1. Federal Political System Review
The 3 Branches of Government are:
Executive Branch
Legislative Branch
Judicial Branch

2. The Head of State in Canada is
The Queen
Represented in Canada by
The Governor General

3. Executive Branch The Prime Minister
Leader of the Party that wins the federal election.
Also,
The Cabinet
Appointed by the Prime Minister
In charge of different government departments (portfolios, ie. Finance, Defence, Health, etc.)

4. Executive Branch
Purpose Propose Laws (ex. Tanning beds illegal for teens) Run day-to-day business of government

5. Legislative Branch (Law making Body)
House of Commons
Made up of MP’s (Members of Parliament) from all parties that won seats in federal election
ELECTED
Roles: Create and debate laws to ensure peace, order and good government
Represent constituents (people from ridings)
Senate
Made up of Senators
APPOINTED by PM
Roles:
Sober second look at laws
Represent regions and minorities across Canada
Can’t make laws that spend money or tax
Reform? Elect, Effective, Equal???

6. House of Commons 338 members
Have to win election in ridings against candidates from other parties.
Only need to have more votes than anyone else
Win a riding = seat in Ottawa
Party that wins most seats is GOVERNMENT
Can by majority or minority
Problems?? Popular Vote

7. Bill to Law
Lots of steps First Reading: H of C or Senate introduces BILL Second Reading: Amendments/Reject Committee Stage: Amend/Reject Report Stage: Amend/Reject Third Reading: Amend/Reject Then goes thru same process in other House Royal Assent: Governor General signs and becomes LAW

8. Judicial Branch All courts in Canada Interprets and Applies the Law
Ensures that laws do not restrict rights of citizens

9. Lobbyists
Not part of government but try to influence government officials decision making. They are used by special interest groups. Ie. Tobacco companies, environmental groups, ethnic groups, etc. to bring their perspective to Ottawa.