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 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
Your thoughts How has gov t played a role in your life?
Definitions Democracy Monarchy Constitution What do you think the definition is for each of these words?
Definitions Democracy ruled by the people Monarchy a state ruled by a monarch (king, queen or emperor) Constitution a system of fundamental principles
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
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
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
Executive Branch The Prime Minister Has three central roles: 1.Head of Government (with Gov. Generals helps name judges & calls elections, choses his cabinet ministers, and final say in creating policies) 2.National Leader (addresses Canadians on issues of concern, represents Canadians abroad) 3.Party Leader (ex. Justin Trudeau is the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada)
Executive Executive Branch 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)
Governor General -Remember the royal representative in our country Legislative Branch 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
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)
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?
House of Commons Speaker Backbenchers Opposition PM, ruling party
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
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
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.