Liberal Democracy in Canada

Executive Branch of GovernmentMember How Member Came to

PowerRole and Function

Queen inherited position symbolic head of state no role or function;

symbolic only

Governor General

appointed by the prime minister

represents the monarchy represents Canada receives royal visitors presents honours and

awards for excellence gives royal assent to all

bills, so they can become law

Prime Minister

elected Member of Parliament

leader of the party that obtained the most seats

acts as the head of the government

acts as the leader of the nation

acts as the leader of a national party

Cabinet Minister

elected Member of Parliament

appointed to Cabinet by the prime minister

responsible for a portfolio (e.g., defense, finance, health)

presents bills in the House of Commons

Civil Servant

hired by government officials

responsible for the day-to-day function of the government

Executive Branch responsibilities include

administering the business of government creating bills in the House of Commons enforcing laws

Legislative Branch of GovernmentMember How Member Came to

PowerRole and Function

Prime Minister

leader of the party that came to power

acts as the head of the government

acts as the leader of the nation

acts as the leader of a national party

Member of Parliament

elected by the people debates and votes on bills presented in the House of Commons

Senate appointed by the prime minister

debates and votes on bills passed in the House of Commons

sits on committees

Legislative Branch responsibilities include

making laws changing laws repealing (removing) laws investigating and debating current issues

Judicial Branch of GovernmentMember How Member Came to

PowerRole and Function

Supreme Court Judge

Federal Court Judge

appointed by the prime minister

interprets the Constitution interprets the meaning and the

intent of laws ensures that laws created by the

Legislative Branch are legal and do not violate the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Judicial Branch responsibilities include ensuring that bills passed in the House of Commons are in line with constitutional laws.

Canadian Government Assignment

1. Why do you think there are three branches of power in the Canadian government?

2. You may have noticed that some members of parliament are in both the Executive and Legislative branches of government. Which members of parliament sit in both branches of government?

3. The Judicial branch of government sits independently and has no influence over the Executive or the Legislative branches of government. Why do you think judicial independence is important in a liberal political system?

4. Explain how the three branches of government interact with one another.

5. Explain how the relationship between the three branches of government is a good example of separation of powers.

6. Identify and explain one way that the structure of the Canadian government supports liberal ideology?

7. Define the word riding.

8. What are two other terms that mean the same thing as riding?

9. What must happen to make the number of ridings change in Canada?

10. Why do you think ridings in rural areas would have less people than ridings in the city?

11. Why do some provinces have more ridings than others?

12. Which two provinces will most influence the choice of government?

13. How is the division of Canada into ridings a liberal action?

14. How is representation in the Senate determined?

15. Which two provinces have the most power? Is this fair?

16. What are some of the issues surrounding the formation of our Senate?

17. What are three ways to limit or remove the issues around the Senate?