Government and Law Making Each branch has an important role in making, interpreting, and enforcing laws in Canada

Read pages 29-31 & answer questions #1-5 p. 31

THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH

The role of the executive branch of the government is to set policies present budgets, propose legislation and implement passed by the legislature.

Federal Level Provincial Level Queen Governor General (David Johnston) Lieutenant Governor (Elizabeth Dowdeswell) Prime Minister (Stephen Harper) Premier (Kathleen Wynne) Cabinet (39 members) Cabinet (27 members) Public or Civil Service

The Legislative Branch

What is it? The legislative branch of government has the power to make, change and repeal laws It is also called Parliament

Federal Level Provincial Level Governor General Lieutenant Governor Senate (Upper House) House of Commons (Lower House) Legislative Assembly

House of Commons Where MP’s meet 308 MP’s Discuss & debate issues & government policies Debates controlled by the Speaker of the House, an MP chosen by the other MP’s Main function to make and change laws

The Government The party with the most ‘seats’ in the House of Commons is the government All others are the opposition Leader of second largest party “Leader of the Opposition”

Question Period Happens four days a week when Parliament is sitting Opposition members raise issues and question government actions May force the government to deal with issues

The Senate “Upper house of Parliament” Senators appointed by PM Must be Canadian citizens, at least 30 “Sober second thought” All laws must pass the Senate

THE JUDICIARY

3 levels of provincial courts: The role of the judiciary is to act as an impartial third party in legal disputes and to clarify the law 3 levels of provincial courts: Provincial Court of Appeal Superior court (for serious offences) Provincial court (for minor offenses) Justices may strike down any law that violates the Charter of Rights & Freedoms

Passing a law: A bill is a proposed legislation, introduced by a cabinet minister (called a government or public bill) or private member (an elective representative who does not hold a cabinet post- called a private member’s bill)

Individual or interest groups Royal Commissions Individual or interest groups IDEAS Advisory Boards Ministers’ initiatives DRAFT LEGISLATION

FIRST READING Bill is ______________ and given __________ reading Minister may discuss the _______________ of the bill Background information is supplied to ________________________ Bill is _____________ and ___________________ introduced first purpose opposition parties printed distributed SECOND READING ___________ of the bill is _________________ Minister makes a speech to __________ the debate Each member can make only ________ speech Bill be referred to committee for ______________ and further ____________________ Principle debated open one revision examination

THIRD READING PROVINCIAL SYSTEM Debate is restricted to ____________ of the bill No _______________________ can be moved contents amendments VOTE HELD FEDERAL SYSTEM Steps are repeated in the Senate Governor General must sign the bill (royal assent) PROVINCIAL SYSTEM Lieutenant-Governor must sign the bill (royal assent)