Government and Politics

The Parliamentary System

The Parliamentary System

In Canada, the powers of government are divided into three branches:

• Legislative power

• Executive power

• Judicial power

Legislative

Parliament

The legislative branch is composed of:

• House of Commons

• Senate

• Governor General

Parliament

• Parliament meets at least once a year in what is called a session

• During each session, Parliament passes new laws and amends (changes) or repeals (removes) others

• Opposition parties challenge the government’s actions, and raise issues of the day they feel the government needs to address

House of Commons

• Also known as the Lower House

• The only part of the legislative branch that has elected members

• MPs (members of Parliament) represent areas called ridings or constituencies that are roughly equal in population

• Eligible voters in each riding elect on candidate to represent them in Parliament

House of Commons

• The number of seats in the House of Commons is determined by the population of Canada

• As the population increases, so do the number of seats in the Commons

• Debate in the House of Commons are controlled by the Speaker of the House

• The Speaker is an MP, and is elected by other members of Parliament

• He/she oversees the impartial operation of the House

Voting

• MPs belong to political parties

• Each party hold private meetings called a caucus

• Party leaders explain their programs, policies, and actions, and all members have an opportunity to discuss concerns and express opinions freely

Voting

• Once a decision is made, parliamentary tradition dictates that all MPs are expected to vote with the party’s position

• The party whip enforces party discipline, keeping all members in line, ensuring they support party bills

• Free votes allow MPs to vote according to what they believe is best

Senate

• Upper House, independent of the House of Commons

• Senators are appointed by the Governor General on the “recommendation” of the Prime Minister

• Senators represent the regions of the country

• The Senate may introduce legislation, but mainly serves the role of providing “sober second thought”