Studied by 54 people
executive power
delivering programs and services to the population within the framework of laws, expenditures, and tax measures approved by Legislature -- develops policies to govern the country
party whip
the assistant to the floor leader in each house of congress who tries to persuade party members to vote for bills the party supports -- elected by their respective parties, they ensure members are present to support their party and vote for legislature
residual powers
the powers that are not mentioned in any subject of the constitution
free vote
members voting according to their own conscience
judicial powers
the power to interpret laws and administer law.
standing committee
permanent committee established by Standing Orders in the House of Commons or the Senate. Studies matters referred to it or under its jurisdiction. can also pursue own studies.
cabinet solidarity
the custom that Cabinet members must not show disagreement with government policies - showing full support for the Prime Minister/their party
public service
a service offered by the government to provide security and protection for citizens and businesses
legislative power
the power to make a law and to frame public policies
private member's bill
a bill introduced into the legislature by a member of the legislature who is not a member of the Cabinet
direct democracy
a form of government in which citizens rule directly and not through representatives
caucus
a private meeting of party leaders/members
senate
a council of representatives appointed by the prime minister. reviews and can introduce bills
patronage
support, encouragement, privilege, or financial aid that an organization or individual bestows on another -- a favour, often a government position, given in return for political support.
constitutional Monarchy
government in which a king or queen is the official head of state
formal assent
the "final stamp" on a bill making it a law; given by the Governor General
cabinet
group of officials who head government departments and advise and are appointed by the prime minister
representative democracy
a form of democracy in which citizens elect officials to govern on their behalf
federal system
the sharing of power between the central and state governments
speaker of the house
presides over the house of commons and ensures that everyone respects its rules and traditions. Deliberates the house
municipal governement
bylaws, local police, waste collection, fire protection, water supply
provincial government
public services, education, regional economy, health services
federal government
taxes, military, passing law, banking, currency
steps to pass a bill
1rst reading, 2nd reading, committee, 3rd reading, senate (1,2,3,committee), royal assent
prime minister powers
choosing the cabinet, appointing senators,
prime minister role
the key decision maker in Parliament; head of government (leader of the party with the most seats in the hoc)
1st reading
Bill is introduced in the House of Commons (or the senate)
2nd reading
Members debate and vote on the main idea of the bill and discuss its purpose
3rd reading
Members vote on the bill in its final form and can change their mind
committee stage
A stage where is bill can be reviewed in more detail by both government and non government people and changes can be suggested.
sergeant at arms
an appointed senior official who is responsible for security of the house of commons and carries the mace.
hansard
the official record of all of the debates in parliament
5 years
The amount of time that can pass without an election
election
happens every 5 years or can be called by the PM
prime minister, governor general, cabinet
composes the executive branch
committee
study particular topics in greater detail and provide the house with the findings and recommendations from such investigations.
monarch (gg), senate, house of parliament
composes the legislative branch
legislative branch
to make laws, to raise taxes, and to authorize government spending
executive branch
Decision making branch
governor general
the person who represents the monarch in Canada
governor general roles
summoning, opening and ending sessions of Parliament; reading the Speech from the Throne
public/civil servant
provides public services; represents canada in foreign affairs; monitor imports; process passports; gather statistics; etc
senior civil servant
advise minister, help draft new laws, hold hidden power through control they have of government response to citizens.
