Structure of Canada's Government and Legislative Process

Vocabulary flashcards covering the seven steps of how a bill becomes a law in Canada, the branches and hierarchy of the Canadian government, and key political vocabulary terms.

First Reading

The stage where a bill is introduced to the House of Commons without any debate.

Second Reading

The stage where Members debate the main idea or principle of the bill.

Committee Stage

The stage where a committee studies the bill in detail, makes changes, and can call experts or witnesses.

Report Stage

The stage where the committee reports the bill back to the House of Commons, and Members may suggest further changes.

Third Reading

The stage involving final debate and a vote in the House of Commons before the bill moves to the Senate if passed.

The Senate (Legislative Process)

The stage where the bill goes through a similar three-reading process in the Senate.

Royal Assent

The formal approval given by the Governor General on behalf of the King, which turns the bill into law.

The Constitution

Canada’s highest law that outlines how the government works.

The Monarch (King Charles III)

Canada’s Head of State.

Governor General

The King’s representative in Canada who represents the Monarch and gives Royal Assent to laws.

Structure of Canada’s Government

The hierarchical structure of Canada's government organized under the Constitution and Monarch, dividing power into the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government that makes and debates laws; consists of the House of Commons, Senate, and Members of Parliament (MPs).

Executive Branch

The branch of government that carries out, enforces laws, and runs daily operations; includes the Prime Minister, Cabinet, Public Servants, and Governor General.

Judicial Branch

The system of courts that interprets and applies the law and ensures it follows the Constitution; includes the Supreme Court of Canada and other courts.

Backbencher

An MP who is not part of Cabinet or the Opposition’s Shadow Cabinet.

Cabinet

A group of government ministers chosen by the Prime Minister to head departments (e.g., Finance, Health).

Caucus

A private meeting of all MPs from the same political party.

Deputy Minister

The top public servant who helps a Cabinet Minister run a department.

House of Commons

The main law-making body of Parliament, where elected MPs debate and vote on bills.

Leader of the Opposition

The head of the political party with the second-largest number of seats in the House of Commons.

Party Whip

An MP who ensures party members attend votes and follow party policy.

Member of Parliament (MP)

An elected representative in the House of Commons.

Official Opposition

The political party with the second-largest number of seats.

Parliament

Canada’s federal law-making body: includes the Monarch, Senate, and House of Commons.

Prime Minister

The head of government and leader of the political party in power.

Public Servant

A government employee who works in a department or agency.

Senate

The “upper house” of Parliament that reviews and revises bills from the House of Commons.

Shadow Cabinet

Opposition MPs who “shadow” government ministers and critique their work.

Supreme Court

The highest court in Canada; interprets the Constitution and makes final legal decisions.