canadian givernment Flashcards
(62 cards)
What are the main criticisms of the current Senate in Canada regarding representation?
There is a lack of representation by population; for example, British Columbia has many seats despite having the third-largest population.
Why has Senate reform been considered slow or non-existent?
Because of the complex political and constitutional changes required for reform.
What does “Triple-E” Senate stand for, and what are its proposed features?
Elected, Equal, and Effective; it suggests Senators should be elected, have equal representation, and function effectively without party loyalty constraints.
What role does the Cabinet play in the initial stage of a bill?
The Cabinet proposes new bills.
What occurs during the Committee/Report stage of a bill?
Committee members study the bill’s clauses and may make amendments.
Why is the Senate’s review of bills considered important?
It provides a “sober second thought,” ensuring thorough scrutiny and refinement of legislation before it becomes law.
What is Royal Assent, and who gives it?
Royal Assent is the final approval a bill needs to become law, given by the Governor General.
What are all 7 steps of a bill-) law in order
Proposal made by cabinet
First reading
Second reading
Committee/ report stage
Third reading
Senate
Royal assent
What stages of a bill are there votes
Second and third reading
What happens during senate stage of a bill
Follows the exact same process and H of C
What happens during second reading
Members debate and vote on the bills principles
what happens during the first reading
bill is considered read for the first time and printed
Whats the first step of turning a bill into a law
proposal is made by the cabinet
How many judges on the Supreme Court of Canada are from Quebec, and why?
3 judges, to ensure adequate representation of Quebec’s civil law system.
What impact has the addition of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms had on the Supreme Court?
It significantly increased the Court’s role in interpreting human rights issues.
who/ how many judges are int he supreme court of canada
9 judges, 3 from quebec, including the cheif of justice
sicne when was the supreme court of Can a major role of human rights
since the charter was added to the constitution
Why is it called “First Past the Post” if there is no actual post?
The phrase metaphorically indicates the candidate who receives the most votes wins, even if there isn’t a majority.
How can the FPTP system affect election outcomes?
Candidates can win without a majority of total votes, potentially skewing representation.
What influence can lobbyists have on government decisions?
They meet with ministers and attend parliamentary committees to persuade decision-makers and shape policies.
How do interest groups form, and what unifies them?
They form when people with common goals or interests come together to influence government policies.
Who is included in the civil service, and what role do they play?
Civil servants perform ongoing government business like collecting taxes and processing documents, helping carry out laws and decisions.
What specific powers does the Executive Branch have?
It has the power to make decisions, administer laws, and oversee the day-to-day operations of government.
Which levels of government have the power to make laws, and give examples?
Federal (e.g., armed forces funding), Provincial (e.g., tax rates for education), and Municipal (e.g., waste disposal by-laws).
