Week 1 Flashcards
What type of government do we have in Canada?
A constitutional monarchy but a parliamentary democracy
What is the role of the Queen/King?
They are mostly symbolic but they must give assent to every bill. They are represented by the governor general
What are the two fundamental principles of parliamentary democracy
Representative government and responsible government
What is a representative government? + a criticism
An elected government. One criticism is party loyalty
What is a responsible government?
Government that can only rule as long as it has the support off the majority
What is a majority government?
Has more than half of the MPs in the House of commons. Outnumbers the opposition. Is stable and more productive
What is a minority government?
Has the greatest number of MPs in the house of commons, but not more than half. Opposition outnumbers the governing party. Unproductive and forced to compromise with opposition
What is the executive branch of government?
oversees day to day operation. Sets departmental priorities and goals.
What is the legislative branch of government?
Contains the House of Commons and the senate. Debates, passes, amends and repeals laws.
What is the judicial branch of government?
Makes sure that the government is following the law. (rule of law)
What does the House of Commons do?
They introduce bills including bills about spending and taxes.
What does the senate do?
They are appointed by the Governor General to introduce bills except for those about taxes and spending.
How do bills pass through the government?
House of Commons -> Senate
What are some differences between federal and provincial government?
- Mp vs Mpp
- prime minister vs primer
- HOC vs Legislative assembly
- Gov general vs Lieutenant gov
What is the Hierarchy of sources of law?
- constitution
- Statues
- Regulations
- Case law
