How Canadians Govern Themselves Flashcards
Pages 28-29
3 key facts about Canada’s system of government
Country with parliamentary democracy, federal state and constitutional monarchy
When were the responsibilities of the federal and provincial government defined?
1867
British North America Act (Constitution Act)
What kind of matters are responsibility of Federal government?
National AND international concern
Defence
Foreign policy
Interprovincial trade and comms
Currency
Navigation
Criminal Law
Citizenship
What are the responsibilities of the provinces?
Municipal government
Education
Health
Natural resources
Property and civil rights
Highways
What matters are shared federal and provincial jurisdiction?
Agriculture and immigration
What does Federalism mean?
Allows provinces to adopt policies tailored to their populations, flexibility to experiment with new ideas
True or false: every province has its own elected Legislative Assembly?
True
What does parliamentary democracy mean?
People elect members of the House of Commons in Ottawa, and provincial and territorial legislatures.
Representatives pass laws, approve and monitore expenditures, and keep government accountable
How can Cabinet ministers retain the “confidence of the House”?
Responsible to the elected representatives, have to resign if defeated in non-confidence vote
What are the three parts of the Parliament?
Sovereign
Senate
House of Commons
What are the parts of provincial legislatures?
Lieutenant Governor
Elected Assembly
Who selects the Cabinet ministers in the federal government?
The Prime Minister
How often are Members of Parliament (House of Commons) elected?
Every 4 years
Who appoints the Senators, until what age can they serve?
The Governor General (on Prime Minister’s advice)
75 years old
Who CONSIDER and REVIEW bills (new law proposals)?
House of Commons and Senate
What needs to happen for a bill to become law?
Passed by both chambers
Received royal assent, granted by Gov. General on behalf of Sovereign
Legislative process for a bill to become law? (7 steps)
First reading - Read for 1st time, printed
Second reading - Members debate bill’s principle
Committee Stage - Committee members study bill clause by clause
Report Stage - Members can make other amendments
Third reading - Members debate and vote on the bill
Senate - Similar process in Senate
Royal Assent - Bill receives royal assent after being passed by both Houses
What’s a right and responsibility of Canadian citizens living in a democracy?
Participate in decision-making by voting in federal, provincial or territorial and municipal elections