1. Structure of Canada’s Government
Monarchy
(king or queen)
Elizabeth Windsor 1952-present
inherited position
life
overseas the Commonwealth

2. British Commonwealth
of Nations

3. Governor General David Johnston
appointed by the monarch as recommended by the Prime Minister
4-5 years (traditionally)
represents the monarchy in Canada

4. Senate
appointed by the Governor General as recommended by the Prime Minister
appointments until 75
review laws and taxes
105 members

5. House of Commons

6. House of Commons elected in constituencies (‘ridings’ or ‘seats’)
serve until the next election (a max. of 5 years)
make laws (taxes)
338 members (1 for every 100,000)

7. Government Party with a plurality of seats (most)
majority government =
50% seats + 1
minority government =
-50% seats
leader becomes the PM
forms the Cabinet
Which party? Leader? Number of seats?

8. House of Commons elected in constituencies (‘ridings’ or ‘seats’)
serve until the next election (a max. of 5 years)
make laws (taxes)
308 members (1 for every 100,000)
Government
Party with a plurality of seats
(most)
majority government =
50% seats + 1
minority government =
-50% seats

9. Opposition Party with the second most seats official opposition
leader becomes Leader of the Opposition
forms a “Shadow Cabinet”
Which party? Leader? Number of seats?

10. House of Commons elected in constituencies (‘ridings’ or ‘seats’)
serve until the next election (a max. of 5 years)
make laws (taxes)
308 members (1 for every 100,000)
Government
Opposition
Party with a plurality of seats
(most)
Party with the second
most seats
official opposition
majority government =
50% seats + 1
leader becomes
Leader of the Opposition
minority government =
-50% seats

11. Other Parties
Which parties? Leader? Number of seats?

12. House of Commons

13. Cabinet picked from the House of Commons by the PM
serve to the next election (maybe)
run the ministries (finance, defence)
flexible number

14. Voters
18 years or older
citizens of Canada
People of Canada