Responsible Gov't
What is Responsible Gov't?
- means that the gov't must have the support of a majority of MPs to stay in power
What is the history of the political spectrum? (2 points)
- French Revolution
- those that sat on the left of the king = wanted change
- those that sat on the right of the king = wanted things to stay the same
What is the Judicial branch of government responsible for?
courts & tribunals at all level of gov't
What are the 3 levels of government?
municipal, provincial, federal
What is a bill?
It's a proposal for a law.
What is a confidence vote?
a vote taken to see if the gov't still has the support of the House of Commons (MPs)
What are the two dimensions of the Canadian political spectrum?
social and economic
The supreme court of Canada falls under what branch of gov't?
Judicial
What are 2 things that the municipal government are responsible for?
parks, parking, libraries, roadways, local police, fire protection, public transportation, community water systems
What are the two chambers that a bill could begin in?
House of Commons or Senate
What happens if the gov't loses the confidence vote? (2 points)
The Prime Minister can resign or GG dissolves parliament and calls for a new election (need both options)
On the social dimension of the political spectrum, what are the two sides called and what is one belief for each side?
progressive = advocate for social change, advocates for disadvantaged groups
conservative = traditional values
Who is at the head of the executive and legislative branch of gov't?
Monarch/Governor General
What is one thing the provincial government is responsible for, and one thing the federal gov't is responsible for?
provincial = education, health care, road regulation
federal = shipping, banking, taxes, mail, national defense
What is Royal Assent?
When the Governor General signs a bill to officially make it a law.
Why is Question Period important in Responsible Gov't?
Holds government accountable by answer questions from the MPs and journalists
On the economic spectrum, what are the 2 sides and a belief of both?
left = more gov't intervention, higher taxes
right = smaller gov't, free market
The Prime Minister is part of what branch of gov't? Who does the Prime Minister select?
Executive & members of Cabinet
What are the leaders of the 3 levels of gov't called?
Municipal = Mayor
Provincial = Premier
Federal = Prime Minister
What would the bill S-202 indicate to you?
It started in the Senate, and it was bill 202 in chronological order.
What is the Role of the Opposition in Responsible Gov't?
- challenge gov't policies
- hold gov't accountable
- gives voters an alternative
(any of these will work for 1 point)
Explain the political spectrum in your own words (2 points)
- way of dividing political parties
- tool that helps us think about gov't
- model for classifying political positions
- political thinking concept
In the Legislative branch, how are members of the senate and house of commons chosen?
Senate = appointed by GG
House of Commons = MPs elected by Canadians
What are the elected members at each level called?
federal = Members of Parliament (MP)
provincial = Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs)
municipal = Councilors
Name 3 steps that it takes to make a bill (in order). Briefly describe.
First reading - title of bill read and number given
Second reading - debate and vote
Committee Stage - small groups examine the bill
Report Stage - debate and vote on amended bill
Bill sent to other chamber (senate or house of commons)
Royal Assent - Governor General signs bill to become a law