The Government
Canada is ruled by a Westminster style federal parliamentary democracy within a constitutional monarchy.
Canada's Parliament is located on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
In order to understand the workings of the Canadian Government, it is essential to familiarize yourselves with the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches.
The Executive Branch
The executive branch has sole authority and responsibility for the daily administration of the state bureaucracy.
Evidently, the Prime Minister is most important for the functioning of the executive as he is the head of government.
The executive branch also includes the privy council. The privy council is the full group of personal consultants to the Queen, composed of elected Members of Parliament. These members are appointed for life by the Governor General, as directed by the Prime Minister.
Evidently, the Prime Minister is most important for the functioning of the executive as he is the head of government.
The executive branch also includes the privy council. The privy council is the full group of personal consultants to the Queen, composed of elected Members of Parliament. These members are appointed for life by the Governor General, as directed by the Prime Minister.
Canada has a bicameral legislature, meaning that there are two parliamentary chambers - the House of Commons and the Senate. However, the House of Commons is deemed to be more powerful than the Senate.
Again, the Governor General appoints all member of the upper house on the advice of the Prime Minister. On the other hand, the public directly elects the lower house. Upon being elected, each Member of Parliament will represent a single electoral district for a maximum of 4 years.
Again, the Governor General appoints all member of the upper house on the advice of the Prime Minister. On the other hand, the public directly elects the lower house. Upon being elected, each Member of Parliament will represent a single electoral district for a maximum of 4 years.
The Legislative Branch
The Judicial Branch
The Supreme Court of Canada is made up of 9 justices directly appointed by the governor general. The Supreme Court hears appeals from decisions rendered by appellate courts within each province and territory.
Of lower status is the Federal Court which simply hears cases arising under areas of federal law. It works side by side with the Federal Court of Appeal and the Tax Court of Canada.
Of lower status is the Federal Court which simply hears cases arising under areas of federal law. It works side by side with the Federal Court of Appeal and the Tax Court of Canada.
