Civics: Government in Canada

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3 main parts of federal government

1. Legislative Branch 2. Judiciary Branch 3. Executive or administration Branch

How does political party get majority govt.?

%50 + 1. 338/2 = 169 + 1 = 170 170 seats needed for majority government

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: GENERAL RIGHTS

*Aboriginal rights and freedoms not affected by charter

Dominion of Canada

*Legislative* • Parliament House of Commons, Senate *Executive* • Sovereign Governor General Prime Minister PM's office, cabinet, privy council office Ministries & Civil services *Judicial* • Supreme Court Federal court, Tax Court Provincial courts

The legislative branch: House of Commons

- Centre of federal govt. - 338 members, all elected - examine issues and pass laws Most members elected: - the political party with most members elected forms the govt - leader of that party becomes PM 2nd most members elected: - the party with 2nd most members elected become the official opposition - leader of that party becomes leader of official opposition - they constantly question the plans of the govt in power in order to improve them *speaker makes sure no one fights in a battle to the death*

History of Governments: 5th Century BCE Who was not included in the democracy of Athens?

- Women -Slaves or people that were once slaves -People who did not own land -People who were not born in Athens

The legislative branch: senate

-2nd House of Parliament -105 members, appointed by govt -----> PM selects people from his own political party to become senators (THEN approved by Governor General) -must retire at 75 years old -senate has very little power (not able to make new laws). Senate does 3 main things: 1. After bill passed in HOC the senate must pass it before it can become official law. 2. Before debate in HOC senators give their input to improve bill 3. Senate inquiry can be used to help investigate problems of national importance such as child poverty or unemployment.

How many seats in senate?

105 seats

What is a constitutional monarchy and how long has Canada had one?

1763 Britain = Canada's head of state

History of Governments: 1916, 1918 List the order in which Canadian women were given the vote in Canada.

1916 - White British subjects. Over 21. Husband or son in war. (Federal vote) 1918 - Canadian women, 21 1960 - POC women. First Nations women (only if they gave up First Nations status & treaty rights)

coalition government

A government controlled by a temporary alliance of several political parties. a cabinet of a parliamentary government in which multiple political parties cooperate, reducing the dominance of any one party within that coalition. The usual reason given for this arrangement is that no party on its own can achieve a majority in the parliament.

Cabinet

A group of advisers to the prime minister Position: members appointed by PM, HOC or Senate. Responsibilities: Head govt department (e.g: defence, environment, labour, foreign affairs) Provide info to the PM, advice him or her about departments.

History of Governments: 1450 What is a federated government?

A political entry made by a union of partially self-governing states under a central government. • Separation of power ---> 5 other smaller governments • All meet up for consensus upon decisions

Polls

A survey of public opinion. Where people go to vote. Located in schools, libraries etc

Caucus

A time where MPs and Senators meet to talk about policies and strategies that the government will deal with while in session

Executive/Administrative Branch

-day to day operation of the govt -PM and his/her cabinet -SOMETIMES cabinet ministers are appointed by PM to take on special responsibilities (CALLED ministers portfolio) --------> minister of finance, energy, immigration, natural recouses, etc

Whip

An individual assigned to ensure the discipline of party members (each committee an MP will attend)

Speaker

An individual who enforces the rules and maintains the traditions of the house.

Political party

An organization of people with similise views on public issues who work together to elect their candidates

2 duties of the queen

Appoints Governor General Attend various ceremonies (royal tours etc)

What document outline which level of government does what?

BNA Act of 1817 Outline system + separation of powers.

Throne speech

Bills and policies the government plans to introduce while in session

Spoiled ballots

Blank or over checked ballot

Healthcare: Canada Vs USA

Canada = free healthcare, almost everything covered by government. Social system (taxes that provide for everyone) USA = Not free, extremely expensive

History of Governments: 5th Century BCE Why did the Athenians not reach decisions by consensus?

In Athens, 51% of people had to say yes, not 100% (which is consensus) No more than 30% of the total pop. Actually voted because of the amount of voting restrictions.

How are the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms applied?

Charter applies to: Parliament and govt of Canada Legislature and govt of each province

Poll clerk

Check initials. Person u return ur ballot to

Socialized medicine (Criticism)

Critics equate socialism with communism. Criticisms are fear tactics. "Why should I pay for someone else's knees if it's not my knee?!" Or "socialist healthcare services are all dingy and you have to wait forever for a surgery!" Because of their capitalism, they see healthcare as a way of earning money...not as a way of helping people.

History of Governments: 1867 Which part of our government was ELECTED and which part was APPOINTED?

Elected ----> House of Commons Appointed ----> Senate replaced British House of Lords

Voters list

Eligibility to vote (generated from tax returns)

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: ENFORCEMENT

Enforcement of rights and freedoms guaranteed by charter.

What circumstances are elections called in Canada?

Every 4 years, or... vote of non-confidence: vote happens when bill is introduced by govt and defeated by opposition parties. Means govt can no longer govern and must seek a mandate from the people.

