The Relationship Between the Executive, Legislative, and
Judicial Branches of Our Federal System
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Introduction Parliament Parliament is a group of people who
represent the entire population in a country. In Canada, Parliament
is made up of three parts: the Governor General, the Senate and the
House of Commons. What do you already know about Canadas
government? Lets take a pre-quiz!
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Our Federal Government
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Introduction Canadas federal government (also known as
parliament) has THREE branches with special roles and
responsibilities: The Legislative Branch The Executive Branch The
Judicial Branch
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The Legislative Branch This branch is made up of the HOUSE OF
COMMONS (all elected members of Parliament), the SENATE (appointed
by the Prime Minister), and the GOVERNOR GENERAL (the Queens
representative in Canada). More commonly, the legislative branch is
referred to as Parliament. The duty of the legislative branch is to
propose, amend, and pass laws in Canada. Because all elected
members of Parliament are members of the legislative branch, there
are various political parties represented within it.
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The Legislative Branch THE HOUSE OF COMMONS: This is the major
law making area in our government. They debate, study, and vote on
bills that they think should become laws. Voters in each riding of
Canada elect people to represent them in the government. They are
called members of parliament. (MPs)
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The Legislative Branch MPs belong to political parties. The
party with the most MPs elected form the government. The other
parties form the opposition. Representation in the House of Commons
is by population. (How many people live in that area determines how
many representatives that area can have.)
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House of Commons Tour
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The Legislative Branch THE SENATE: These members are called
senators. They are appointed by the prime minster and remain in
office until the age of 75. PMs usually appoint members who support
their parties, so the senate is made up of representatives from
various parties. The Senate was created at the beginning of
Confederation to ensure equality and protection of minority rights
(at the time, Francophones), and so the Senate is made up of people
who are from various cultures and occupations.
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The Legislative Branch Their role is to take a careful second
round of debating, studying, and voting on bills that have been
passed by the House of Commons. A bill cannot become law until both
the House of Commons and the Senate pass it. The Senate has the
power to reject bills, but rarely uses this. They can not propose
any bills related to money.
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The Senate Chamber Roles in the Senate
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The Senate Prime Minister Stephen Harper named five new members
to the senate. Lets look at the press release and think about what
issues arise from this. CBC News: Harper Names 5 to Senate Of note:
Alberta has held elections to nominate representatives to the
Senate in 1989, 1998, and 2004. We are the only province to do so.
Stan Waters was elected in 1989 and appointed by PM Brian Mulroney
in 1990.
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The Legislative Branch THE GOVERNOR GENERAL: Is the Queens
representative. DOES NOT play a part of the day to day running of
the government. His roles include: signing official documents,
greeting important officials, and presenting honours and
awards.
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Governor General David Johnston
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The Executive Branch Consists of the prime minister, the
cabinet, public service. Their role is to carry out laws passed by
the legislative branch and are responsible for the daily duties of
running the country. THE PRIME MINISTER: He is the head of the
government. To be PM, you must be the leader of a political party,
elected as a member of Parliament, AND your party must win the most
seats in the House of Commons.
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Prime Minister Stephen Harper
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The Executive Branch THE CABINET: These people are called
cabinet ministers. The cabinet proposes most of the ideas that
become laws. Some ministers are appointed by the PM and are
responsible for specific areas that are important to Canadians.
These areas are called PORTFOLIOS. The member of Parliament in
charge of them is called a minister. Some examples of portfolios:
Minister of National Defense Minister of the Environment Minister
of Health
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The Executive Branch PUBLIC SERVICE: Consists of people
employed by the government who are not elected and whose jobs
generally do not change as a result of an election.
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The Judicial Branch Consists of Canadas courts of law including
provincial courts, the court of appeal, the Supreme Court and other
federal courts. The Supreme Court has the final word on all legal
questions and laws. This branch is kept separate from the other
branches and acts as a check on the powers of the executive and
legislative branches. This branch interprets laws and ensures the
rights of Canadians are protected.
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To whom are members of Parliament and senators accountable?
Members of Parliament and senators are accountable to the citizens
of Canada and should consider the best interests of Canadians at
all times. Specifically, MPs are accountable to the people who
elected them in their constituency they are the voice of the people
in Parliament. Senators have a responsibility to minorities in
Canada to make sure that the issues and concerns of minorities are
addressed in Parliament.
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Assignment Complete the handout: Lesson 2: Canadas Federal
Political System: Critical Thinking Questions. Lets summarize with
a video! The Parlimentary System of Canada
