The Canadian Federal Government… What really goes on there?

There are 3 Branches of Canadian Government Executive Branch Judicial Branch Legislative Branch

The EXECUTIVE Branch Let’s look at them!! These are the leaders who get paid the big bucks to make the big decisions. The bigwigs here include… 1. The Queen 2. The Governor-General 3. The Prime Minister 4. The Cabinet Let’s look at them!!

The Queen… Queen Elizabeth II

What’s Up with the Queen? Canada is a constitutional monarchy based on the British model, which is why the Queen is the head of state. Since the Queen is rarely here, the governor general represents her at the federal level, and a lieutenant governor represents her in each province.

The Governor-General This person is the Queen’s representative at the federal level. RMR: Rick at Rideau Hall -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIHCDgXUgyE&playnext=1&list=PL1DB5C32E17EA9005&feature=results_main David Johnston Visiting Canadian Troops in Afghanistan

What does the Governor General Do? Gives royal ascent for bills to become law Summons Parliament or provincial legislatures to meet (When the PM says) Appoints Senators (Based on who the PM says) Calls elections (Usually when the PM says!) * This is really a ceremonial position with little or no actual power or authority.

The Prime Minister The PM is the leader of the party that has the most seats in Parliament. The PM is the most powerful person in government. Stephen Harper

The Executive Branch can propose new LAWS. WHY? 4 reasons… 1. Supreme Court decisions 2. Public opinion 3. Having to follow through on their party’s election promises 4. Changing circumstances in society

We have a Parliamentary System of government. What’s that? In the parliamentary system, voters give the power to make new laws to elected Members of Parliament (MP’s). Our Parliament consists of an elected House of Commons and an appointed Senate. This is called the Legislative Branch of government.

OH MY GOSH THIS IS SO INTERESTING!! LET’S LEARN MORE!!!! I know what you’re thinking… OH MY GOSH THIS IS SO INTERESTING!! LET’S LEARN MORE!!!!

The Senate Reviews and suggests changes to legislation passed by the House of Commons. This is the place for “Sober Second Thought” In theory, it has the power to refuse to pass legislation, but that rarely happens. Parliament of Canada - The Senate - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLadbJe4MXg

House of Commons The House of Commons is part of the Canadian Parliament...what is that?...... Parliament of Canada - The House of Commons - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4oKuEsoFzU

Members of Parliament MP’s, as a group, are referred to as the House of Commons They are elected to represent voters in a particular riding/area (a geographical area of approx. 100,000 people) Main job: Debate and vote on proposed legislation

Speaker of the House S/he is an MP elected by the other MP’s to do this job. Main job: Keeping order during debates and managing the day-to-day decisions It’s a bit like being a ref Andrew Scheer

Leader of the Official Opposition This is the leader of the second-largest party in Parliament. Main job: presenting clear alternatives to the government’s ideas or policies Thomas Mulcair

Shadow Cabinet Selected by the Leader of the Opposition The members take on the same areas of responsibility as the members of cabinet. Main job: To “shadow” the cabinet ministers and criticize government policy or suggest changes. Parliament Fight Canadian House of Commons - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbzcXg7zhPk

OK – but the main question is… Where do they all SIT? There are 338 seats in the House of Commons.

The 3rd and Final Branch of Govn’t… The Judicial Branch The federal govn’t is in charge of the Supreme Court of Canada and the Federal Court. The courts must interpret and enforce the laws. The Supreme Court is the most senior court in Canada.

That’s it!! Congratulations – you’ve become a LOT more knowledgeable about how our government works and what the various people in power do. You’re a big step closer to becoming an informed and active citizen! FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ‘RAP UP’ - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8HfTbUKXrU