Midterm Study Material Flashcards
What are the three LEVELS of government in Canada?
Federal, municipal, and provincial
National, City/town, Province/territory
Who is Canada’s OFFICIAL head of government?
Prime minister (4 year term)
What are the three Branches of the Canadian federal government?
Executive, legislative, and judicial
What are the roles of the Executive branch?
Create bills, implement laws
What are the roles of the Legislative branch?
Make laws
What are the roles of the Judicial branch?
Make sure the laws are followed, apply laws
What people/jobs are included in the Executive branch?
Queen, governor general, prime minister, cabinet members
Runs daily business of government
What people/jobs are included in the Legislative branch?
MPs, senators, governor general
House of Commons & upper house
What people/jobs are included in the Judicial branch?
Judges (Supreme Court of Justice)
What is the role of the prime minister in the Executive branch?
Head of cabinet
What is the role of the queen in the Executive branch?
Head of state, represents Canada in international business
What is the role of the governor general in the Executive branch?
Symbolic role, such as swearing in cabinet members
What responsibilities do senators and MPs have in the Legislative branch?
Make amendments to bills, debate bills
What is the role of the governor general in the Legislative branch?
Gives royal assent to the final version of the bill
Who represents the Monarch in the Canadian government?
Governor general
What is the difference between how Senators and Members of Parliament represent Canadians?
MPs represent majority, senators represent minorities
How are Members of Parliament chosen?
Voted by citizens
How are Senators chosen?
Chosen by governor general
How do Members of Parliament get their jobs?
Mps are voted in
Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected by the public during elections.
How do Cabinet Ministers get their jobs?
Cabinet members are appointed by the prime minister
The Prime Minister selects Cabinet Ministers from among the elected MPs.
How do Senators get their jobs?
Senators are appointed by the governor general
The Governor General appoints Senators based on recommendations.
How is the Governor General chosen?
Chosen by the monarch with advice from the prime minister
The appointment is a formal process involving the monarchy.
How is the Prime Minister chosen?
Chosen from the party that gets the most seats in the election
The Prime Minister is typically the leader of the winning party.
How many Senators are in the Canadian Parliament?
105
The number of Senators can vary, but it is currently set at 105.
How many Members of Parliament are in the Canadian Parliament?
338
The total number of MPs can change based on population and redistribution.
What is the difference between representation by region and representation by population?
Representation by region is equal representation; representation by population favors majority
This distinction affects how different areas are represented in Parliament.
Which members of government represent citizens by region?
Senators
Senators are appointed to ensure regional interests are represented.
Which members of government represent citizens by population?
Members of Parliament (MPs)
MPs are elected based on the population of their respective areas.
What are the stages a bill must pass through to become a law?
First reading, second reading, report stage, committee stage, third reading, Senate, royal assent
These stages ensure thorough review and discussion of the proposed legislation.
What is the final signature that makes a bill into a law called?
Royal assent
This is given by the Governor General to finalize the legislative process.
Who signs the final signature on bills to make them into a law?
Governor General
The Governor General’s approval is necessary for a bill to become law.
What is the general role of the media in the Canadian government?
To provide Canadians with information about situations
The media acts as a watchdog and informs the public about government actions.
What is the role of the media during an election in Canada?
To inform the population about each party’s positions
The media covers the platforms and policies of political parties to aid voter decision-making.
What role does the media play in Canada?
Influences governmental decisions
The media can shape public opinion and affect policy-making processes.
Is the media biased?
Yes
Biased media can influence people in an unfair way.
What is a lobby group?
An organization that seeks to influence government decisions
Lobby groups represent specific interests and aim to sway policymakers.
Who might hire a lobbyist?
Individuals or organizations wanting to influence action in a community
For example, a business seeking government support for a project.
What does the abbreviation YCJA stand for?
Youth Criminal Justice Act
What is the purpose of the YCJA?
To deal with criminals aged 12-17
What are the objectives of the YCJA?
Prevent crime, rehabilitate/reintegrate, meaningful consequences
The YCJA focuses on addressing youth crime with an emphasis on rehabilitation.
List some individuals/groups involved in the Youth Criminal Justice System.
- Elizabeth Fry Society
- John Howard Society
- Counseling services
- Community services
What does ‘successful reintegration’ mean?
Restoring someone to normal life after crime through training
What does the Criminal Code of Canada deal with?
Adults and crime
What is a criminal record?
A document that shows crimes committed
What is the Elizabeth Fry Society?
A foundation for youth criminals
What is the John Howard Society?
An organization that supports the reintegration of offenders
What does ‘fair and equitable’ mean?
Everyone gets what they deserve and need
What is a jury?
A group of people who participate in court
What is jury duty?
The responsibility to serve as a juror in court
What is justice?
Appropriate punishment for crime
What is prosecution?
Punishment given to a criminal
What does rehabilitate mean?
Restoring someone to normal life after crime
What does reintegrate mean?
To restore someone to a former state or condition
What is a sentence in the context of law?
The punishment given to a criminal
What age range does ‘young offender’ refer to?
12-17 years old
What is a lobbyist?
Someone who influences MPs and government officials
What is the primary role of a journalist?
To document events
Journalists report on news and events to inform the public.
What are legal rights?
Be free of imprisonment without reason
Legal rights protect individuals from arbitrary detention and ensure fair legal processes.
What are equality rights?
Free of discrimination because of physical traits
Equality rights ensure that individuals are treated equally under the law.
What are mobility rights?
Move anywhere in or outside of Canada
Mobility rights allow citizens to travel and reside freely within and outside the country.
What are democratic rights?
Being able to vote
Democratic rights ensure participation in the electoral process.
What are fundamental freedoms?
Cared for opinions, choose religion, organize peaceful meetings with anyone
Fundamental freedoms encompass freedom of expression, religion, assembly, and association.
When was the Charter of Rights and Freedoms passed as law?
1982
The Charter is a key part of Canada’s Constitution that guarantees rights and freedoms.
What was the War Measures Act?
Law that gave sweeping emergency power to federal cabinet
The Act allowed the government to take extraordinary measures during national emergencies.
What are the three historical events in which the War Measures Act was used?
WW1, WW2, October Crisis
The Act was invoked during significant national crises.
What act replaced the War Measures Act?
The Emergencies Act
The Emergencies Act provides a framework for emergency powers while respecting civil liberties.
What three historic groups have collective rights guaranteed in Canada’s Constitution?
Indigenous People, Francophones, Anglophones
These groups have specific rights recognized to preserve their cultures and languages.
What was the purpose of Quebec’s Bill 101?
To make French the official language in Quebec
Bill 101 aimed to promote and protect the French language in Quebec.
What legislation governs Minority Language collective rights?
Section 23 of the Constitution
This section ensures the right to education in minority languages.
What legislation governs First Nations collective rights?
Section 35 of the Constitution
This section affirms the rights of First Nations in Canada.
What legislation governs Métis collective rights?
Section 35 of the Constitution Act
This section recognizes the rights of Métis communities.
What legislation governs Inuit collective rights?
Section 35 of the Constitution
This section also applies to the recognition of Inuit rights.
What does ‘Inherent Rights’ mean?
The right to govern themselves and decision-making authority
Inherent rights recognize the self-determination of Indigenous peoples.
What is the Indian Act?
Made laws without consulting Indigenous cultures
The Indian Act has been criticized for imposing external governance on Indigenous communities.
What are the Numbered Treaties?
Agreements made between Canadian government & Indigenous states
These treaties outline the rights and responsibilities between the parties.
What section of the Constitution affirms Indigenous collective rights?
Section 35
Section 35 is fundamental in recognizing and protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
