Grade 8 Social Studies Federal Government Positions

The Queen

Queen Elizabeth II Although Canada is a constitutional monarchy we still hold the Queen (Elizabeth II) as our Head of State Tradition keeps the Queen as the ceremonial leader of our country, even though she has no real law-making power.

Governor General David Johnston

Governor General The G-G is appointed by the Queen at the suggestion or recommendation of the Prime Minister They are the Monarch’s Royal Representative in Canada Their role is mostly ceremonial: Presents government awards such as the Order of Canada (exceptional achievement or service) Travels the country visiting communities;

Prime Minister Stephan Harper

Prime Minister They have the most law-making and political power in the country. They are the Head of Government. They achieve power by being the leader of the political party that wins the most seats in an election. They have the most important role in the Federal government and is responsible for many tasks, appointments and decisions.

The Cabinet

Members of the House of Commons who have been appointed to the Cabinet. Responsible for the day-to-day running of the House of Commons Many different departments that take care of different parts of Canada

The House of Commons Main legislative body of federal government. 308 people elected to the house of Commons from all across Canada. They are to represent the people (constituents) from their riding and to make sure bills are passed that are going to help their constituents.

Member of Parliament Peter McKay

Member Of Parliament (MP) Peter McKay represents the people of the Central Nova (Pictou- Antigonish-Guysborough) Minister of Justice and Attorney General– his position in the Cabinet

The Senate

They are appointed by the Prime Minister Appointed until age 75 Can make slight changes or suggestions regarding laws, or they can reject it altogether

Roles in House of Commons Speaker of the House – Keeps order and runs the daily operations Leader of the Official Opposition-leader of the second largest party in the House of Commons (NDP – Tom Mulcair) Party Whips- Responsible to make sure MPs show up for their job Pages-students who work at the House of Commons

Structure of Federal Government

You fill in the Federal Government