1. GOVERNMENT

2. A few thoughts on government and democracy
Democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time. – Winston Churchill
The strongest democracies flourish from frequent and lively debate, but they endure when people of every background and belief find a way to set aside smaller differences in service of a greater purpose. – Barack Obama
The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter. – Winston Churchill
Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education. – Franklin Roosevelt

3. Your thoughts
How has gov’t played a role in your life?

4. Justin Trudeau
Queen Elizabeth II
David Johnston

5. Definitions Democracy Monarchy Constitution
What do you think the definition is for each of these words?

6. Definitions Democracy – ruled by the people
Monarchy – a state ruled by a monarch (king, queen or emperor)
Constitution – a system of fundamental principles

7. How does this apply to Canada?
Ancient Greeks – Direct democracy
All citizens vote in all decisions that affect society
Canada – Representative democracy
Elected representatives make decisions

8. How does this apply to Canada?
Absolute Monarchy – a gov’t run solely by the ruler (not us)
Constitutional Monarchy
the recognition of a monarch as the head of state (us)
…but, we have our own constitution
…and, the Queen is subject to our laws

9. How does this apply to Canada?
Canadian Constitution
a legal document outlining who should have the power to make various decisions
The supreme law of the land
Contains the Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Parliament/Legislative Branch
The group of representatives who govern the country – elected
Made up of the Governor General, the House of Commons and the Senate

10. Three Branches of Government
Legislative Power
-Make Laws/Pass Bills
Made up of elected
representatives
*House of Commons
*Senate
Executive Power
-Makes decisions
-Administers decisions
*Prime Minister *Cabinet
Judicial Power
-interpret law
-administer law
*Judges

11. Executive Branch The Prime Minister Has three central roles:
Head of Government (with Gov. Generals—helps name judges & calls elections, choses his cabinet ministers, and final say in creating policies)
National Leader (addresses Canadians on issues of concern, represents Canadians abroad)
Party Leader (ex. Justin Trudeau is the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada)

12. Executive Branch cont…
The Cabinet
Appointed by the PM
They speak to Canadians on behalf of their department
Examples: Minister of Finance (Bill Morneau) Minister of National Defense: (Harjit Sajjan)

13. Controlled by the Speaker of the House
Legislative Branch
Governor General
-Remember…the royal
representative
in our country
House of Commons
(AKA, Lower House)
-Elected members
from ridings
-Where laws are
passed and debated
-currently 338 seats
Senate
(AKA, Upper House)
- Provides final check
on legislation passed
in House of C
-May also introduce,
debate and pass bills
Controlled by the Speaker of the House
Speaker mediates

14. Legislative Branch House of Commons (lower house)
All Members of Parliament including the PM and the Cabinet
The main part of the parliamentary system
Where laws and spending decisions are made
338 elected members (MPs)
105 Senators

15. Legislative Branch cont…
Population of Canada = 35,851,800 (statscan, 2015)
Total number of seats in the H.O.C. = 338
Population of BC = 4,683,100
Total number of seats in the H.O.C. = 42
Do you feel BC is under represented? Why or why not?

16. House of Commons
Speaker
Back-benchers
Opposition
PM, ruling party

17. Legislative Branch cont…
How Do MPs Vote?
Each political pary holds private meetings called a caucus
Within Caucus (a party meeting) party member’s/MPs can express their opinions freely on issues
However, once a decision is made, MPs are expected to vote in favour of their party’s position
105 Senators

18. Legislative Branch cont…
Senate (upper house)
Not an elected body
Consists of 105 men and women appointed by the Governor General by recommendation of the Prime Minister
At least 30 years of age and can hold office until the age of 75
Provides the final check on bills (which become laws)
Also known as a “sober second thought”

19. Today’s Homework
Read the Counterpoints section (pp ) and take one of the following stances
Abolish the Senate
Reform the Senate
Leave the Senate alone
*Write a one page, multi-paragraphed response defending your stance.