week 4 - Parliamentary system Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is Canada’s form of government based on?
British parliamentary system, also known as the Westminster System
This system is adapted from centuries of English tradition.
What do the opening lines of the Canadian constitution promise?
Canada will have a ‘Constitution similar in Principle to that of the United Kingdom.’
When were Canada’s parliament buildings, known as the Centre Block, completed?
1922
The previous buildings were destroyed by fire.
What is the function of the Peace Tower?
It is the clock tower in the Centre Block.
What is the structure of Canada’s national parliament?
Bicameral legislature divided into the House of Commons and the Senate.
How many members are in the House of Commons?
338 elected politicians (MPs).
What is the Senate composed of?
105 appointed senators.
What is the primary purpose of the Canadian parliament?
Choosing the Canadian government and creating new laws.
What does responsible government mean in the context of Canadian democracy?
Rulers are accountable to the people they govern.
Who appoints the prime minister of Canada?
The Governor General of Canada.
What is the role of the Official Opposition in Canada?
To provide targeted criticism to the government of the day.
What was the Coalition Crisis of 2008?
Leaders of three centre-left parties attempted to form a coalition government against Conservative PM Stephen Harper.
What is a majority government?
When the largest party controls a mathematical majority of seats in the House of Commons.
What is a minority government?
When the party with the largest number of seats does not hold an outright majority.
What happens if a minority government loses a confidence vote?
It must call an emergency parliamentary election to remain in office.
What is party discipline?
Expectation that all MPs of a party vote the same way as the party leader.
What is a bill in the context of Canadian lawmaking?
A draft law proposed by the prime minister and cabinet.
What is the role of committees in the House of Commons?
Debate details of proposed bills and suggest changes.
What does the Senate primarily do with legislation from the House of Commons?
Quietly approves legislation.
Can the Senate veto legislation from the House of Commons?
Yes, but it rarely happens.
What is the significance of a no confidence vote?
It indicates that the House no longer has confidence in the government.
True or False: The Senate is an elected body.
False.
Fill in the blank: The House of Commons consists of _______ elected politicians.
338.
Fill in the blank: Senators serve until retirement or their _______.
75th birthday.
