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CHV2O3 - MR NYMAN
Our Canadian Government
How does the Canadian Government work?
What is a constitution?
Supreme law of the landOutlines the government structure for a
nationDefines and limits government power
Canada’s Constitution
British North America (BNA) Act, 1867 set out the powers of the federal and provincial
governments Ontario, Quebec, Novia Scotia and New Brunswick
Several individual acts between 1867 and 1982
Constitution Act, 1982 “Patriated” the constitution (brought it home from
Britain) Included the Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Summary of all of the acts: http://www.kidzone.ws/geography/constitution.htm
Why Federal System?
BNA Act split up powers over Federal and Provincial government
Provinces given certain powers because
Canada was big and different issues affected different areasJurisdiction: the authority to make and carry
out lawsResidual Powers: areas not listed in the
Constitution are in the power of the federal government
Who Does What?
Who does what?
Federal Provincial Municipal
Area
Responsibilities
Constitutional Monarchy
Canada is a consitutional monarchy The Queen of England is the head of state Given very limited power, part of tradition Governor General represents the Queen in Canada
Canada’s head of state is:
Canada’s Governor General is:
Direct vs Representative Democracy
Direct Democracy Representative Democracy
• Every citizen participates directly in decisions of the government• Examples: ancient Greece,
• Citizens vote for representatives• The representatives come from Electoral Districts (aka ridings)• They make decisions on behalf of citizens
Representatives
Federal Provincial Municipal
Name for Representatives
Name for Leader
Who currently holds that position?
Factors affecting government
Diverse cultural historyGeographyValues, Beliefs, IdeologiesEconomicsTechnology and industryInternational influences
Common Good
Greatest good for the greatest number of people
Our government attempts to work for the common good of it’s citizens
We can challenge decisions thanks to freedom of expression and association
Social Movement: organized campaign by large groups lobbying the government
Assignment: What’s News?
Grab a newspaper (Remember that the Metro is available free at subways)
Find 3 articles connected to the government: One for Federal One for Provincial One for Municipal
For each article, write down the title of the article and answer the questions: What is the article about? Who is involved? What level of government is responsible? What difficulties might the government face in making a
decision on the issue?Due: Thursday, February 27