The Branches Of Goverment Flashcards
What does the term ‘govern’ mean?
To control the policy, actions, & affairs of a state, organization or people.
Define ‘government’.
A person or a group of people that exercise authority & control.
What is ‘governance’?
The act or manner of controlling or governing.
What type of government does Canada have?
A democratic government elected by the people.
What are the three levels of government in Canada?
- Municipal (City/Town)
- Provincial (Province/Territory)
- Federal (National)
Who is the leader of a municipality in Canada?
Mayor.
Who is the leader of a province in Canada?
Premier.
Who represents the Monarch of England in Canada?
Governor General.
What is the term length for mayors in Canada?
4 years.
What are MLAs?
Members of the Legislative Assembly.
What are wards?
Voting areas of a city.
What are by-laws?
Local laws.
What is the role of political parties at the municipal level?
Responsible for local services.
What does GST stand for?
Goods & Services Tax.
Who is the current Prime Minister of Canada?
Justin Trudeau.
What do MPs stand for?
Members of Parliament.
What is the most powerful level of government in Canada?
Federal government.
What are the three branches of government?
- Executive Branch
- Legislative Branch
- Judicial Branch
What is the function of the Executive Branch?
Implements laws.
What is the role of the Legislative Branch?
Makes laws.
What does the Judicial Branch do?
Applies laws.
What is the Supreme Court?
The highest court in Canada.
What is the House of Commons?
The lower house of Parliament.
What is the Senate?
The upper house of Parliament.
Who is considered Canada’s Head of State?
Monarch (King Charles III).
What is a hereditary position in Canada?
Monarch.
What does the Crown in Canada represent?
The personification of the state.
What is the role of the Cabinet in Canada?
Responsible for specific departments.
What are civil servants?
Individuals who run the day-to-day business of government departments.
Who is the Governor General of Canada?
Mary Simon
The Governor General is appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister.
What is the term length for the Governor General?
4.5 years
The Governor General represents the monarch in Canada.
What are the two branches of the Canadian Parliament?
House of Commons and the Senate
The legislative branch of Canada is bicameral.
What is the primary function of the legislative branch in Canada?
Make laws
The legislative branch represents the interests and rights of Canadians.
What type of system does the Canadian federal government have?
Bicameral system
This includes elected members of the House of Commons and appointed senators.
What does the Judicial Branch in Canada consist of?
Supreme Court, Federal Courts, and Provincial Courts
The Judicial Branch is separated from the other two branches of government.
What is the role of the Supreme Court of Canada?
Final say on laws, enforcement, and constitutionality
It interprets and applies all laws in Canada.
What documents outline the laws in Canada?
Charter of Rights & Freedoms, Constitution Act, and existing laws
These documents guide the interpretation and application of laws.
Fill in the blank: The Supreme Court of Canada is the _______ court in Canada.
highest
It acts as a check on the powers of the other branches of government.
What is the function of courts in Canada?
Interprets and applies laws by making legal judgments
Courts ensure the enforcement of rights and laws.
List the types of courts in Canada.
- Supreme Court of Canada
- Federal Courts
- Provincial Courts
- Court Martial
- Appeal Court
- Military Courts
- Provincial/Territorial Court of Appeal
- Provincial/Territorial Superior Courts
- Provincial/Territorial Courts
- Provincial/Territorial Administrative Tribunals
- Federal Court of Appeal
- Federal Court
These courts serve various legal functions within the judicial system.
What are the fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
- Practice any religion or no religion
- Think our own thoughts & speak our minds
- Print and broadcast any information
Hate speech involving violence is not protected.
What democratic rights do citizens have under the Canadian Charter?
- Vote in elections
- Run for public office
- Elections every 5 years
Elected governors cannot hold power indefinitely.
What do mobility rights entail for Canadian citizens?
- Enter, remain, or leave Canada
- Seek work anywhere in Canada
Mobility rights ensure freedom of movement within the country.
What are the key legal rights protected by the Canadian Charter?
- Reasonable respect for privacy
- Fair and reasonable police duties
- Fair treatment in judicial processes
- Innocent until proven guilty
Legal rights ensure justice and fairness in legal proceedings.
What do equality rights guarantee for individuals in Canada?
- Treated with the same respect
- Access to what they need
Equality rights promote fairness and non-discrimination.
What are the official languages of Canada according to the Charter?
- French
- English
Parliament records must be published in both languages.
Fill in the blank: Under the Canadian Charter, you can send your kids to _______ schools.
French or English
True or False: The Canadian Charter allows for hate speech that involves violence.
False
What is the first step in how a bill becomes law?
The bill is considered read for the first time and is printed
This initiates the legislative process.
What occurs during the Third Reading of a bill?
Members debate and vote on the bill
This is typically the final opportunity for members to discuss the bill before it is passed.
What happens during the Second Reading of a bill?
Members debate the bill’s principles
This stage focuses on the overall concept and purpose of the bill.
What is the purpose of the Report Stage in the legislative process?
Members can make other amendments
This stage allows further refinement of the bill after committee review.
How does a bill proceed in the Senate?
The bill follows a similar process in the Senate
This ensures both houses review the bill before it can become law.
What is the final step in how a bill becomes law?
Bill receives Royal Assent after being passed by both houses
Royal Assent is the formal approval needed for a bill to become law.
Fill in the blank: The _______ stage involves committee members studying the bill clause by clause.
Committee Stage
This stage is crucial for detailed examination of the bill’s content.
True or False: The process of a bill becoming law can happen multiple times before Royal Assent.
True
A bill may be revised and voted on multiple times during the legislative process.
What are Lobby Groups?
Organizations that express their interests to influence public policy or government decision making
Lobby groups can represent various interests, including business, labor, environment, and social issues.
Define Lobbying.
The act of individuals or groups expressing their interests to influence government decisions
Lobbying can occur at federal, provincial, or municipal levels.
Who is a Lobbyist?
An individual hired by a special interest group to influence Members of Parliament (MPs) and government officials
Lobbyists must register with the Commissioner of Lobbying in Canada.
What must lobbyists do to maintain transparency?
Document the meetings they have with government officials
This ensures public awareness of lobbying activities.
List some methods lobbyists use to influence policy.
- Direct Meetings
- Written Submissions/Reports
- Lobbying Day/Event
- Emails/Letters & Petitions
- Media & Public Campaign
- Relationships
These methods aim to effectively communicate the interests of the groups they represent.
True or False: Lobbyists sometimes use bribery to achieve their goals.
True
While not all lobbyists engage in unethical practices, bribery can be a tactic used by some.
At what stage of law creation are lobbyists involved?
The committee stage
This stage involves detailed examination of proposed legislation.
