1. Branches of Government in Canada Executive Branch Legislative Branch Judicial Branch

2. Rick Mercer explains the structure of government in Canada http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= EGOfP_XvJPM

4. HOW A BILL BECOMES LAW Let’s look more specifically at the role of the Legislative Branch…

6. In Class Activity Read the article provided and fill in the accompanying chart – related to the process of How a Bill Becomes Law in Canada

7. Groups that Influence What Laws are Passed THE MASS MEDIA – TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, internet media can all influence voters by their coverage of a politician (make them look good or bad) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P-hKYhScpM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P-hKYhScpM INTEREST GROUPS – groups of people who have a particular ‘interest’ or issue that they want the government to deal with (ex. pro/anti abortion, legalizing drugs…) PRESSURE GROUPS – interest groups with enough power to pressure the governments to do things in their favour – doctors, teachers, big unions LOBBY GROUPS/ACTIVISTS – people who represent interest and pressure groups, and continually petition politicians to pass the bill they would like