Canadian Government and Political System

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the branches of the Canadian government, roles of officials, the legislative process, and key political terminology.

Executive Branch

The part of the government responsible for putting laws into action, proposing most laws, and running the day-to-day business of the government.

Legislative Branch

The part of government that makes laws; it is also known as Canada’s Parliament.

Judiciary Branch

The part of the government that interprets and applies the law by making legal judgements, consisting of members from the legal profession and Canada’s courts of law.

Monarchy

Responsible for overseeing that Canada’s government is effectively and legally managing the country; the monarch appoints the Governor General.

Governor General

The representative of the monarch in Canada, appointed by the monarch; they formally appoint Ministers and Senators.

Prime Minister

The head of Canada’s government who appoints Cabinet ministers, selects Senators, and is questioned by the opposition.

Senate

The part of Parliament that represents the interests and rights of Canada's regions and minorities, acting as a verification and giving careful reconsideration to all proposed legislation.

House of Commons

A part of the legislative branch that works with the Senate to pass laws, consisting of Members of Parliament elected by voters.

Cabinet Ministers

Members of the government who are appointed by the Prime Minister.

Members of Parliament

Government officials who are elected by voters to represent them.

Supreme Court Judges

Judges who have been appointed by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.

Opposition

Members of government whose role is to question the Prime Minister and Cabinet ministers, acting as a watchdog for the different views and perspectives of Canadians.

Bill

A proposed law that must go through readings, committee stages, and votes in both the House of Commons and the Senate before receiving Royal Assent.

Lobbyists

A group hired to influence Members of Parliament and government officials to voice the views and expertise of specific groups on issues.

Accountable

Being answerable to someone for your actions; being observable and transparent.

Bias

A type of thinking rooted in a person’s point of view that can create unbalanced information.

Constituent

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

Govern

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

Governance

The process of governing.

Government

The body with the power to make decisions for a society.

Minorities

Groups in societies who do not form the majority of the population.

Popular Vote

The total number of votes cast in an election, as opposed to the total seats won.

Voter Apathy

A state of indifference or lack of concern regarding the democratic process.