Final Review: Structure of Government Flashcards
Totalitarianism
A dictator decrees what you will do and what you can’t do, and the police make sure everybody obeys
Democracy
Ruled by people
Liberalism
Freedom from gov intervention in private life; expected to grant benefits
Conservatism
Restrict government spending; Bible; Limited gov regulation of business
Socialism
- Mild Left-wing
- Economy run by gov. (private property exists)
- Democratic Government
Fascism
- Extreme nationalism
- Individuals serve country
- Money & Resources -> Country & Military
- Imperialism
Communism
All property is equally (communally) shared
Direct democracy
EVERY eligible citizen vote in decisions affect society
Constitutional monarchy
Canada
- Democracy with monarch is head of state
- Represented by Governor General
BNA Act of 1967
- Powers of provincial legislatures & parliament
- Charter of Rights (outline basic rights & responsibilities
- Amending formula (requires 7/10 provinces to agree)
Constitution Act of 1982
Can alter w/o British permission
“Charter of Rights and Freedom”
Notwithstanding clause
Override Charter (5years ->renew)
Amending formula
Changes to the Constitution of Canada
Federal System
Powers & responsibilities are divided between federal and provincial governments
Federal Government
Made of: Governor General, House of Commons, Senate
Responsible for: Immigration, Laws, etc
Provincial Government
Responsible for: Education, Health care, etc
Municipal Government
Responsible for: Parks, Garbage, Library, etc
Executive branch
Make & administrate decisions
Legislative branch
Make laws (All 3 lvl of gov can make/amend laws)
Judicial branch
power to interpret/administer law (separated from other branches; ensure gov acts within law)
House of Commons
Legislative branch with elected members (5 years)
Riding (aka Constituency/electoral district)
Areas divided in equal population (100k citizens)
Member of Parliament (MP)
Represent Riding; seats depend on population
Speaker of the House
MP chosen by over MPs to lead discussion (Debate)
Official Opposition
Largest Opposition party (not in power)
-Examine actions of government
Caucus
Private meetings held by political party
- Discuss concerns & opinions freely~
- Decision reach -> MPs vote in favor of party’s position in House of Commons
Prime Minister
Leader of party which most elected representative (must be asked by Governor General)
Cabinet
Elected party members chosen by PM
-responsible for particular department (ie. Defense/finance)
Cabinet solidarity
Cabinet members show support leader so gov appears unified
Shadow Cabinet
Official opposition
Senate
- Runs own affairs (independent of H of C)
- Final check on legislation passed in H of C
- Introduce own bills & pass
Patronage
Reward given for individual loyalty or support
Governor General
Monarch’s representative
-give formal assent (agreement) to a bill b4 it become law
Passage of a bill
- Idea
- Cabinet approves > Draft > Cabinet+Caucus Approve
- H of C First reading
- Second reading: House debates & votes on principle > Parliamentary examines > House amends
- Third reading: debate & Vote > passes to Senate (where 3 readings repeat)
* If bills passes Governor General sign!*
Lieutenant Governor
Provincial Equivalent to Governor General (Representative of monarchy)
Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA)
Provincial Equivalent to House of Common (Elected representatives make/change laws)
Premier
Provincial Equivalent to PM (leader of gov & party in power)
Mayor
Municipal Equivalent to PM
