Social Studies 6 Unit II: Albertan Democracy Topic 1: Structure of the Alberta Government (Outcome 6.1.5)

How Power is Shared  The Alberta government is made up of three parts or branches:  1. Executive Branch  2. Legislative Branch  3. Judicial Branch  - All branches must work within the Canadian Constitution, including the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The Executive Branch  This is the part of government that PROPOSES new laws.  The E.B. is technically the Queen, represented by the Lieutenant Governor.  Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor is picked by the Premier.  The current L.G. is the Honourable Norman Kwong.

The Executive Branch Cont’d  In reality the power to propose laws rests with the political party that wins the most seats in a provincial elections. This party is usually called the government or governing party.  In Alberta, this party is the Progressive Conservative Party.  The leader of the governing party is called the Premier.  The current premier in Alberta is the Hon. Ed Stelmach

The Executive Branch  The Premier chooses MLAs from his own party to be in charge of a certain area of the government, like education. These MLAs are then called Ministers.  For example, the MLA in charge of education is known as the Minister of Education.  The premier with his/her ministers are known as the cabinet which drafts bills. This is the REAL executive branch.  Once the law is passed, the L.G. just has to sign his name on the document, which makes it official.

The Legislative Branch  This is the part of government that DEBATES proposed laws (called bills) and PASSES them into law or rejects them.  In Alberta, the legislative branch is made up of all the members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) elected by Albertans in a provincial election, including the government.  Currently, there are 83 MLAs, each representing an electoral riding.  Note that every MLA has the power to propose a bill, although only government bills stand a good chance of passing.

The Legislative Branch Cont’d  Legal falls in the Barrhead-Morinville- Westlock electoral district and is represented by the Honourable Ken Kowalski who is acting speaker of the house.  The speaker makes sure MLAs follow debating rules in the Legislature.

The Legislative Branch Cont’d  The legislative branch is spilt into the governing party (also part of the executive branch) and the opposition parties whose job it is to make sure the government doesn’t get too powerful and abuse its position.  This is done through debating government proposed bills.

The Judicial Branch  This is the branch of government that INTERPRETS laws during criminal and civil cases.  This branch is made up of judges and lawyers.  If the laws are found to be unconstitutional they may be thrown out.

What is a Referendum?  Referendum – allows citizens to vote on an issue or law proposed by a gov’t.