Canadian vs. American Government Social 30

Both systems carry out the “functions of government” Executive – “to enforce law” and provide leadership Legislative – “to make law” Judicial – “to interpret law” – and to dispense “justice” in the courts

Executive Branch of Government Canadian System Made up of PM and Cabinet Their job is to enforce or carry out legislation Because of cabinet solidarity and party discipline, proposed bills are almost always carried out into law – this is significant power Is responsible to the H of C PM can serve many terms - as long as his party keeps getting re-elected

Executive Branch of Government American System Executive power is only exercised by the President This power is limited however through a system of complex checks and balances President is the head of government and Chief executive officer Serves four year term Can only be re-elected once Not a member of legislative branch

Executive Checks and Balances American System President is responsible to for the running of the Government but must rely on Congress approval for funding Congress receives a budget from the president but may alter it before approving it. This allows Congress to impose it’s priorities) President is commander in chief of the armed forces but only Congress can declare war or vote to approve funding to support a war.

Executive Checks and Balances American System President has power to appoint cabinet members, federal judges, ambassadors and senor civil servants, but all appointments must be approved by the Senate (legislative upper house) President is responsible for foreign affairs, but must have 2/3 Senate support before any treaties take affect

Legislative Branch of Government Canadian System – “Parliament” Made up of: 1)H of C 2) Senate role of this branch is to make laws Money bills must originate in the H of C Both can propose bills, both must give approval for bills H of C elected Senate appointed by PM

Lib. = Red Con. = Blue Bloc = Pale Blue NDP =Orange – Election Results – May 2011

Legislative Branch of Government American System - “The Congress” Made up of : 1) House of Representatives 2) The Senate Role is like Canada to make laws Bills must pass 3 readings in each house before being passed to President for approval President can veto a bill, sign it, or not sign it (way to express disapproval with resorting to veto)

Legislative Branch of Government American System Voting in Congress does not follow party lines (members are not penalized for not voting with party) Congressional committees have predominant power (bills must go to committee after first reading where it can be amended killed or passed) Committees contain membership from both parties and oversee what will be heard in front of congress

Legislative Branch of Government House of Representatives Elected based on population distribution (similar to Canadian H of C) Elected for a two year term (435 members) Only this house can initiate money bills Has power to impeach federal judges appointed by president Two year term often results with instability

Legislative Branch of Government US Senate Senators are elected for a six year term with 1/3 being elected every two years (100 members) Two elected by each State Has extensive powers Free to amend legislation passed by the H of R Can smother legislation in committee stage Check of power on H of R and the president

Judicial Branch of Government In both Canada and the US The role of the Judicial branch is to interpret laws The legal system is structured around a multi leveled system of courts (provincial /state & federal) Matters of law are decided by courts Resolve conflicts and determine punishments Both systems use judicial review for government actions so power is significant. Judges are appointed by the executive branches and are meant to be impartial of government