Chapter 9 - The Structure of Canada's Government

Identify and explain the roles of the three levels of Canada's government

1. The federal level This level of government deals with areas of law listed in the Constitution Act, 1867 and that generally affect the whole country. 2. The provincial level In each of the 10 provinces in Canada, the provincial government is responsible for areas listed in the Constitution Act, 1867, such as education, health care, some natural resources, and road regulations. Sometimes they share responsibility with the federal government. The three territories have their own governments, with responsibilities that are given to them by the federal government. 3.The municipal level This is the level of government that is usually based in a city, town or district (a municipality). Municipal governments are responsible for areas such as libraries, parks, community water systems, local police, roadways and parking. They receive authority for these areas from the provincial governments.

What is a constitutional monarchy? How is Canada a part of a constitutional monarchy?

A constitutional monarchy is a form of government in which a monarch acts as head of state within the parameters of a written, unwritten or blended constitution.

Explain how the selection of Members of Parliament and the Senate differs.

Canada's Parliament consists of three parts: the Queen, the Senate and the House of Commons. They work together to make the laws for our country. The executive branch consists of the Queen, the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the departments of government.

Explain the process through which a bill is passed into a law in Canada.

First Reading: The bill is introduced to the House of Commons, then printed and distributed to Members of Parliament. Second Reading: The principle and purpose of the bill is debated in the House. Committee Stage: A committee examines the bill clause by clause. It may make amendments to the bill Report Stage: Committee members report back to the House. The House reviews amendments to the bill. Third Reading: MPs have a final opportunity to review and amend the bill. Senate: The bill is sent to the Senate where it follows a similar process. If it is a provincial bill, this stage is skipped. Royal Assent: The Governor General of Canada gives the bill royal assent, meaning that it becomes law. If it is a provincial or territorial bill, the Lieutenant-Governor of the province or territory grants royal assent.

Explain the responsibilities of each part of a municipal government.

In Canada, municipal government is a type of local council authority that provides local services, facilities, safety and infrastructure for communities. Canada has three levels of government; federal, provincial and municipal

How are direct and representative democracy similar and different?

In a direct democracy all citizens meet together and make decisions via a vote. In a representative democracy citizens elect leaders who make decisions on their behalf. A republic (meaning rule by elected officials) is a form of democracy. Thus, all republics are democracies, but not all democracies are republics, because in a direct democracy there are no elected officials.

What are the roles and responsibilities of the following positions in the Canadian federal system? - Prime Minister, Senator, Governor-General, Speaker, Cabinet Minister, Member of Parliament

PM:the head of an elected government; the principal minister of a sovereign or state. A Senate is a deliberative assembly, often the upper house or chamber of a bicameral legislature or parliament. the Governor General of Canad is the federal viceregal representative of the Canadian monarch, currently Queen Elizabeth II. To ensure the orderly flow of business, the House of Commons observes parliamentary rules and traditions, both written and unwritten. It is the Speaker's duty to interpret these rules impartially, to maintain order, and to defend the rights and privileges of Members, including the right to freedom of speech. A member of parliament (MP) is the representative of the voters to a parliament.

Identify and explain the roles of the three branches of Canada's government?

The branches of government operate at both the federal and the provincial levels because Canada is a federation. That is, there is a constitutionally recognized federal government and there are constitutionally recognized provincial governments.

What powers do the federal, provincial and municipal governments have under Canada's federal system?

The federal government tries to make things fairer among the provinces. Through equalization payments (extra money) given to provinces that are less wealthy, the federal government tries to make sure that the standards of health, education and welfare are the same for every Canadian. In the same way that it lists the powers of the federal government.

How is a level of government and a branch of government different?

The legislative branch has the power and responsibility to debate, amend, and make laws. It consists of the Legislative Assembly of elected representatives

Explain the role of provincial and territorial governments in the Canadian federal system?

The nine provinces of South Africa are governed by provincial governments which form the second layer of government, between the national government and the municipalities. The provincial governments are established, and their structure defined, by Chapter Six of the Constitution of South Africa. A system of governments across Canada. Canada has 10 provinces and three territories. Like the federal government, each province and territory each has a parliamentary government with three branches: executive, legislative and judicial.