History of Governments: 1849 Today, the prime minister is a member of the executive branch. What happened to the executive branch in 1849?

Executive branch ---> became responsible to the elected assemblies & followed the WILL of the people's representatives.

Federal vs Provincial Responsibilities

Federal = defence, trade, currency (money$), foreign affairs, crown corporations. Provincial = education, language, municipal affairs, gambling/liquor, heritage, provincial laws Federal + Provincial = taxes, healthcare, environment, criminal law

What is meant by the term federalism?

Federalism is the mixed or compound mode of government, combining a general government (the central or 'federal' government) with regional governments (provincial, state, cantonal, territorial or other sub-unit governments) in a single political system

Budget speech

Finance minster announces how it plans to collect money from citizens and proposes a spending plan

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: LEGAL RIGHTS

Focuses on lawful claims and interests. To ensure liberties are upheld and if questioned, must be done in a lawful manner. -everyone has right to life, liberty, security -right to be secure against search or seizure -right not to be arbitrarily detained or imprisoned. -arrest or detention: right to be informed of reason, etc

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: MOBILITY RIGHTS

Focuses on migration within and outside of Canada (entering and leaving Canada) Or interprovincial migration - moving to different provinces or territories in Canada

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS

Focuses on the structure and citizens participation in democracy ---> right to vote ---> be a member in House of Commons

vote of non confidence

Govt. minority being voted out by opposition.

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS

Involves freedom of: -conscience -religion, thought, expression, opinion, etc -peaceful assembly -association

Prime Minister (PM)

Leader of party in power

5 federal Parties

Liberals Conservatives bloc Green NDP

Provincial Governmnt

Lieutenant Governor - Legislative Assembly Premier Cabinet Ministries Municipalities

Governor General Vs Lieutenant-Governor

Lieutenant-Governor = governs provincial government. Governor General = governs federal government

Why is HOC the heart of Canadian Democracy

MP's In HOC represent entire country (338 MP's) Each riding HAS SAME amount of people They must support their party platform

The legislative branch

Made up of the 2 Houses of Parliament FIRST HOUSE = House of Commons SECOND HOUSE = Senate

Federal Government

Main system of government in Canada -keep country safe -lawmaking -banking -postal system -foreign affairs

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: EQUALITY RIGHTS

No discrimination on the grounds of race, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, and or mental/physical disability.

Federal government in Canada

Our system divides responsibilities between two levels: federal and provincial.

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Outlines and protects the civil rights and freedoms of Canadians. All laws in Canada must be consistent with the Charter. All Canadians must comply with the charter. The charter protects people from unfair social or legal decisions. All Canadians must receive equal treatment and protection under the law, despite race, sex, age, etc.

WHO forms government in canada?

Party that gets most seats in HOC LEADER = PM * Official Opposition provide pressure

Members of parliaments (MP's)

Position: Also a cabinet minister. One federal riding. Must be 18, Canadian citizen. Responsibilities: Debate on bills becoming laws Support party and it's platform Represent riding voters

Governor General

Position: Appointed by the PM. In Canada the Queen appoints as well. Responsibilities: nothing can happen w/o their signature they also appoint PM based on popular vote represent Canada's monarch Perform ceremonial tasks

The Constitution Act, 1867: Division of power

Power distributed between provincial and federal govt. (shared power)

What is a bill?

Proposal made by party to support their political platform. Fetus law.

Which level of government is responsible for local government (peel or other regions)?

Provincial government responsible for regions/local governments. They look after local/municipal governments.

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: OFFICIAL LANGUAGE RIGHTS

Recognition of English and French as the official languages of Canada for all institutions of the Govt and parliament of Canada

5 responsibilities of Governor General

Representing the Crown and ensuring there is always a prime minister. Acting on advice of prime minister and cabinet ministers to give royal assent to bills passed in the Senate and House of Commons. Signing state documents. Reading the throne speech. Presiding over swearing-in of the prime minister, chief justice and cabinet ministers.

How is democracy designed to cope with differences?

Represents all people Power to the people Laws made for all people

Rights Vs Responsibilities

Right = something to which a person is morally and legally entitled to. Examples: --> Civil rights (freedom of speech, etc) --> Political rights (right to vote) --> Social rights (right to economic + social well being) Responsibility = something one is accountable for. Example: --> treating others respectfully.

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: MINORITY LANGUAGE EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS

Right to learn in English or French, especially if the language is part of minority

Who is your member parliament?

Ruby Sahota

History of Governments: 1215 Canada wasn't even 'discovered' in 1215 ~ why would the Magna Carta be important for us?

Rule of law. Everyone must adhere the law. This grants the people protection under the law.

Federal government

Senate House of Commons ----- Governor General PM Cabinet Ministries Territories

History of Governments: 1931 What powers did the Canadian government get in 1931?

Statute of Westminster ----> gave former colonies power to self govern, pass laws, involving foreign affairs, became equal members in British Commonwealth.

