canada's government slide share

Canada’s Government

• Federation (federal system)• Parliamentary Democracy • Constitutional Monarchy

BACKGROUND• Until 1982, Canada was under the authority of the British constitution.

• In that year, Canada established its own constitution that outlines the

country’s laws and freedoms.

• Canada still has ties to Great Britain today, which are seen in the

country’s government.



CANADA HAS 3 BRANCHES OF

GOVERNMENT, SIMILAR TO OTHER

DEMOCRATIC COUNTRIES.

LET’S EXPLORE EACH BRANCH.



LEGISLATIVE BRANCHName: Parliament

• Canada’s legislature is bicameral (has 2 parts):

1) Senate

2) House of Commons

Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, Ontario, is home to Canada’s government.


Canadian Senate


Canadian House of Commons



LEGISLATIVE BRANCH• The Citizens of Canada vote for members of

Parliament.

• Members of Parliament belong to many different

Political Parties.

• The prime minister is the leader of the political

party in the House of Commons with the most

members.



EXECUTIVE BRANCHHead of State- Queen Elizabeth II (monarch of the United

Kingdom)

• She is the traditional, symbolic leader of the country.

• Has little real power

• The constitution of Canada limits her power.

Her MajestyQueen Elizabeth II

(the monarch of the UK, Canada, and 14 other “Commonwealth realm” countries)



EXECUTIVE BRANCHBecause the monarch does not live in Canada, she chooses

a governor-general to act in her place.



His ExcellencyThe Right Honorable

David Johnston

Governor General

http://www.gg.ca/images/portraits/GG2010-0555-001_8x10.jpg

http://www.gg.ca/images/portraits/GG2010-0555-001_8x10.jpg



EXECUTIVE BRANCH• Chief Executive (Head of Government)- Prime Minister • Heads the military, enforces laws, leads the parliament, and runs

the country day-to-day

• Is the leader of the majority party in the House of Commons;

indirectly elected by the people

• This is the major difference between a Presidential Democracy and a Parliamentary Democracy! Parliamentary Democracy – legislature (Parliament) chooses Head of Government (Executive Leader). Citizens vote for members of Parliament, members choose the Prime Minister.



The Right HonorableJustin Trudeau

Prime Minister



EXECUTIVE BRANCHEach of Canada’s 10 provinces has its own parliament

organized in a way similar to the parliament of

Canada. Instead of choosing a prime minister, provincial

parliaments choose a premier. This position is like the

governor of a state in the US.



CITIZENS’ RIGHTS• Citizens of Canada have many freedoms, including the right to

vote. Men and women who are citizens and 18 years or older

may choose to vote, but voting is not compulsory.

• Canada has a level of personal freedom that is among the

highest in the world. Citizens have the freedom to travel and

trade. Personal property rights are protected by laws and

enforced by an excellent court system.

canada's government slide share

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