canadian parliament system Flashcards
Whats the one central principal
Parliament is at the center of political life
Whats a Cabinet
It consist of a prime minster and a approximately 30-40 minister
How do we figure out on election night who will be the Prime minster of Canada
On election night in Canada, the Prime Minister is usually the leader of the political party that wins the most seats in the House of Commons. Here’s how it works simply:
- Voters cast their votes in federal elections for candidates in their local ridings (districts).
- The party with the most seats after all the votes are counted typically forms the government.
- The leader of the winning party becomes the Prime Minister, as long as they have enough support from other members of Parliament.
If no party wins a clear majority (more than half the seats), it may lead to a minority government, and the Prime Minister is still the leader of the party with the most seats.
whats a cabinet and what it consist of
The Cabinet is a group of government ministers chosen by the Prime Minister to head various departments and make key decisions about the country’s policies and laws.
Functions of the Cabinet:
1. Decision-making: The Cabinet discusses and makes decisions on important national issues, such as economic policies, healthcare, and foreign affairs.
2. Implementing laws: Ministers are responsible for carrying out government policies in their specific areas (e.g., finance, education, defense).
3. Advising the Prime Minister: Cabinet members provide advice and help shape the government’s overall direction.
4. Legislation: The Cabinet proposes and drafts laws, which are then presented to Parliament for approval.
Each member of the Cabinet is typically in charge of a specific government department, like the Minister of Finance or Minister of Health.
whats the House of Commons
House of Commons
The House of Commons is the lower house of Canada’s Parliament, where elected representatives (Members of Parliament or MPs) meet to debate and pass laws. It plays a key role in lawmaking, scrutinizing the government, and representing the people.
- Members: MPs are elected by citizens in federal elections to represent their local ridings (districts).
- Function: The House debates and votes on proposed laws (bills), discusses national issues, and holds the government accountable through questioning and committee work.
The House of Commons works alongside the Senate (the upper house) to make and review laws, but the House of Commons is where most legislative work and debates take place.
whats a senate
Senate
The Senate is the upper house of Canada’s Parliament. It is made up of appointed Senators who represent different regions and provinces across the country.
Function:
1. Reviewing legislation: Senators review and suggest changes to bills passed by the House of Commons before they become law.
2. Representing regions: The Senate ensures that all regions of Canada are represented in the legislative process, particularly those with smaller populations.
3. Holding the government accountable: Senators can question the government, hold inquiries, and investigate national issues.
Unlike the House of Commons, Senators are appointed by the Prime Minister, not elected, and they serve until the age of 75.
whats a Governor General
Governor General
The Governor General is the representative of the British monarch (currently the King) in Canada. They perform ceremonial duties on behalf of the monarch but are primarily a symbolic figure in the Canadian political system.
Functions:
1. Opening and closing Parliament: The Governor General formally opens the session of Parliament and gives the Speech from the Throne, outlining the government’s priorities.
2. Appointing the Prime Minister: They appoint the Prime Minister, usually the leader of the party that wins the most seats in the House of Commons.
3. Royal Assent: The Governor General gives formal approval (royal assent) to bills passed by Parliament, allowing them to become law.
4. Representing Canada internationally: The Governor General represents Canada in diplomatic events abroad.
The Governor General’s role is mostly ceremonial, with real political power resting with the elected government.
