1. Canadian vs. American Government
Social 30

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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)

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

14. 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