 In order to provide a more efficient way of governing Canada and looking after the needs of her people, our government is divided into three levels:

FEDERAL:  looks after the needs of all Canadians PROVINCIAL:  looks after the needs of people in each province MUNICIPAL:  looks after the needs of people in each city or community

 With each of these levels there are powers, therefore each level of government has three branches:

EXECUTIVE:  the people in charge (P.M., Premier, etc.) LEGISLATIVE:  the power to make laws and regulations (parliament) JUDICIAL:  the power to punish those who break the laws (courts)

Executive Branch Legislative Branch Judicial Branch

 Carries out the plans and policies of the government  Power to suggest laws  Power to enforce, administer, or carry out laws  Federal level: made up of the prime minister, the cabinet, and the public service.  Provincial level: made up of the premier, the cabinet, and the provincial public service.

 Power to make or change laws  Also known as “parliament”  At the provincial level, the parliament is usually called the legislature or the legislative assembly.  Only Ontario refers to its provincial representatives as “MPP” (Member of Provincial Parliament). Most other provinces use the term “MLA” (Member of the Legislative Assembly)

 Part of government that deals with the law.  In Canada, this branch is separate from the other two branches, ensuring that Parliament and its members are not above the law.  The power to interpret laws and the power to punish law breakers.  Made up of the courts and judges.  They determine if people charged with crimes are guilty or innocent and decide on punishments for those found guilty.