Foundations of the Canadian Government

Canadian Government Canada’s government can be described as having four features: Representative Democracy Constitutional Monarchy Federal System (Multi) Party System

Direct Democracy Direct Democracy came before Representative democracy

1. Representative Democracy Representative = people vote to choose their leaders, and the leaders make decisions for them. Governments are accountable to make decisions that the people who gave them power will like.

2. Constitutional Monarchy Head of state is Queen Elizabeth II Monarch’s power is limited by a constitution. Represented by the Governor General Country is led by a prime minister, not a president.

Governor General David Johnstone

Federal System Three levels of government: Provincial Municipal Each level of government is given special powers. Its sort of like marriage roles. All levels of government can make laws, but the Federal government prevails when the laws are in conflict.

Residual Powers Residual Powers – Decision making not in the 1867 constitution given to the Federal government.

Power is divided between levels of government. Federal System: Power is divided between levels of government.

(Multi) Party System Party system means that Canada has several political parties who have distinct ideologies. Political ideology – Is based on a common set of beliefs.

Party System Canada’s major political parties

Minor Parties