Podcast
Questions and Answers
When can the Governor General shut down Parliament?
When can the Governor General shut down Parliament?
What is the role of Royal Assent in the legislative process?
What is the role of Royal Assent in the legislative process?
How do Members of Parliament (MPs) address each other in the House of Commons?
How do Members of Parliament (MPs) address each other in the House of Commons?
Where does the ruling party sit in relation to the Speaker of the House?
Where does the ruling party sit in relation to the Speaker of the House?
Signup and view all the answers
What form of government does Canada have?
What form of government does Canada have?
Signup and view all the answers
Who is the MP for Ajax as of 2024?
Who is the MP for Ajax as of 2024?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one requirement to vote in Canada’s federal elections?
What is one requirement to vote in Canada’s federal elections?
Signup and view all the answers
How often are federal elections held in Canada?
How often are federal elections held in Canada?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the last step for a bill to become a law in Canada?
What is the last step for a bill to become a law in Canada?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a right protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
Which of the following is a right protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
Signup and view all the answers
Where can you go for help if someone discriminates against you in Canada?
Where can you go for help if someone discriminates against you in Canada?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the federal government in Canada manage?
What does the federal government in Canada manage?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following responsibilities belongs to municipal governments in Canada?
Which of the following responsibilities belongs to municipal governments in Canada?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the role of the Executive branch in Canada?
What is the role of the Executive branch in Canada?
Signup and view all the answers
Which bodies make up the Canadian Parliament?
Which bodies make up the Canadian Parliament?
Signup and view all the answers
How are Senators appointed in Canada?
How are Senators appointed in Canada?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the maximum number of Senators from Ontario?
What is the maximum number of Senators from Ontario?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary role of the Senate in Canada?
What is the primary role of the Senate in Canada?
Signup and view all the answers
Where does the Conservative Party stand on the political spectrum?
Where does the Conservative Party stand on the political spectrum?
Signup and view all the answers
Who leads the Liberal Party in Canada as of 2024?
Who leads the Liberal Party in Canada as of 2024?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one main difference between the House of Commons and the Senate in Canada?
What is one main difference between the House of Commons and the Senate in Canada?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Canadian Government Structure
- The Executive branch of government, responsible for enforcing laws, includes the Prime Minister, Cabinet, and Governor General.
- Parliament, the legislative branch of the Canadian government, is formed by the Senate, the House of Commons, and the Monarch (represented by the Governor General).
Role of Senators and The Senate
- Senators are appointed by the Prime Minister and serve until age 75.
- Senators contribute to the law-making process by reviewing, amending, and debating legislation passed by the House of Commons.
- There are 105 seats in the Senate, with 24 in Ontario.
- The Senate acts as a chamber of "sober second thought," offering non-partisan review of legislation, while the elected House of Commons embodies the will of the people.
Political Parties and Elections
- The Conservative Party, advocating for a smaller government and traditional values, sits on the right of the political spectrum.
- The Liberal Party, led by Justin Trudeau, represents the center-left.
- The Prime Minister, the head of government, leads the executive branch and oversees law implementation.
- The MP for Ajax as of 2024 is Mark Holland.
- Canadian citizens aged 18 years or older, registered to vote, are eligible to cast their vote in federal elections.
- Federal elections are held every four years or sooner if called.
- A voter must place an "X" next to the chosen candidate's name on the ballot.
Law and Legislative Process
- A bill becomes a law through a series of steps: introduction, debate, voting in the House of Commons, review in the Senate, and receiving Royal Assent from the Governor General.
- The final step in a bill becoming a law is receiving Royal Assent from the Governor General.
Rights and Freedoms
- The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees rights like freedom of speech, religion, assembly, mobility, legal rights, equality rights, and democratic rights.
- Individuals facing discrimination can seek help from the Canadian Human Rights Commission or provincial human rights bodies.
Federal and Provincial Responsibilities
- The federal government manages national defense, foreign policy, immigration, and currency.
- Provincial governments oversee healthcare, education, and natural resources.
- Municipal governments handle local services such as waste management and public transit.
Governor General and Speaker of the House
- The Governor General can shut down Parliament (prorogue) at the Prime Minister's request, often to reset the government's agenda.
- Royal Assent, the final approval granted by the Governor General, is crucial for a bill to become law.
- MPs address each other in the House of Commons through the Speaker, using titles or constituencies.
- The ruling party sits to the right of the Speaker, while the opposition sits to the left.
Historical and Constitutional Context
- Canada officially gained its independence on July 1, 1867, through Confederation.
- Canada operates as a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. The Monarch serves as the ceremonial head of state, while elected representatives govern, adhering to democratic principles.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.