Civics: Government in Canada
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
