socials study guide

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.