Model Parliamen t Social Studies 11

What is Model Parliament  Model Parliament is designed to give visual and experiential support to Social Studies 11.  What follows is a brief introduction to expectations of Model Parliament

Purpose  As a result of a number of issues and events in the world, countries around the world are re-examining policies and procedures within their own border to ensure that citizens rights are protected. Canada is no exception.  Our own Parliament will look at the process of debating at least two bills that will be introduced to the House of Commons. Some Members of Parliament (MPs) believe that these proposed new laws are necessary in order to maintain the equal rights of our citizens even if they are very contentious issues. Others believe that the laws are not required, and if passed, would violate the rights of Canadians and take away many of the freedoms that we have come to expect as citizens of a democratic country.  Your task is to represent the views of one of the Canadian federal parties and work to either to pass or defeat these new bills as they are introduced into our parliamentary system.

Which political party fits my values and ideas?  Students will be divided amongst the parties according to the results of the Political Spectrum Test.  The Party with the most students in it will form the first Government.

Rules and Decorum for the Simulation of the House of Commons  The Speaker of the House is running the show!  During Model Parliament, the Speaker will intervene if at some point the proceedings head off in a wrong direction.  The Speaker should also keep track of the time to ensure that we have time for a democratic debate of the bill(s) as well as Question Period.

Speaker of the House  MPs must stand silently when the Speaker is entering or exiting the room.  MPs can only be seated after the Speaker has taken his or her seat.  When the Speaker stands to make a ruling or to bring the House to order, all MPs must be seated and remain silent until the Speaker is finished.  When an MP desires to speak, he or she must stand and wait silently to be called by the Speaker.

Speaker of the House  When the Speaker has recognized an MP, all other MPs must sit down and be silent.  MPs direct all their comments to the Speaker, saying: "Mr.Speaker."

Rules of the House  MPs must always refer to one another in the third person. When referring to backbenchers, their constituency is used to identify them, for example: "The Member for ( name of riding )." When referring to Ministers, the name of their ministry is used, for example: "The Minister of ( name of Cabinet position )."  Each member must make a name card that clearly describes (from a distance) his/her riding/ministry  MPs must not use unparliamentary language (i.e., foul, profane or offensive language or words abusing any of its MPs, ).

Speaker of the House  MPs may not read their speeches. They can, however, refer to short notes written on cue cards. They can also read quotations from written sources.

Speaker of the House  If an MP breaks any of the rules above, any other MP may stand and say: "Mr./Madam Speaker, I rise on a Point of Order." An MP who is speaking and is interrupted by such an objection must immediately sit.  The Speaker recognizes the MP raising the point and says: "Please explain your point." After the explanation is made, the Speaker decides whether the point is "well taken" or "not well taken." If the Speaker decides that the point is "well taken," this means that he or she agrees that the rules of the House have been broken by the MP, and he or she must apologize to the House before continuing with his or her speech.

Speaker of the House  The Speaker may at any time require an MP to apologize for breaking the rules of the House. If the MP refuses to apologize, the Speaker may have the Sergeant-at-Arms remove him or her. When this happens, the Speaker calls the person by his or her name, rather than by title.

Heckling and Cheering!  Tradition has it that intelligent and articulate heckling is allowed in parliament.  Clapping in support of what is being said is not allowed. Pounding on the tables is the way to show approval.

Role of Prime Minister and Leader(s) of Opposition  Deciding upon what bill is to be presented for debate ( sample Bills will be made available by Mr. Plater and Mr. MacLean ).  Preparing to debate their own bill and ensuring that members of their party are properly prepared to debate other bills  Punctuality of bills and revisions, and photocopying responsibilities will fall squarely on the shoulders of the leaders.  Selection of Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet Ministers will be the responsibility of the party leader.  Party Solidarity will also be the responsibility of the Party leader.

Members of Parliament  Participation is key!  All students are expected to be focused and fully involved in the debating process.  At the end of Model Parliament, all students will be asked to do a self-evaluation.

Royal Assent  A teacher will assume the role of the Governor General in Model Parliament and, pending the passing of a bill, he will give Royal Assent.  If, for any reason, the Prime Minister wishes to prorogue the House and call an election, he/she must obtain permission from the Governor-General

Who sits where?

Homework!  If you are a Backbencher your name card should, for example, read: “Member from Cowichan Valley”  If you are a Cabinet Minister, your name card should, for example, read:  “The Honourable James Scott Peterson Minister of International Trade”

Helpful Links An Authentic Bill (Bill C-56) on assisting human reproduction.: 56_1/90187bE.html Canadian Parliament  Government of Canada Model Parliament Resources page:  phy_e.htm

ENJOY!