C1- Canada's Federal Government

Question 1

The Executive Branch:

Answer 1

the part of the government responsible for putting laws into action

• -includes the Prime Minister (PM) and the cabinet and governor general (GG)*
• *(Executive always means those in charge)**

Question 2

To become the PM you must:

Answer 2

• be elected as the leader of a political party
• be elected as a member of parliament
• your party must win the most seats in the House of Commons

Question 3

The cabinet are appointed by the…

Answer 3

Prime Minister (PM)

Question 4

Cabinet purposes…

Answer 4

most of the ideas which become laws

Question 5

The PM and cabinet run the everyday business of…

Answer 5

the government

Question 6

The Legislation Branch:

Answer 6

is the part of the government that makes laws

• (includes the House of Commons, the Senate and the Governor general)**
• *Legislation always means LAWS**

Question 7

senate:

Answer 7

the smaller upper assembly; often upper house of chamber

Question 8

The House of Commons:

Answer 8

• major law-making body in Canada’s federal political system
• members of parliament (MPs) are elected by voters
• MPs represent the voters of on riding or district
• the political party with the most MPs form the government,

Question 9

The Senate:

Answer 9

• further study and debate on laws

- a bill cannot become Law until both the House of Commons and the Senate passes it

Question 10

Members are called…

Answer 10

senators

Question 11

Senate helps to ensure…

Answer 11

the minorities still have a strong voice within Canada

Question 12

Senate can…

Answer 12

propose laws but cannot propose laws which create or spend taxes

Question 13

A bill may be passed by…

Answer 13

the Senate and House of Commons to become a law

Question 14

Senate can reject laws from the…

Answer 14

House of Commons

Question 15

political parties:

Answer 15

groups of people who have similar ideas about the government

• formal organizations that any Canadian can join
• they elect leaders

Question 16

The Judicial Branch:

Answer 16

the branch of the government that interprets and applies the law by making legal judgments

• includes Canada’s court of law
• is separate from the other branches and checks on their power
• has the responsibility for making sure rights are upheld and respected
• *Judicial means always think judges**

Question 17

How laws are passed:

Answer 17

1. First Reading
2. Second Reading
3. Committee Stage
4. Report Stage
5. Third reading

Question 18

First Reading:

Answer 18

printed copies of the bill are made available for the 1st time

Question 19

Second Reading:

Answer 19

debate and vote on the principle of the bill

Question 20

Committee Stage:

Answer 20

detailed study of the bill

Question 21

Report Stage:

Answer 21

debate and vote on amendments (changes) to the bill

Question 22

Third Stage:

Answer 22

debate and vote on the final form of the bill

Question 23

lobbyists:

Answer 23

people paid to represent the interests in particular groups in society; hired by a group to influence MP’s and government officials