The Legislature January 28, 2002

Comparing American and Canadian Legislatures similarities – bicameral – i.e. two houses differences – relationship to executive (Prime Minister/President) differences in party discipline – role/composition of the Senate

Relationship of Legislature to Executive fusion of powers system (Canada) responsible government separation of powers system (United States) checks and balances

Provides Legislation Controls Budget, Approves Nominations and Treaties, Impeach, Provides Legislation VETO!

Override Veto! VETO!

Inside Congress -- Inside the House of Representatives weak party discipline – relative to Canada weak party discipline – relative to Canada – individual members are more open to outside influence responsive responsive – importance of log-rolling broad benefits, compromise broad benefits, compromise

Inside Congress -- Inside the House of Representatives Factors Effecting Voting in the House of Representatives Factors Effecting Voting in the House of Representatives – party influence – district influence – ideological influence – special interest influence

Inside Congress -- Inside the House of Representatives weak party discipline – relative to Canada weak party discipline – relative to Canada – individual members are more open to outside influence responsive responsive can be controlled by outside interests can be controlled by outside interests – importance of log-rolling broad benefits, compromise broad benefits, compromise hard to get things done hard to get things done sometimes described as bribery sometimes described as bribery

Inside Congress -- Inside the House of Representatives Factors Effecting Voting in the House of Representatives Factors Effecting Voting in the House of Representatives – party influence – district influence – ideological influence – special interest influence

Inside Congress -- The Two Houses House of Representatives – unique powers – basis of representation – electoral term Senate – unique powers – basis of representation – electoral term

Inside Congress -- Inside the Senate the Senate Atmosphere -- Senatorial Privileges Cloture and the Filibuster

Inside Congress -- Between the Houses A Congress Divided? Differences between the Houses – electoral time-frames – representational concerns – dynamics of operation balancing different interests

Comparing American and Canadian Legislatures similarities – bicameral – i.e. two houses differences – relationship to executive (Prime Minister/President) differences in party discipline – role/composition of the Senate

PARTY DISCIPLINE AND CANADIAN DEMOCRACY strong incentives for party discipline built into system of responsible government strong incentives for party discipline built into system of responsible government party discipline is largely self-imposed party discipline is largely self-imposed – electoral benefits to sticking together – gov’t members risk losing their seats if they don’t stick together

The Canadian Senate Triple-E senate Triple-E senate – effective – elected – equal (by state or province) the one-”E” Senate the one-”E” Senate – appointed – regional apportionment of Senate seats – the powers of the Senate