Canadian Government: Structure and Function

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the structure, branches, roles, and symbols of the Canadian government based on the lecture transcript.

Constitution Act of 1867

The act that governs Canada as a federal parliamentary democracy.

Key Principles of Government

Rule of law, democracy, and respect for human rights

How many provincies and territories?

10 pronvinces and 3 territories

Municipal Governments

The local level of government led by mayors and city councils

Parliament Hill

The seat of the federal government located in Ottawa.

Supreme Court of Canada

The highest court in the country and the final court of appeal, responsible for making final decisions on legal cases.

Bank of Canada

The central bank responsible for managing central bank and monetory policy

Crown corporations

Government-owned businesses, such as Canada Post.

First nations self govern with:

Modern treaties, selg-government agreement

Legislative Branch

Canada’s federal law-making body

Monarch, the Senate, and the House of Commons.

What does the Legislative branch do?

Creates laws by:

Debating, reviewing, and passing bills

The Senate

Appointed senators who represent Canada’s provinces and territories

What does The Senate do?

review and improve bills, study national issue,

The House of Commons

The elected chamber of Parliament of Members of Parliament

Waht does the house of commons do?

represent constuiencies, debate on laws, represent citixens concerns, create legislation

Executive Branch

The branch of Governor General, Prime Minister, and Cabinet.

Governor General

The Monarch’s representative in Canada

What does the Governor General do?

Signs bills into law, summons or dissolves Parliament, and swears in the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister

The Head of Government

What does the Prime Minister do?

leads political party in power, sets government’s agenda and chooses Cabinet ministers.

Cabinet

A group of ministers responsible for creating government policies, overseeing departments, and introducing bills.

Judicial Branch

Canada’s system of courts interprets and apply laws away from legislative and executive.

Supreme Court of Canada

Highest court in Canada, final apeal or important legal cases

Federal, Provincial and Territorial Courts

Federal deal with Federal Laws

Territorial handle criminal, civil, and family.

Parliament

Main purpose is to make laws and hold the government to account.

House of Commons

Elected chamber of Cad parliment, make laws, represent citizens, and hold governemnt accountable.

Speaker of the House

The neutral referee

presides over debates

ensures rules and procedures are followed.

maintains order and decorum

represent house with crown

Impartial

Prime Minister

Lead party with most seats

set goverment pioroties

Leader of the Opposition

Largest party not in government

Critiques government decisions

Offers alternative policies.

Oppositon Parties/ Shadow Critics

other parties

question/ challenge Gov actions

Whips

Keep people on track

ensure Mps attend votes

Maintain party discipline

Sergeant-at-Arms

responsible for security in the chamber

carrying the mace.

Prodedual and Verification Officers

Mangae voting records

Ensure accuracy

Pages

Diliver messages,

Docs

Water

The Interpreters

speak or interpreat

The Mace

Ceremonial symbol of authority;

House cannot officially meet without it present.

The Bar

physical barrier in the House of Commons

non-MPs cannot enter during sessions.

Senate Gallery

seating area for vewiing the house

Used by senetors

Speaker’s Gallery

Seats for visitors on government side