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The Structure of Canada's Government
Study Guide
51
Social Studies
11th Grade
09/25/2012

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Cards

Term
What is a government?
Definition
A formal system of decision making.
Term
What are traditions?
Definition
Established rules and procedures.
Term
What are institutions?
Definition
The bodies or groups responsible for carrying ot specific aspects of the government's work.
Term
What is a democracy?
Definition
A government that is "ruled by the people".
Term
What is meant by the term direct democracy?
Definition
A government in which every eligible citizen participated directly by voting in all the decisions affecting society.
Term
How is a representative democracy different from a direct democracy?
Definition
A representative democracy allows elected citizens to make decisions on their behalf.
Term
What is a constitutional monarchy?
Definition
The recognition of a monarch as head of state.
Term
List the three main parts of Canada's constitution.
Definition
  • Description of the powers of provincial decision-making, as well as their parts and authority
  • Charter of Rights and Freedom
  • Amending formula
Term
What are federal responsibilities?
Definition
  • National Defense              
  • Foreign Policy
  • Aboriginal affairs
  • Postal services
  • Banking System
  • Marriage/Divorce Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Federal Prisons
Term
What are Provincial responsibilities?
Definition
  • Education
  • Charities
  • Health Services/Hospitals
  • Licenses
  • HIghways
  • Provincial Court System
  • Provincial Polie and Prisons
Term
What are the responsibilities shared by Federal and Provincial courts?
Definition
  • Immigration
  • Agriculture
  • Health Care
  • Natural Resources
  • Environmental Issues
Term
Why is the constitution necessary for a complex organization?
Definition
So the government knows its limitations, and the people know their rights.
Term
What shared ideas or values hold our country together?
Definition
  • Defence
  • Currency
  • Postal services
Term
What issues separate regions or provinces and pull our country apart?
Definition
A feeling of lack of power and alienation from decision making.
Term

Our government is divided into three branches;

 

Definition
  1. Executive
  2. Judicial 
  3. Legislative
Term
What does our splitting our government into three branches say about our views of leadership and decision making?
Definition
We work better when there are numerous people making decision rather than just one.
Term
What is a federal system of government?
Definition
An organization of regional governments each acting on behalf of its own residents.
Term
What are municipal governments?
Definition
Local level of government.
Term
Who decides what form municipal governments will take?
Definition
Provincial governments.
Term
How often must the Federal Parliament meet?
Definition
At least once a year.
Term
What is the purpose of the question period?
Definition
So that the government gets the public's point of view on what needs to be changed.
Term
How often must the federal parliament hold elections?
Definition
Whenever they feel like it within a five year period.
Term
What is a constituency?
Definition
Areas with a certain number of citizens, ruled by its own section of government.
Term
How many people live in a typical constituency?
Definition
100,000 citizens.
Term
How many seats or members of parliament were there in 2001?
Definition
301 seats.
Term
Describe the speaker's two main roles in parliament.
Definition
  • To oversee the impartial operation of the House of Commons
  • Apply the rules or parliament fairly
Term
What is the role of the opposition in Parliament?
Definition
To scrutinize the actions of the government.
Term
What is the role of the party's caucus?
Definition
To have a place to discuss concerns and express opinions freely.
Term
What are the requirements for becoming a Senator?
Definition
  • Must be a Canadian citizen
  • Must live in the province/territory
  • Must own $4,000 of property
Term
How does someone become a Senator?
Definition
The Senator is appointed by the Governor General, by request of the Prime Minister.
Term
What is the role of the Senate?
Definition
To provide a final check on the legislation that is trying to be passed.
Term
Describe the role of the Governor General.
Definition

Gives formal assent to a bill before it becomes law, etc.

(Represents the Monarch)

Term
How is the prime minister chosen?
Definition
The leader of the political party with the most elected representatives is asked by the Governor General.
Term

What does the Prime Minister do in his role as head of government?

 

Definition
  • Asks the Governor General to name new judges
  • Decides when the election will be called
  • Chooses Cabinet members
  • Has the final say in government policies
Term
What does the Prime Minister do in his role as national leader?
Definition
  • Addresses issues
  • Represents Canada in other countries
  • Works with the provincial premieres
Term
What does the Prime Minister do in his role as party leader?
Definition
  • Acts as a spokesperson
  • Gives out patronage appointments
  • Leads parliament
Term
How are the cabinet ministers chosen?
Definition
They are appointed by the Prime Minister.
Term
What are the characteristics of an ideal cabinet?
Definition
Must reflect the cultural, linguistic, and social diversity of the nation.
Term
Why is it important that Cabinet represent all regions and groups in Canada?
Definition
So every voice is heard.
Term
What is the role of a cabinet minister?
Definition
They are responsible for their department's efficient and effective operation and finances.
Term
What is the role of the party whip?
Definition
To ensure that members are present in parliament to support party bills and vote in legislature.
Term
Descrive the roles of civil servants.
Definition
  • Gather statistics
  • Write details for new laws
  • Represent Canada in other countries
Term
List four areas for which Provincial governments are responsible.
Definition
  1. Education
  2. Environment
  3. Health Care/Social Welfare
  4. Transportation
Term

How do Provincial governments and the Federal government solve disputes over which as control over such things as the environment and taxes?

 

Definition
The Supreme Court of Canada is asked to make a decision.
Term
What is the head of a town council or municipal government called?
Definition
  • Mayor
  • Reeve
  • Chairperson
  • Overseer
  • Warden
Term
What names are given to other elected members of the municipal government?
Definition
  • Councillors
  • Alderpersons
  • Controllers
Term
What is the role of municipalities and its various departments?
Definition
To provide services for residents.
Term
What is the role of a mayor?
Definition
To be accountable to the citizens.
Term
Why might municipal governments been given so little power when Canada was establishes and only one in ten Canadians lived in a city?
Definition
Because they had fewer services to provide to citizens.
Term
How is the problem today when over 70% of Canadians live in cities?
Definition
They now have to provide more services.
Term
How are aboriginal band councils different from municipal councils?
Definition
They have more dealings with premieres and federal ministers.
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