Canadian Government and Democracy Flashcards

How does a bill become law in Canada at the federal level?

Answer: It is introduced in the House of Commons, passes three readings in both the House and Senate, and receives Royal Assent from the Governor General

A federal bill must pass three readings in the House of Commons (or Senate), then three readings in the other chamber, and finally receive Royal Assent from the Governor General to become law.

What is the role of the 'Leader of the Opposition' in Canada's parliamentary system?

Answer: To lead the largest opposition party, scrutinize the government, and present an alternative government in waiting

The Leader of the Opposition leads the largest party not in government, challenges and scrutinizes government actions and policies, and is constitutionally recognized as the alternative government if the current government falls.

Under Canada's federal system, which level of government has jurisdiction over 'property and civil rights'?

Answer: Provincial governments under Section 92 of the Constitution Act, 1867

Section 92(13) of the Constitution Act, 1867 gives provincial legislatures exclusive jurisdiction over 'Property and Civil Rights in the Province,' making it one of the broadest areas of provincial authority.

What is 'Question Period' (or Question Time) in the Canadian House of Commons?

Answer: A daily parliamentary session where MPs, especially opposition members, can ask ministers oral questions about government policies and actions

Question Period is a daily 45-minute session in the House of Commons (when Parliament is sitting) where opposition MPs and government backbenchers ask Cabinet ministers oral questions, holding the government accountable.

What is the difference between a federal 'ministry' and a federal 'department' in the Government of Canada?

Answer: A ministry is led by a Cabinet minister and may encompass one or more departments; departments are the administrative units of government headed by deputy ministers

In federal government structure, a minister is the politically accountable Cabinet member, while a department is the public service administrative unit. A minister may be responsible for one or more departments, and deputy ministers head the non-partisan public service within departments.

What constitutional requirement determines how the seats in the Canadian House of Commons are distributed among provinces?

Answer: Seats are distributed according to population, with a constitutional formula ensuring smaller provinces have minimum guarantees

House of Commons seats are distributed primarily on a population basis (rep-by-pop), but with constitutional guarantees that no province can have fewer seats than it has senators, and that no province's seat count falls below its 1985 standing.