Canada’s Government: a parliamentary democracy, a constitutional monarchy & a federation

A former British colony Canada used to be a British colony They paid taxes to Great Britain The British queen or king governed them Today these colonies are independent countries

Today Canada is a Parliamentary Democracy Many former colonies belong to an organization called the Commonwealth of Nations, a confederation which works together on common problems Because Canada does not have a queen of its own, they choose to recognize the British queen, Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II on a royal tour of Canada

Parliamentary Democracy Parliament has three parts: The Queen of England The House of Commons The Senate

Parliament building in Ottawa, Canada’s capital city

1) Queen, 2) Senate & 3) House of Commons are Parliament 1) Queen, 2) Senate & 3) House of Commons are Parliament. Senate & House of Commons make the laws. 1 2 3 Leader of the country

The Queen Canada is also called a constitutional monarchy The Queen does not have power. She is Canada’s symbol of leadership Queen Elizabeth performs ceremonial duties when visiting Canada When she is not there, she is represented by the Governor General

Constitutional Monarchy Canada’s constitution outlines how the government is organized. It gives the leadership to the prime minister Citizens have many rights Vote for Parliament Freedom of speech Freedom of religion Freedom of the press, etc.

The Prime Minister Stephen Harper The Prime Minister is the leader of the party in power and is the Head of Government. The prime minister leads the country.

Role of Canada’s Parliament

Canada’s Parliament is bicameral (two parts) Senate House of Commons Our legislature is similar — US Congress is bicameral: 1. Senate 2. House of Representatives

House of Commons Representatives to Parliament are elected by the people of Canada. The House of Commons has MORE power than the Senate because they are elected by the citizens

Senate The Governor General appoints members of the Senate; they are not elected The prime minister tells the Governor General who to appoint to the Senate When a bill passes in the House of Commons, it goes to the Senate for a vote The Senate almost ALWAYS goes along with the House of Commons

Citizen participation & personal freedoms One of the privileges and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship is the right to vote People vote for the leaders of Parliament. People write letters to representatives to tell them their opinions on govt. policies Canadian citizens also have the same personal freedoms as U.S. citizens such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, etc.

After a parliamentary election After an election, the party with the most elected representatives in Parliament becomes the party in power. The leader of this party becomes the Prime Minister. This is how a parliamentary system is different from a presidential system (the prime minister is chosen by the party in power in Parliament). Citizens vote for the representatives of Parliament, but Parliament chooses the prime minister.

Canada is also a Federation Canada’s power is divided into 2 levels: a central government and provincial governments Its central or national government is in the city of Ottawa Canada has 10 provinces and 3 territories Its 10 provinces are Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, & Saskatchewan, Its 3 territories are Northwest Territory, Nunavut, & Yukon Territory The central govt. & provincial govts. share power

Canada’s central government

1. What are the three names that would describe Canada's government? EXIT SLIP Directions: Write your name and period on slip. Write simple answers only. You may use your ISN. 1. What are the three names that would describe Canada's government? 2.What is the title (position) of the leader of Canada's government & how is the leader chosen? 3. What does it mean to have a federal system of government? 4.What is the citizen's role in Canada's government? 5. Who is Canada’s symbolic leader? Be specific.