Unit 2&3: Government and Justice System Flashcards
A nation or community in which the supreme power is invested in a single person known as the monarch.
Monarchy
An organization formed for the purpose of gaining political power.
Political Party
Representative elected by constituents of a riding to the House of Commons.
Member of Parliament
The executive group of MP’s selected by the Prime Minister in order to lead specific responsibilities and act as official advisers. (i.e. Minister of Environment, Health, Foreign Affairs, etc.)
Cabinet Member
- 105 members
- appointed (selected) by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister.
- provide a “sober second thought” to the House of Commons.
- can remain in position until 75
- represents regions (Western Provinces: 24; Ontario: 24; Quebec: 24; Maritimes: 24; Newfoundland/Labrador: 6; Territories: 3)
Senate
A geographical area containing approximately 100,000 people that is represented in the House of Commons by a Member of Parliament . Canada is divided into 308 _____. Each _______ votes for an MP who can then become Prime Minister. Voters do not vote for the Prime Minister.
Riding/Electoral District
An interest group or individual hired to influence political decisions and advocate a certain cause.
Lobby Group/Lobbyists
The means of communication such as radio, television, newspapers and magazines that reach or influence people widely.
Media
The representative of the King/Queen of Canada. He/she is selected by the Prime Minister and appointed by the monarch for 5 years and is mainly ceremonial but extremely powerful.
Governor General
A form of government in which a monarch acts as head of state within the parameters of the constitution.
Constitutional Monarchy
This refers to the head of state, king or queen of Canada (currently Queen Elizabeth II).
Sovereign
A statistic that characterizes human population (i.e. age, sex, income, religion, education, status, etc.)
Demographic
A way of representing different political positions by placing them upon one or more axes each symbolizing independent political dimensions.
Political Spectrum
The political party, led by Stephen Harper, that currently forms the Government of Canada.
Conservative
Partiality of favouritism in a person or issue
Bias
What are the three branches of Canada’s system of Government?
- Judicial
- Executive
- Legislative
Compare and contrast the Senate and the House of Commons.
Both of these are houses in the gov’t that perform the task of reading and approving laws. The House of Commons is the first reading followed by the Senate’s “sober second thought”. MP’s, elected for each riding, sit in the HofC whereas the Senators are appointed and hold the seat until age 75. Bills have to pass through both houses and be approved by the Governor General to become laws.
How is a law made?
There is an extensive process dedicated to creating laws. It can take upwards of 6 months to a year. Firstly, a cabinet member sees a problem and suggests a bill. Then the bill is sent to the HofC where there are 3 readings of the bill. If approved, the bill then travels to the Senate where it must also be read 3 times and approved. If that happens then Governor General gives “royal assent” (his/her signature) on the bill for it to become a law.
The total percent of votes that a party receives all across Canada.
Popular vote
A race between candidates for elective office.
campaign
A legislative assembly in certain countries.
Parliament
What does “triple E” stand for and what does it mean?
Triple E stands for elected, equal, and effective. It is talking about Senate reform.
Elected: If senators are elected they will represent us and not just work for the Prime Minister.
Equal: Every province should have equal representation by population.
Effective: They need a job that serves a purpose other than to babysit the House of Commons.
The highest body within the jurisdiction’s court system.
The Supreme Court
A stature in draft form before it becomes law.
Bill
