Governance in Canada Notes

Government

The body with power to make decisions for a society.

Govern

To make decisions as a government and put decisions into action.

Governance

The process of governing.

Parliamentary Democracy

A system where citizens elect representatives to a legislative body to make laws and policies.

Constitutional Monarchy

A system where the monarch is the formal head of state, but their powers are limited by a constitution.

Canada's Constitution

Canada’s supreme set of laws.

Federal Government

Responsible for national issues such as defense, foreign policy, and criminal law.

Provincial Government

Responsible for areas such as education, healthcare, and provincial highways.

Municipal Government

Responsible for local services such as city planning, local roads, and waste management.

Indigenous Self-Governments

Have jurisdiction over their communities and lands, with powers negotiated with the federal and provincial governments.

Executive Branch

The branch responsible for implementing and enforcing laws.

Legislative Branch

The branch responsible for creating laws.

Judicial Branch

The branch responsible for interpreting laws.

Political Party

A group of people who have similar ideas about how government should respond to issues facing society.

Riding/Constituency

A geographical area represented by a member of the House of Commons.

Popular Vote

Percentage of all votes won by each political party during an election.

Proportional Representation

Electoral system in which the percentage of seats a party has in the legislature reflects the percentage of people who voted for that party.

Prime Minister

The head of the government.

Cabinet Minister

A person with responsibility for a government portfolio.

Constituent

Someone who lives in a riding and is represented by an elected official from that riding

A person elected by the constituents of a riding