lecture 7 Flashcards
1
Q
in the house of commons all business is carried out by way of motion. What is the way order of the way of motion
A
- proposition of debate
- debate
- decision
2
Q
what is the process of debate
A
- chair recognizes members speaking
- speaking times are limited
- period for questions + comments
- some rules are strictly enforced
- possibilities for the debate to be extended or limited
3
Q
what is the process of the decision
A
- house must approve all federal spending
- house must approve all new taxes
- house debates government budgetary policies
4
Q
what is the legislative process
A
- first reading
- committee stage
- report stage
- second reading
- third reading
- repeat stages in the senate
- consideration of senate amendments (if applicable)
- royal assent
5
Q
what are the committees
A
- 24 standing
- 10 members reflecting party standings in house
- part of the legislative process
- studies are referred to committees by the house or are self initiated
- witnesses include; departmental officials, private citizens, etc.
6
Q
who are the key players
A
- speaker
- political parties
- house leaders
- whips
7
Q
what are the key roles of the speaker
A
- interprets rules of procedure
- presides over debate
- responsible for administration of the HOC
- performs ceremonial + diplomatic roles
- impartial (does not participate in debate) but can break tie
- assisted by 3 deputies who are elected by the house
8
Q
what are the roles of the political parties
A
- not in the constitution but important part of system
- most members belong to a party
- official party status in the HOC requires 12 members
- each party has a leader, house leader+whip
9
Q
what are the roles of house leaders
A
- responsible for the management of house business on behalf of their party
- government house leader determines timetable for government bills + motions
- supported by privy council
- negotiate with opposition house leaders to determine schedule
- time is currency; come to agreement on length of debates, timing of debates, order of business
10
Q
what are the roles of whips
A
- inform members of house business
- coordinate member participation
- ensure members’ attendance for debates + votes
- determine assignments
- coordinate timing of votes
- all absences must be approved by the whip
11
Q
what are the roles of table officers
A
- official record of decisions, minutes, agenda
- provide advise to speaker + members to the rules, timing etc
- facilitate negotiations by revising draft motions
