Branches of Government
Name the three branches of Canada’s federal government.
Executive, Judicial, Legislative
What two documents (names) are mentioned that form Canada’s constitution and protect rights?
Constitution Act (1867/1982) and Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982)
How many seats are in the House of Commons?
338
How does someone become a Member of Parliament (MP)?
Elected by voters in a riding.
What is a proposed law called?
Bill.
Which branch proposes and carries out laws?
Executive Branch
What is the "7/50 rule" used for in the Constitution?
Amendment formula requiring House, Senate, and 7/10 provinces representing 50% of population.
What is “representation by population” (Rep by Pop)?
Seats in House assigned roughly by population so ridings represent ~100,000 people
How are senators selected, and how many seats are in the Senate?
Appointed by Governor General on PM's advice; 105 seats.
Where does most government legislation begin?
Most come from Cabinet/the party in power (government bill)
Who is the head of the federal government and leads the executive branch?
The Prime Minister
What does it mean that Canada is a constitutional monarchy? Give one example from the notes.
Monarch is head of state with symbolic role; Governor General represents monarch
What is the difference between a majority government and a minority government?
Majority = 51%+ seats (170+) — forms stable government; Minority = most seats but <51% — needs support from other parties and can be defeated
What is the role of the Official Opposition in the House of Commons?
To question, challenge, and hold government accountable; leader is Leader of the Official Opposition and they appoint a shadow cabinet
List the five main stages a bill goes through in the House of Commons.
First Reading, Second Reading, Committee Stage, Report Stage, Third Reading.
What is the main role of the judicial branch at the federal level?
Interprets/applies laws; Supreme Court highest
Who represents the monarch in Canada and gives Royal Assent to bills?
Governor General
What is one major criticism of the “Winner Takes All” system mentioned in the notes?
That seat totals are not determined by popular vote; popular vote doesn't directly translate to seats (no proportional representation)
Give two differences between MPs and Senators as listed in the notes
MPs are elected, 338 seats, represent constituencies and usually serve terms ~4 years; Senators are appointed, 105 seats, represent regions/minorities and serve until age 75.
Describe the pre-bill stages that happen before a bill is introduced to the House of Commons.
Problem identified → Cabinet develops a solution → Cabinet meeting approves bill to be drafted and introduced
Explain one way the executive and legislative branches interact when creating new laws.
PM/Cabinet (executive) drafts bills and presents them to House of Commons (legislative) for debate and vote.
Describe what the Charter of Rights and Freedoms does and name the year it was implemented.
Charter describes basic rights and freedoms of Canadians; implemented in 1982.
Using the ridings data, explain why provinces have different numbers of seats (give two reasons based on the notes)
Provinces have different populations and thus different numbers of ridings/seats; historical/regional rules also affect seat distribution
Explain why senators are sometimes called the “sober second thought” and one criticism of the Senate’s role.
Senate reviews legislation passed by the Commons, provides detailed study and regional/minority representation; criticism: senators are unelected and can be seen as unaccountable or partisan
Explain what can happen to a minority government if a key bill is defeated in the House of Commons
A vote of non-confidence can defeat a minority government; PM and cabinet must resign and a new federal election may be called