Canadian Government Who’s in Charge?

Canadian Government Canada was under the authority for the British constitution until making its own in 1982 Canada still has strong ties to Great Britain

Describing Canada’s Government Three Ways: – Constitutional monarchy – Parliamentary democracy – federation

Constitutional Monarchy Canada has a constitution, but its head of state is the Monarch of Great Britain (Queen Elizabeth II) – Monarch selects a governor-general to represent him/her in Canada – Mostly a ceremonial position (little power)

Parliamentary Democracy Has a Legislature (Parliament) – Three parts Monarch Senate House of Commons Parliament makes laws Executive branch (Monarch, Prime Minister, and Cabinet) enforce laws – Prime Minister is actual head of Government Judicial branch (courts and judges) interprets laws

Federation Federation = power is divided between a central government and a number of political subdivisions. Canada comprised of ten provinces and three territories Central Government handles affairs like national defense and trade Local Governments handle local affairs

Citizens Rights Over 18 has right to vote Canadian Constitution guarantees citizens person freedoms such as: – Freedom of speech – Freedom of religion – Freedom of press – Right to fair trial – Equal rights