How Canadians Govern Themselves Flashcards
(74 cards)
What are all the levels of governments in Canada?
Federal, provincial, territorial and municipal
When and in what document were the responsibilities of the federal and provincial governments defined?
in 1867 in the British North American Act, now known as the Constitution Act 1867
What does the federal government take responsibility for?
matters of international and national concern, such defense, foreign policy, interprovicial trade and communications, currency, navigation, criminal law and citizenship
What are the provinces responsible for governing?
municipal government, education, health, natural resources, property and civil rights, and highways
What does the federal and provincial governments share responsibility over?
agriculture and immigration
What happens in a parliamentary democracy?
the people elect members to the House of Commons in Ottawa and to the provincial and territorial legislatures
What are the representatives of the House of Commons responsible for?
passing laws, approving and monitoring expenditures and keeping the government accountable
What are cabinet ministers responsible for?
they are responsible to the elected representatives, which means they must retain the ‘confidence of the house’ and must resign if they are defeated in a non-confidence vote
What are the three parts of Parliament
Sovereign, Senate and House of Commons
What do the provincial legislatures comprise?
the Lieutenant Governor and the elected Assembly
In the Federal Government, who selects the Cabinet ministers and is responsible for operations and policy of the government?
The Prime Minister
How are Senators appointed?
By the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister and serve until age 75
Explain the steps in how a bill becomes law - the legislative process
STEP 1 - First reading - the bill is considered read for the first time and is printed
STEP 2 - Second reading - Members debate the bill’s principle
STEP 3 - Committee Stage - committee members study the build clause by clause
STEP 4 - Report Stage - Members can make other amendments
STEP 5 - Third Reading - members debate and vote on the bill
STEP 6 - Senate - the bill follows a similar process in the Senate
STEP 7 - Royal Assent - The bill receives royal assent after being passed by both Houses
What is the minimum voting age in Canada?
18
What kind of elections can Canadians participate in?
Federal, Provincial or Territorial, and Municipal
What part of the government is the sovereign a part of?
Parliament
What role does the Sovereign play in government?
non-partisan role as the focus of citizenship and allegiance - a symbol of Canadian sovereignty, a guardian of constitutional freedoms, and a reflection of our history
What are examples of other constitutional monarchies besides Canada?
Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Spain, Thailand, Japan, Jordan and Morocco
Who is the head of State and Head of Government
Head of State: Sovereign
Head of Government: Prime Minister
Who represents the Sovereign in Canada?
The Governor General, who is appointed by the Sovereign on the advice of the Prime Ministerh
What is the usual term of office for the Governor General?
5 years
Who represents the Sovereign in each of the 10 provinces?
The Lieutenant Governor, who is appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister, usually for 5 years
What are the three branches of Canadian government?
Executive, Legislative, Judicial (checks and balances like in USA)
What are the members of the elected legislatures in the provinces called?
“Members of the Legislative Assembly” (MLAs)
“Members of the National Assembly” (MNAs)
“Members of the Provincial Parliament” (MPPs)
“Members of the House of Assembly” (MHAs)
(depends on province or territory)
