The Executive Part of Government

The Executive Part of Government:The Governor GeneralThe Prime MinisterThe CabinetThe Public Service

The Governor General

•The Queen is the Head of State but her representative is the Governor General.•The Governor General gives royal assent to a bill before it becomes law•Performs ceremonial functions•Advises the government to make sure it follows Constitution.

The Legislative Role of the Governor General

• Derives powers from the Throne/Monarchy. These are called “reserve powers”:• Can choose to dissolve Parliament(or not) and grants permission for an election.• He/she may refuse or delay royal assent to legislation• May dismiss a Prime MinisterYETThese reserve powers are not used often because the G.G. mostly follows a “ceremonious role”. Reserve powers are used only when absolutely necessary.

The Prime Minister • is chosen as leader of political party with most elected reps. • The PM is the most powerful politician in Canada and for most Canadians the visual symbol of the government.•Much of the authority of the PM rests with his power of appointment to cabinet and other important government positions.

The Prime Minister (2)•Gives away positions as a reward for supporting his party. This is called PATRONAGE.•Three common positions filled by Patronage appointments are in the

Senate, diplomatic corps and gov’t operated business.

The Cabinet I•The real executive power of the government rests with the PM and his Cabinet.•Members of the Cabinet are chosen from the elected party by the P.M.•Cabinet Ministers are responsible for efficient and effective operation of their department and finances, as well as actions of their staff

The Cabinet II• Cabinet Ministers head government departments or ministries.• All Cabinet meetings are held secretly or in-camera. • Cabinet ministers are expected to show complete solidarity with government policy.• Cabinet Solidarity: means that members must show public support for their leader and the decisions that the elected party makes• So, they must stand united under their political party. This is important because it shows the public that the government is confident in their plans, and have a strong team

THE PARTY WHIP•The job of the party whip is to make sure all of the party members are following proper party discipline:

That means that members must attend meeting, show support for party proposals . The party whip is there to enforce party discipline.

The Civil Service•This is the bureaucracy of government staffed by thousands of employees throughout the country.•The civil service ensures that the day to day operations of every branch of government are carried out.•The senior civil servant in each government department is the Deputy Minister.