The Foundations of Our Government

Lesson 5 The Foundations of Our Government Canadian GovernmentBased on traditions of EuropeBritish Parliamentary SystemBasis for federal and provincial governments

The features of our Traditional SystemRepresentative democracy Constitutional monarchyPrinciples of democracy rule by the people Ancient Greeks and Direct DemocracyCitizens participated directly by voting in all decisions that affected societyRepresentative DemocracyCitizens allow elected representatives to make decisions for themConstitutional MonarchyMonarch (King or Queen) as Head of StateCurrent Monarchy in Canada is led by Queen Elizabeth IIUK and 16 other nationsIn Canada the monarch is represented by the Governor General Queen doesnt actually rule Canada or any other nations aloneQueen is NOT involved in everyday affairs of governing the nationsRoyal assent must be given before a proposed law is passed (rarely, if ever withheld) The Monarch represents a crucial safeguard for our democracyHolds power of the Crown Crown has ultimate power, beyond that held by anybody in power/government Under the current system the power of the Crown is vested in the Queen and the Governor GeneralConstitution Legal document that states: Who should have power to make decisionsThe supreme law of the land Outlines structure and limits of government power Monarch is not exempt from following these lawsThe Written Constitution Most of it was written in 1867 at ConfederationOutlines power of Provincial, Federal, and Municipal governmentsSince 1982 amendment Canadas written Constitution has 3 parts:A description of the power of Provincial legislature and Parliament, as well as their parts and authorityCharter of Rights and Freedoms Amending FormulaSets out ways constitution can be changed or altered Requires Federal Government and 7 out of 10 provinces to agreeThe 7 must make up at least half of Canadas population The Unwritten Constitution Based on British tradition which dates back thousands of years Political partiesCabinet Leader with the largest party in Parliament forms government Rick Mercer: Rant abuot the Queen