Federal Structure
Who represents the King in Canada's federal government?
The Governor General
Who are members of parliament (MP's) appointed by?
The people within their riding/constituency
Why might someone think the Cabinet is bias?
The Prime Minister decides who is in the Cabinet
What is Canada's electoral process called?
First Past the Post
What are all the individuals that make up a riding called?
constituents or a constituency
Name one of the two parts f Canada's federal government that falls under the "Excecutive Branch"
Prime Minister or Cabinet
Why does Ontario have more ridings than Alberta?
Ontario has more people
If the entire cabinet agrees on a bill, then it can become a law. True or False?
False
Explain a disadvantage of First Past the Post
You can have the most total votes and still lose the election
How many Judges make up the Supreme Court?
9
What is the main role of the House of Commons?
Major law making body in Canada
Members of HoC debate, study, and vote on bills
What is a portfolio? (Think of the Cabinet activity we did)
A government department or area of responsibility.
Why would a cabinet minister be seen as a "yes man" in the public eye?
Because often times they can just be seen as a reflection of the PM and his values. They are also all chosen by the PM.
Explain the difference between Popular Vote and First Past the Post
Define what a lobbyist is
A lobbyist is someone hired by a group to influence MPs and government officials
The Executive Branch is the part of the government responsible for putting laws into action and includes the Prime Minister and ______
House of Commons
How many MPs sit in the House of Commons?
343
What is the head of a government department called a Cabinet BLANK*?
Cabinet Minister
A political party needs to win the most ____________in the House of Commons in order to form the government
Seats
What is the next step in the making of a bill after the Cabinet approves it?
HoC studies and votes on Bill
Which Branch is separated from the other two? Why?
Judicial Branch is separated from the legislative and executive branches. They are separate from the others because it is supposed to keep the power of the government in check.
List an MP's two main reponsibilites
Represent their constituents
Create legislation for the peace, order and good government of all Canadians
Looking at cabinet portfolios/departments can tell us what about a government?
What issues/areas they care about
Explain the difference between a majority and minority government
Majority government is when the party that wins has more than half of the seats/ridings in the house of commons (172 or more)
Minority government is when a party wins but has less than half the seats (under 172)
Describe the process of a bill becoming a law.
Cabinet Approval
HoC studies and votes on Bill
Senate studies and votes on Bill
Royal Assent = Law
Supreme Court makes sure the new law does not violate Charter