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The Privy Council Office (PCO) is staffed by ______ career civil servants.
The Privy Council Office (PCO) is staffed by ______ career civil servants.
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The PCO facilitates the ______ work of the cabinet by organizing and providing logistical support for its meetings and committees.
The PCO facilitates the ______ work of the cabinet by organizing and providing logistical support for its meetings and committees.
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The Deputy Prime Minister serves as a ______ in command to the Prime Minister.
The Deputy Prime Minister serves as a ______ in command to the Prime Minister.
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Bicameralism is the sharing of power between two ______ chambers of government.
Bicameralism is the sharing of power between two ______ chambers of government.
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The ______ is the representative of Canada's Head of State.
The ______ is the representative of Canada's Head of State.
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The Canadian Parliament includes both a House of Commons and a ______.
The Canadian Parliament includes both a House of Commons and a ______.
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The ______ appoints the Governor General.
The ______ appoints the Governor General.
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Representation in the Senate is based on the principle of ______ of the regions.
Representation in the Senate is based on the principle of ______ of the regions.
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Ministers must have the ______ of the House of Commons in order to remain in office.
Ministers must have the ______ of the House of Commons in order to remain in office.
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The Senate serves as a chamber of "sober second thought" that ______ legislative proposals from the House of Commons.
The Senate serves as a chamber of "sober second thought" that ______ legislative proposals from the House of Commons.
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The ______ is a group of MPs who are members of the same party.
The ______ is a group of MPs who are members of the same party.
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A ______ government occurs when no single party holds a majority of seats in the House of Commons.
A ______ government occurs when no single party holds a majority of seats in the House of Commons.
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The doctrine of ______ requires that all cabinet ministers defend the decisions of the cabinet, even if they disagree.
The doctrine of ______ requires that all cabinet ministers defend the decisions of the cabinet, even if they disagree.
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The ______ function of the House of Commons includes debating and passing laws.
The ______ function of the House of Commons includes debating and passing laws.
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The ______ function of the cabinet includes exercising the executive authority of the Crown.
The ______ function of the cabinet includes exercising the executive authority of the Crown.
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The ______ is a body of advisors to the Governor General.
The ______ is a body of advisors to the Governor General.
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The ______ is the working sub-committee of the Queen's Privy Council that forms the cabinet.
The ______ is the working sub-committee of the Queen's Privy Council that forms the cabinet.
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A government that loses a ______ vote must either resign or call an election.
A government that loses a ______ vote must either resign or call an election.
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The ______ from the Throne outlines the government's priorities for the year.
The ______ from the Throne outlines the government's priorities for the year.
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The ______ is the current Governor General of Canada.
The ______ is the current Governor General of Canada.
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The Governor General has ______ power to act in situations where the Prime Minister refuses to resign.
The Governor General has ______ power to act in situations where the Prime Minister refuses to resign.
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The Governor General must sign all legislation for it to become ______.
The Governor General must sign all legislation for it to become ______.
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The ______ government has the power to spend its money as it pleases.
The ______ government has the power to spend its money as it pleases.
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The ______ power is the federal government's ability to block provincial legislation.
The ______ power is the federal government's ability to block provincial legislation.
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The ______ of powers refers to the division of authority between the federal and provincial governments.
The ______ of powers refers to the division of authority between the federal and provincial governments.
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The provinces have jurisdiction over ______ and civil rights.
The provinces have jurisdiction over ______ and civil rights.
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The ______ government has residual power, meaning it can legislate in areas not specifically assigned to the provinces.
The ______ government has residual power, meaning it can legislate in areas not specifically assigned to the provinces.
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The ______ government can attach conditions to provincial funding for health care, education, and transportation.
The ______ government can attach conditions to provincial funding for health care, education, and transportation.
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The ______ of federalism refers to how to allocate government functions and revenue between different levels of government.
The ______ of federalism refers to how to allocate government functions and revenue between different levels of government.
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The ______ Act, 1867, established the structure of the Canadian federal system.
The ______ Act, 1867, established the structure of the Canadian federal system.
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The founders of Confederation intended to create a highly ______ federal union.
The founders of Confederation intended to create a highly ______ federal union.
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The period of ______ federalism was marked by a strong federal government and a more limited role for provinces.
The period of ______ federalism was marked by a strong federal government and a more limited role for provinces.
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The era of ______ federalism saw a greater emphasis on cooperation between the federal and provincial governments.
The era of ______ federalism saw a greater emphasis on cooperation between the federal and provincial governments.
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The ______ of the Constitution asserts the supremacy of the constitution over the government.
