1. Legislative Politics

2. Democratic Governments
Legislatures legitimize the policies of the executive.

3. The Canadian Legislature is Bicameral

4. Senate

5. House of Commons

6. Members of Parliament
Royal Galipeau MP Ottawa Orleans

7. Royal Galipeau MP Ottawa Orleans
Members of Parliament
Constituency responsibilities
Legislative duties – voting, can introduce private member’s bills
The majority of MPs are backbenchers
Royal Galipeau MP Ottawa Orleans
(Conservative)
Paul Dewar
MP Ottawa Centre
(NDP)
David McGuinty
MP Ottawa South
(Liberal)

8. Legislative Process

9. Types of Bills Senate (start with an S) Commons (start with a C)
Government/Private Members (and Private)

10. Majority/Minority Parliaments
A majority parliament occurs when one party wins over 50% of the seats in the House of Commons and forms the government (controls the political executive)
A minority parliament occurs when one party wins more seats than any other party and forms the government but does not hold a majority of seats

11. Party Discipline
In Canada, Members of Parliament are generally required to vote along party lines
The party whip ensures that MPs know how to vote on a bill
MPs could be disciplined for voting against their party

12. Committees Legislative function Conducting Studies
Former Prime Minister Mulroney before a Parliamentary Committee

13. Question Period

14. Very Partisan--It’s a bloodsport

15. Role of Media

16. Fusion of Powers
In Canada the Executive and Parliament are linked by the Prime Minister and cabinet
The Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers simultaneously sit in both the Executive and House of Commons
In Canada, because of party discipline and fusion of power, the Prime Minister is very powerful in a majority government