 1. copying the British unitary system  2. copying the American federal state  3. developing a new Canadian system

 Government in Canada is based on a federal system: decision making power is divided between one central authority and several regional authorities.

 The regional authorities: the governments of the provinces and territories that make up the federation (a group of various political units that have joined together to achieve common goals).

 When the plans to establish Canada were being discussed, our leaders were substantially influenced by the American Civil War that had just ended in the United States in  John A. Macdonald (our first Prime Minister) argued for a constitutional monarchy.  Constitutional monarchy: a form of government in which a monarch (king or queen) acts as head of state within the guidelines of a constitution.

 On July 1, 1867, the British government passed a law that established Canada as an independent nation.  Called the British North American Act [BNA ACT], this law defined the laws of Canada’s federal government (the central authority) and the provincial governments would have

 The intention in 1867 was to give the responsibility over the issues of national importance to the federal government.  Issues at the local level were assigned to the provinces  Although rare, sometimes the different levels of government co-operate in providing services, especially those that affect a large percentage of the population.

Federal Government Central authority Decisions affect the entire country Provincial/Territorial Government Regional authority Decisions affect the province/ territory Oversees municipal government Municipal Government Local authority Decisions affect cities/towns

 Our federal government is divided into three separate branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judiciary

 Discusses the issues of government and passes laws.  This is the main decision-making body in Canada.

Legislative Branch Parliament House of Commons (Members are elected) House of Commons (Members are elected) Senate (Members are appointed by the Prime Minister) Senate (Members are appointed by the Prime Minister)

 Responsible for carrying out laws and operating the government  Representative democracy: a government that is made up of elected representatives who vote and pass laws on behalf of an area or group.

Executive Branch Governor General Prime Minister + Cabinet (Ministers are appointed by the Prime Minister Prime Minister + Cabinet (Ministers are appointed by the Prime Minister Civil (Public) Service (hired government employees) Civil (Public) Service (hired government employees)

 The main roles of the judicial branch are to administer justice through civil and criminal courts, and to interpret and apply the laws.

Supreme Court of Canada Judicial Branch Federal Courts (judges are appointed by the prime minister Federal Courts (judges are appointed by the prime minister Provincial Courts (judges are appointed by the premier) Provincial Courts (judges are appointed by the premier)

 Trudeau vs. Ambrose Trudeau vs. Ambrose

 Horwath vs. Wynne Horwath vs. Wynne