The ______ of the Constitution asserts the supremacy of the constitution over the government.
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The ______ power is the authority to make law and set public policy.
The ______ power is the authority to make law and set public policy.
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The ______ power is the authority to administer and implement the law.
The ______ power is the authority to administer and implement the law.
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The ______ power is the authority to settle disputes over violations of the law.
The ______ power is the authority to settle disputes over violations of the law.
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The purpose of the Charter of Rights is to prevent democratic majorities from using political power to violate ______.
The purpose of the Charter of Rights is to prevent democratic majorities from using political power to violate ______.
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In Canada, the Constitution is considered the highest ______.
In Canada, the Constitution is considered the highest ______.
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Judicial ______ refers to the independence of judges from political interference.
Judicial ______ refers to the independence of judges from political interference.
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The ______ clause allows governments to override certain Charter rights in the public interest.
The ______ clause allows governments to override certain Charter rights in the public interest.
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Section 1 of the Charter allows the court to decide if government actions have acted in a reasonable and ______ way.
Section 1 of the Charter allows the court to decide if government actions have acted in a reasonable and ______ way.
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According to the Oakes test, the purpose of the law must be a response to a pressing and ______ problem.
According to the Oakes test, the purpose of the law must be a response to a pressing and ______ problem.
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The case R vs ______ challenged the presumption of innocence in drug trafficking laws.
The case R vs ______ challenged the presumption of innocence in drug trafficking laws.
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Regionalism in Canada can be described in terms of economic and ______ differences.
Regionalism in Canada can be described in terms of economic and ______ differences.
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The Royal Proclamation of 1763 recognized that Indigenous interest in land belonged to groups and ______, not individuals.
The Royal Proclamation of 1763 recognized that Indigenous interest in land belonged to groups and ______, not individuals.
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Many treaties signed between the 1870s and 1920s involved the surrendering of Indigenous land in exchange for ______, annuities, and reserves.
Many treaties signed between the 1870s and 1920s involved the surrendering of Indigenous land in exchange for ______, annuities, and reserves.
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The relationship between regional identities and ______ in Canada can be complex due to varied social landscapes.
The relationship between regional identities and ______ in Canada can be complex due to varied social landscapes.
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The Charter guarantees fundamental freedoms such as thought, expression, and ______.
The Charter guarantees fundamental freedoms such as thought, expression, and ______.
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Under the Charter, every individual is ______ under the law.
Under the Charter, every individual is ______ under the law.
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The ______ test is used to evaluate whether a law that limits Charter rights can be justified.
The ______ test is used to evaluate whether a law that limits Charter rights can be justified.
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The government can invoke the notwithstanding clause by passing a bill in ______.
The government can invoke the notwithstanding clause by passing a bill in ______.
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The Indian Act of 1876 was designed to protect Indigenous land, but also undermine Indigenous ______.
The Indian Act of 1876 was designed to protect Indigenous land, but also undermine Indigenous ______.
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Nearly a quarter of the Canadian population resides in ______.
Nearly a quarter of the Canadian population resides in ______.
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The concept of ______ emerged in Canadian politics following changed immigration policies and increased diversity.
The concept of ______ emerged in Canadian politics following changed immigration policies and increased diversity.
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The political culture in Canada sets limits or boundaries to the ideologies embraced in that ______.
The political culture in Canada sets limits or boundaries to the ideologies embraced in that ______.
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The three main political parties in Canada include the NDP, Liberal Party, and ______.
The three main political parties in Canada include the NDP, Liberal Party, and ______.
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Brokerage parties try to appeal to a wide range of voters, while ______ parties behave consistently based on their ideology.
Brokerage parties try to appeal to a wide range of voters, while ______ parties behave consistently based on their ideology.
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______ is the process of postponing parliament without dissolving it.
______ is the process of postponing parliament without dissolving it.
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Federalists agree with the division of power in the federation and want to stay in ______.
Federalists agree with the division of power in the federation and want to stay in ______.
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The Quiet Revolution of the 1960s further politicized Quebec's distinct ______.
The Quiet Revolution of the 1960s further politicized Quebec's distinct ______.
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The Night of the Long Knives refers to a constitutional agreement made without Quebec's ______.
The Night of the Long Knives refers to a constitutional agreement made without Quebec's ______.
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The Meech Lake Accord included five major demands from Quebec, one of which was to recognize it as a 'distinct ______'.
The Meech Lake Accord included five major demands from Quebec, one of which was to recognize it as a 'distinct ______'.
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The Clarity Act determines whether a separation ______ from a province is 'clear'.
The Clarity Act determines whether a separation ______ from a province is 'clear'.