Mandate

Support given to a political party by electing them

What does Orange Crush mean?

Surging population of NDP during 2011 Canadian election. A tectonic shift. Caused by failure of Bloc Québécois

Prime minister

The head of a government; the majority party's leader in parliament Position: appointed by Governor General in their party wins most seats in HOC election Responsibilities: Identify nations needs Negotiate with foreign leaders Maintain Functions of govt Present bills to HOC

What does Committee do?

The ones who discuss the bills

Party platform

The proposals put forward by a political party during an election campaign.

What is a constitution?

The rule book Outlines the fundamental rules and principals that govern a country

Senator

The sober, SECOND thought. Position: • Qualifications for a senator different from an MP because they are appointed by Governor General with advice from the PM. • Age 30 ---> 75 • must have $4000 worth of property and live in the province/territory they represent Responsibilities: Read/pass bills into law Sit on committees Address issues of public interest (e.g government spending on foreign aid)

Cabinet

They must support all decisions even if they disagree If they fail to support party platform they must resign

History of Governments: 1929 What important rights did women receive in 1929?

To be seen as persons under the law ----> right to run for office (Emily Murphy) ----> hold government position

Parliamentary Democracy

which the party (or a coalition of parties) with the greatest representation in the parliament (legislature) forms the government, its leader becoming prime minister or chancellor. ---> all from free elections = responsible government.

History of Governments: Late 18th century Based on the dates, when do you think the United States and France became republics?

USA - 1789 -------> American Revolution France - 1799

Right

View on change: tends to support the status quo (things as they are) don't like quick change Role in social programs: the govt should not interfere in the lives of individuals. Expensive Social programs should be cut Govt ownership: business and industry should be kept in private hands & govt. should be limited. Individual rights: law & order HAVE high priority. By sacrificing some individual rights the majority of pop. Will benefit

Centre

View on change: unjust conditions cannot be changed overnight. Problems must be faced however it should be done overtime. Role in social programs: believe in finding ways to provide for the majority based on what the country can afford. Govt ownership: accepts steady/ modeste management and interventions in the economy Individual rights: believe in law & order but rights come first

Left

View on change: unjust conditions must be changed as quickly as possible Role in social programs: govt has responsibility to care for all people esp less fortunate (look out for the under dogs) Govt ownership: govt should own key industries and resources Individual rights: high priority

What is the royal assent?

When Bill becomes law. Baby is now a teen!?

Royal assent

When bill becomes law

The Judiciary Branch

Where all the laws are controlled and made clear through the courts. Apply + interpret laws thru Canada's court system. Canada's court systems in judiciary: -Supreme Court (highest court) -federal court -provincial / territorial court *supreme court is final place to challenge law*

History of Governments: 1215 Why was the Magna Carta important for the people of England?

Without the Magna Carta, royalty would be above the law and could have used that to their advantage.

Minority Government

a government in which the governing party has most seats but still less than half the total. Precarious

Riding

an electoral district of Canada. (338 in Canada)

Responsible government

government that is responsible to the people. In Canada is more commonly described as an executive or Cabinet that is dependent on the support of an elected assembly, rather than on the monarch. • MUST have support of the people • Be answerable to them through elective representatives in order to remain in power

Ballot

n. a piece of paper used for voting

History of Governments: 1642 - 1646 What kind of government did the British set up after the death of King Charles?

• Constitutional Monarchy • It abolishes Monarchy as ruling power

Criminal vs Civil Law

• Criminal law = violations of law (crown vs person) ---> Example: murder • Civil law = disagreements between individuals or groups of people. ---> Example: You break your back by slipping on someone's lawn.

The Constitution Act, 1867: Branches of Govt

• Executive (governing body) • Legislative (legal system to create/amend laws) • Judicial (our court system to uphold laws)

The Constitution Act, 1867

• Formally BNA Act • creation of a federation (our nation at confederation - no longer a colony) • established the structure of the Canadian government

The Constitution Act, 1867: Institutions

• House of Commons • Senate • Supreme court of Canada

The Constitution Act, 1982

• Officially allowed Canada to create and amend its own laws (before only Britain could) • Pierre Trudeau advocated relentlessly (1st attempt turned down) • he also added the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to constitutions • his approach was always more modern and inclusive • attempted to unify Canada, esp Quebec.

History of Governments: 1982 What's in the Constitution that is important to all Canadians?

• Rights and Freedoms of Canadian Citizens • it was a. federal law instead (provinces did not back it up) but then Trudeau added it to the constitution!

What is the constitution of Canada?

• The Constitution Act 1867 • The Constitution Act 1982 These legal documents are supreme law of Canada. Reaffirms Canada's duel legal system (criminal & civil law) and also includes Aboriginal rights and treaty rights

List of rights in Charter of rights and freedoms

• democratic rights • fundamental freedoms • mobility rights • legal rights • equality rights • official language rights


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