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GOVERNMENT

GOVERNMENT. 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

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GOVERNMENT

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

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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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)

  11. Executive Branch 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)

  12. 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

  13. 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)

  14. 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?

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

  16. 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

  17. 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”

  18. Today’s Homework • Read the Counterpoints section (pp.231-233) 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.

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