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During the 1995 referendum, the issue of Quebec sovereignty was put to a public ______.
During the 1995 referendum, the issue of Quebec sovereignty was put to a public ______.
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Visible minorities constitute nearly a quarter of the Canadian ______.
Visible minorities constitute nearly a quarter of the Canadian ______.
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Flashcards
Individual Ministerial Responsibility
Individual Ministerial Responsibility
Ministers must resign if they make a mistake or cannot defend a policy.
Prime Ministerial Control
Prime Ministerial Control
The PM advises the Crown on cabinet assignments and has influence over key government functions.
Consensus in Cabinet
Consensus in Cabinet
The PM must guide discussions to reach agreement among cabinet members.
Dissolution of Parliament
Dissolution of Parliament
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Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
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Privy Council Office (PCO)
Privy Council Office (PCO)
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Deputy Prime Minister
Deputy Prime Minister
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Bicameralism
Bicameralism
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Chamber of Sober Second Thought
Chamber of Sober Second Thought
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Representation in House of Commons
Representation in House of Commons
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Representation in Senate
Representation in Senate
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Federalism
Federalism
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Section 91
Section 91
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Jurisdiction Conflict
Jurisdiction Conflict
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Federal vs Unitary System
Federal vs Unitary System
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Parliamentary Government
Parliamentary Government
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Electoral District (Riding)
Electoral District (Riding)
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Representation by Population
Representation by Population
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Official Opposition
Official Opposition
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Conventions
Conventions
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Responsible Government
Responsible Government
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Crown's Role in Government
Crown's Role in Government
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Accountability in Government
Accountability in Government
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Indian Act, 1876
Indian Act, 1876
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Quebec nationalism
Quebec nationalism
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Visible minorities in Canada
Visible minorities in Canada
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Multiculturalism
Multiculturalism
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Types of liberalism
Types of liberalism
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NDP
NDP
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Brokerage party
Brokerage party
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Prorogation
Prorogation
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Quiet Revolution
Quiet Revolution
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Meech Lake Accord
Meech Lake Accord
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Clarity Act
Clarity Act
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Charlottetown Accord
Charlottetown Accord
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Coalition government
Coalition government
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Democratic legitimacy
Democratic legitimacy
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Exclusive control over criminal law
Exclusive control over criminal law
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Residual Power
Residual Power
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Concurrent Jurisdiction
Concurrent Jurisdiction
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Disallowance Power
Disallowance Power
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Federal Spending Power
Federal Spending Power
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Conditional Grants
Conditional Grants
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Centralization vs Decentralization
Centralization vs Decentralization
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Quasi-Federalism
Quasi-Federalism
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Fiscal Federalism
Fiscal Federalism
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Executive Federalism
Executive Federalism
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Constitutionalism
Constitutionalism
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Legislative Power
Legislative Power
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Executive Power
Executive Power
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Judicial Power
Judicial Power
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Collective Responsibility
Collective Responsibility
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Confidence of the House
Confidence of the House
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Governor General
Governor General
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Majority Government
Majority Government
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Minority Government
Minority Government
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Cabinet Authority
Cabinet Authority
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Party Discipline
Party Discipline
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Norms of Cabinet Selection
Norms of Cabinet Selection
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Reserve Power
Reserve Power
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Legislative Functions
Legislative Functions
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Executive Functions
Executive Functions
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Cabinet Confidentiality
Cabinet Confidentiality
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Theories of Representation
Theories of Representation
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Caucus Group
Caucus Group
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Charter of Rights
Charter of Rights
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Parliamentary Supremacy
Parliamentary Supremacy
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Constitutional Supremacy
Constitutional Supremacy
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Judicial Independence
Judicial Independence
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Fundamental Freedoms
Fundamental Freedoms
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Legal Rights
Legal Rights
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Equality Rights
Equality Rights
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Notwithstanding Clause
Notwithstanding Clause
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Reasonable Limits Clause
Reasonable Limits Clause
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Oakes Test
Oakes Test
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Reference Case
Reference Case
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Regionalism
Regionalism
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Treaties
Treaties
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Royal Proclamation of 1763
Royal Proclamation of 1763
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Judicial Challenges
Judicial Challenges
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Study Notes
Parliamentary Government
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Representative Democracy: MPs are elected to represent specific electoral districts (ridings), reflecting population distribution. Government MPs support the government; opposition MPs belong to opposition parties, with the largest being the Official Opposition. The Opposition Leader has special privileges in the House and must be consulted on key appointments and critical matters.
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Conventions: Enforced by public opinion and political behavior, not the courts.
