poli midterm 1 defintions

Session

A period of time between the opening of Parliament and its prorogation or dissolution. One Parliament can have several sessions.

Prorogation

The formal end of a parliamentary session. It 'clears the deck.' Unfinished bills die and committees stop meeting until a new session starts.

Sittings

A single day’s meeting of the House of Commons or Senate.

Throne Speech

A speech read by the Governor General (written by the PM) at the start of a new session that outlines the government's legislative plan.

Confidence Vote

A crucial vote that tests whether the House still supports the government. If lost, the government must resign or call an election.

Dissolution

The legal end of a Parliament, triggered by the Prime Minister asking the Governor General to call a general election.

Electoral District/Riding

The specific geographic area an MP represents, where voters elect one person to sit in the House of Commons.

Government Members

All MPs who belong to the party that is currently in power.

Private Members

Any MP who is not a Cabinet Minister, including backbenchers and opposition members.

Opposition MPs

Members of parties that are not in power; they scrutinize and challenge the government.

Shadow Cabinet

A group of senior opposition MPs chosen to lead the critique of specific government departments.

Backbenchers

MPs who are not in the Cabinet or the Shadow Cabinet, sitting behind the leaders.

Speaker

An MP elected by other MPs to act as a neutral referee, managing debates and enforcing the House rules.

Clerk of the House

The chief permanent officer that advises the Speaker and MPs on the rules and 'script' of Parliament.

Sergeant-at-Arms

The person responsible for the security of the House and the ceremonial carrying of the Mace.

Hansard

The official written record of everything said in the House of Commons and its committees.

Auditor General

An independent officer who audits government spending to ensure it is used as Parliament intended.

Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO)

Provides independent economic and financial analysis to help MPs understand government proposal costs.

Conflict of Interest and Ethics Officer

Ensures that MPs and public officials follow rules regarding gifts, outside income, and personal interests.

Bills

A proposed law presented to Parliament for approval.

Private Members’ Bills

A bill introduced by an MP who is not a Cabinet Minister, rarely becomes law.

Government Bills

A bill introduced by a Cabinet Minister, most likely to become law.

First Reading

The formal introduction of a bill, no debate occurs; it is simply printed and numbered.

Second Reading

Debate on the principle or 'big idea' of the bill; if passed, it goes to a committee.

Report Stage

After committee study, they report back to the House with suggested changes (amendments).

Third Reading

The final debate and vote on the bill in its finished form.

Royal Assent

The final step where the Governor General signs the bill, making it a law.

Proclamation

The specific date a law starts being enforced, which can be months after Royal Assent.

Resolutions

A formal expression of the House's opinion that does not become law.

Scrutiny of Public Expenditure

The process by which Parliament reviews and questions government spending of taxpayer money.

Estimates

Documents provided by the government listing exactly how much money each department needs for the year.

Standing Orders

The permanent written rules governing the daily operations of the House of Commons.

Closure

A procedural rule the government can use to cut off debate on a bill and force an immediate vote.

Senate Reform

The ongoing political debate about changing how the Senate works, such as making it elected or setting term limits.