Canada's Political System
Government makes the news because, every day, its decisions affect the quality of life of Canadians. Canada has several levels of government, including local and provincial government, and the federal government. So how does Canada's government make decisions, and who is involved? Canadians have different points of view and perspectives about quality of life. To build a society where all Canadians belong, it's important for Canada's government to acknowledge and respond to the different needs and priorities of its citizens. This unit explores governance in Canada - the processes and structures that guide how Canada's government goes about governing.
* Outcome 9.1.4 examine the structure of Canada's federal political system by exploring and reflecting upon the following questions and issues
Lesson 1: The Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches
The Executive Branch
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The Legislative Branch
- The Legislative Branch includes the House of Commons, the Senate, and the Governor General
the Queen & the Governor General
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House of Commons
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the Senate
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The Judicial Branch
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Lesson 2: Getting Elected and Accountability
Members of Parliament (MPs) have two key responsibilities: to represent their constituents and to create legislation for the peace, order and good government of all Canadians. The structure of Canada's electoral system partly determines who represents Canadians in government. The 'Popular Vote' refers to the total support political parties win during an election, regardless of whether they win ridings. However, elections are won on the amount of ridings/constituencies a party wins. Each riding has a 'seat' in the House of Commons. There are 308 seats total. If a party wins 155 of these seats they are considered a 'majority government'. If they win less, a 'minority government'.
The number of ridings in a province is based on the population.
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How does the popular vote and total constituencies won differ?
Do the numbers in the chart to the left look fair? What are some advantages and disadvantages of an electoral system based on population? |
Members of Parliament (MP)
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Senators
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mp_and_senator_accountability.docx | |
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File Type: | docx |
Lesson 3: How a Bill becomes a Law!
In Canada, the Legislative Branch of the government passes laws. Remember, the Legislative Branch includes the House of Commons, the Senate, and the Governor General. At first just an idea, a law must be presented as a 'bill' to the House of Commons where it goes through a first reading without debate or change. Next, the bill enters a second reading at which point the ideas and merit behind the bill are debated. Here, the bill will be voted on and it will pass to the committee stage or not. Once at committee stage, a small group of Parliament Members work with citizens, stakeholders, and experts to make the final decision on any changes or amendments. The bill is then presented to the House of Commons during a third reading in which members of the House of Commons will vote on a finalized bill. The bill must then pass a similar test in the Senate where more recommendations or second thoughts will be provided. Once the bill has passed three House readings and a Senate approval, the bill is then given 'royal assent' by the Governor General.
First Reading - Printed copies of the the bill are made available and there is no vote or debate.
Second Reading - Debate and vote on the principle of the Bill. Member's of Parliament (MP's) and Senators debate whether or not the bill serves the best interest of Canadians. Committee Stage - A committee of government members from all political parties review the bill with the help of experts and other citizens who would have a vested interest in the bill. Recommendations usually come from this committee and are accepted by Parliament. Report Stage - Debate and vote on changes (amendments) to the bill Third Reading - Debate and vote on the final form of the bill. Royal Assent - Signed off by Governor General |
Ways to Voice Your Views and Perspectives about the Law...
- Contact your MP, a Senator or a Cabinet Minister
- Campaign for a candidate during an election
- Organize a petition or rally on an issue that concerns you
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Lesson 4: Media and Lobbyist
The role of the media in relation to political issues is to inform people about the impact government is having on their lives. The media also provides Canadians with the opportunity to express their opinions and perspectives to each other and to the government on issues that affect them. But, the most important thing about the role of the media in the political process is to find the truth, to sort through credible sources with credible information. The media must also sort through the "spin" and the noise of the political parties to find the truth for the general public, so that they can make informed decisions.
What is a Lobbyist?
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