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Responsible Government:
- Executive power is fused with the legislative power through a cabinet accountable to an elected assembly. Ensures executive actions are responsible to the legislative body.
- Established in Nova Scotia in 1848 and fully implemented by Confederation in 1867.
- The Crown delegates executive power to ministers who are also MPs, making them answerable to the House of Commons.
- Collective Responsibility: All ministers share responsibility for cabinet decisions. Ministers must support the Cabinet's decisions publicly.
- Confidence Principle: The ministry must maintain the confidence of the House of Commons. Loss of confidence necessitates resignation or a request for new elections.
- This system makes the executive accountable to the people's representatives.
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Party Discipline:
- Increased party discipline led to more stable governments by ensuring enough votes for cabinet and passed legislation.
- Parties act as teams, where elections are based on party affiliation, not on the merits of an individual.
- This has advantages, creating predictability and accountability, but also disadvantages like reduced individual representation in the legislature.
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Role of the Governor General:
- The Governor General represents the King (Head of State). Appointed on the advice of the prime minister.
- Formal constitutional powers (signing legislation, delivering speeches, meeting with dignitaries).
- Their actions are guided by the convention of acting on the advice of ministers who are members of the elected House of Commons.
- They can use reserve powers in certain situations (e.g., if the prime minister refuses to step down).
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Executive/Cabinet vs. Legislative Functions:
- HOC Functions: Legitimation (making laws), accountability (scrutinizing government), and representation (acting on constituents' concerns).
- Executive/Cabinet Functions: Executing/administering policy and making important decisions.
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Theories of Representation: Cabinet appointments are often considered with regards to representation of provinces, religions, genders, and other identities.
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Majority vs. Minority Government:
- Majority government has the support of over half of the House, making it possible to exercise greater control.
- Minority government is formed with less than half the House, leading to more moderation and compromises for support.
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Confidence: The government needs the confidence of the House of Commons. Loss of confidence necessitates resignation or new elections.
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Cabinet Selection Norms: The Crown’s Privy Council appoints advisors to the Governor General. Crucially, these appointments will be made on the advice of the prime minister.
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Collective Ministerial Responsibility: Cabinet acts as a team, and ministers must support all Cabinet decisions or resign. Meetings need to be confidential.
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Individual Ministerial Responsibility: Ministers are individually responsible for their actions and must resign if they make mistakes.
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Prime Ministerial Control of Government:
- Prime Ministerial power is deeply tied to constitutional conventions, with significant influence over cabinet appointments.
- The PM must cultivate cabinet consensus, serve as their spokesperson, and advise the GG on elections and key appointments.
- Overall strength depends on party unity and public popularity. The PMO provides partisan advice, and the PCO provides non-partisan support.
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Bicameralism:
- Power sharing between two chambers (House of Commons and Senate).
- HOC represents Canadian citizens based on their populations, while the Senate represents the provinces.
- Though bicameral, the House of Commons holds more sway due to where the executive arises from.
Federalism
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Federalism Definition: Division of powers between central and regional governments. Both derive authority from the constitution and are subordinate to it.
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Why in Canada?
- Central Canada favoured a unitary system.
- Lower Canada and Maritime colonies preferred provincial autonomy.
-Division of Powers (Sections 91 & 92): - Section 91: Federal government's jurisdiction (e.g., trade, criminal law, taxation). - Section 92: Provincial governments’ jurisdiction (e.g., local matters, property, civil rights).
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Residual Power: Any power not explicitly assigned to the provinces inherently belongs to the federal government (peace, order, and good government).
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Concurrent Jurisdiction: Federal and provincial governments share jurisdiction over areas like agriculture and immigration, with federal law prevailing in conflicts.
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Disallowance and Reservation Power:
- Disallowance: Federal government can overturn provincial legislation.
- Reservation: Lieutenant-Governors can block provincial bills for review by the federal government.
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Federal Spending Power: The federal government influences areas of provincial jurisdiction through funding (conditional and unconditional grants) for healthcare, education, and social services.
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Centralization vs. Decentralization:
- Founders aimed for centralization, but Canada now has decentralized federalism due to various factors including public demand and constitutional disputes.
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Periods of Federalism:
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Quasi-federalism (1867-96): Federal government wielded significant power.
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Classical federalism (1896-1914): Balance of power shifted.
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Emergency federalism (1914-60): Federal power expanded due to war and economic crises with higher levels of centralization support (e.g., welfare).
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“Cooperative” federalism (1960-95): Provinces gained more authority, cooperation between levels of governments.
