Chapter 2 Flashcards
Define FIRST NATIONS
The indigenous nations, or peoples, of Canada, often referred to as “Indians”.
Define SELF-GOVERNMENT
A group or nation’s power to administer it’s own government.
Define EXECUTIVE
The branch of a government or organization that makes decisions and enforces rules.
Define LEGISLATIVE
The branch of government that makes laws
Define JUDICIAL
The branch of government that deals with the administration of justice and the interpretation of laws
Define FIGUREHEAD
A head or chief in name only, often for ceremonial reasons
The power is held elsewhere
Define LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
The executive officer of a province, appointed by the governor general.
Define MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT
The elected representatives of the people, who sit in the federal House of Commons.
Define BACKBENCHERS
Elected members of a parliament/legislature who aren’t government ministers/spokespersons for the opposition party.
Define CABINET
Advisers selected by the prime minister or premier to head ministries or departments and run the executive branch of government.
Define CABINET SOLIDARITY
The rule that cabinet members must publicly agree with government policy or resign.
Define NON-PARTISAN
Not attached to any political party
Define CONSTITUENTS
The residents in a riding, whose interests are looked after by the elected representative
Define RIDINGS
Geographical areas, each of which elects a representative to a federal or provincial legislature
Who is included in the EXECUTIVE branch and what are their responsibilities?
Queen (rep. by the govn. general/lieut. govn.), prime minister/premier, cabinet, civil servants. Make decisions and implements them, carries out policies and runs government dept.
Who is included in the LEGISLATIVE branch and what are their responsibilities?
Parliament (elected rep. appointed senate, govn. general). Introduces, debates, and passes laws.
Who is included in the JUDICIAL branch and what are their responsibilities?
Judges and courts. Interprets and enforces laws.
What role does the Governor General play?
Signs all bills into law- royal assent
Officially welcomes rep. of foreign govs. to Canada
Reads the Speech from the Throne
Promotes pride in and awareness of Canada
What role does the Lieutenant Governor play?
Signs bills into law
Reads the Speech from the Throne
Promotes the province
Explain how the prime minister of Canada is elected
The prime minister is the leader of the political party that has the most elected representatives (MP’s) in the House of Commons.
How is the cabinet formed? What do they do? What do they earn?
Following an election, the pm chooses a group of advis. known as the cabinet who are from his/her party. They also look after dept. port. Such as finance, justice, health, and defence. They earn 140000 as mp, and a bonus of 67000 as cab members.
How is the Premier elected?
The premier leads the pp that was elected by the people to govern the prov. The cabinet isn’t formed and differently than at the federal level
What is the House of Commons? How many make up a riding?
The HoC is Canada’s federal legislative body. 100000 voters typically make up a riding.
What is a minority government?
A government that has fewer than 155 (half the seats) MP’s. Needs support from the other parties.