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“Collaborative”/“Open” federalism (1995-present): Increased provincial discretion in spending, prime ministers play significant roles in managing relations.
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Fiscal Federalism: Balancing financial responsibilities and jurisdictions between levels of government. Budget allocation is crucial for the operation of federal systems.
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Executive Federalism: Premier & PM cooperation on delivery of services and public policy. Critics argue it's secretive and undemocratic.
Charter and Judiciary
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Constitutionalism: Constitution is supreme; government is subordinate to it.
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Charter of Rights: CA 1982 added a constitutionally entrenched Charter of Rights with the goal of protecting minorities.
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Judicial Roles: Interpretation and application of the Charter.
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Parliamentary vs. Judicial Supremacy:
- Parliamentary Supremacy: Parliament has final say in law interpretation.
- Constitutional Supremacy: Constitution is supreme, subject to judicial interpretation.
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Judicial Independence:
- Key for liberal societies. Judges are safeguarded from political interference through lifetime tenure, fixed salaries, and administrative independence.
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Liberal Rights in Charter: Fundamental freedoms, democratic rights, legal rights, equality rights, official languages, and mobility rights.
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Notwithstanding Clause (Section 33): Provides temporary override of Charter rights in certain cases (e.g., Quebec’s Bill 101). Legislation must be passed with explicit intent for override. Time-limited to 5 years.
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Reasonable Limits Clause (Section 1): Rights can be limited by justifiable laws in a free and democratic society.
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Oakes Test: A constitutional test used to evaluate whether limits on Charter rights are justifiable.
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Reference Cases:
- R v. Oakes (1986): Landmark case on determining the proportionality of limits on Charter rights.
Regionalism
- Dimensions of Regionalism: Economic and identity differences between areas.
-Causes of Regionalism: Expansive geography, unequal population distribution, economic disparities, distinct regional identities, and federalism.
- Relationship to Federalism: Conflicts over jurisdiction and influence on federalism.
Plural Identities
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Identity Politics: Political demands based on group identities (e.g., Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, French-speaking Quebecois).
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Royal Proclamation of 1763: Recognized Indigenous land ownership and rights, crucial for establishing relationships among Indigenous peoples and the Crown.
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Treaties: Often resulted in trade-offs for Indigenous lands. Modern treaties are attempts to address historical injustices.
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Indian Act, 1876: Sought to regulate Indigenous peoples.
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Quebec's Regional Sentiment: Quebec's distinct identity and language are often high points of conflict in Canadian politics.
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The Quebec Question: Questions of Quebec's role in Canada, demands for greater distinctiveness, options for separation/independence, and special recognition.
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Visible Minorities and Immigration Policy: Impact of visible minorities in Canadian society, Canada has historically had racist immigration policies, now seeks diversity and representation.
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Multiculturalism: Embraces diversity in Canada’s society to retain culture and heritage.
Competing Liberalisms
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Political Culture: Sets the boundaries and range of ideologies tolerated in a society.
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Liberalism Types: Social democracy (state intervention), welfare state liberalism, business/neoliberalism (less state intervention), and neo-conservatism (more socially conservative).
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Major Federal Parties: Ideological differences exist between the NDP (left), Liberals (centre), Conservatives (right).
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Brokerage vs. Ideological Parties: Brokerage parties seek broad appeal, while ideological parties adhere to specific ideologies.
Prorogation Crisis
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Prorogation: Postponing parliament without dissolving it.
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Motion of Non-Confidence: Addressing lack of trust in the government.
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Coalition Government: Formal sharing of the cabinet.
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Reserve Powers of the GG: GG can exercise powers in certain circumstances.
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Democratic Legitimacy concern: Concern about democratic process when the GG intervenes.
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Options to Enhance GG "soft power": Ways for the GG to build influence without overstepping their authority.
Quebec Nationalism
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Federalists vs. Nationalists: Supporters of the current federation versus those seeking more autonomy or separation.
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Quebec Nationalism: Focuses on Quebec’s unique identity and political system.
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“Night of the Long Knives”: Constitutional changes affecting Quebec without its support.
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Meech Lake Accord: Failed agreement intended to address Quebec’s concerns concerning recognition of Quebec as a distinct society.
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Charlottetown Accord: Attempt to build upon the Meech Lake Accord.
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Clarity Act (2000): Defines when a clear mandate for separation exists.
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Asymmetrical Federalism: Federalism in which provinces have different levels of powers.
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Description
This quiz explores the key features of parliamentary government, including the role of MPs in representative democracy and the principles of responsible government. Learn about the relationship between the legislature and executive, as well as the evolution of these concepts in Canada since Confederation.
