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The Canadian Political System: A Comparative Perspective

The Canadian Political System: A Comparative Perspective. Study Canada Summer Institute in Ottawa/Montreal July 3, 2012 Donald Alper Department of Political Science Center for Canadian-American Studies Western Washington University. A Federal System. 14 governments

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The Canadian Political System: A Comparative Perspective

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  1. The Canadian Political System: A Comparative Perspective

    Study Canada Summer Institute in Ottawa/Montreal July 3, 2012 Donald Alper Department of Political Science Center for Canadian-American Studies Western Washington University
  2. A Federal System 14 governments (excluding First Nations) 1 federal 10 provincial 3 territorial
  3. Characteristics of Federal System Highly decentralized provinces exert greater power than states -fewer; serve as regional power centers French-English ‘accommodation’ Quebec = French-speaking homeland within Canada
  4. A Closer Look at Pol Structure and Provincial Influence In US—states have strong/equal rep in national government via US Senate In Canada—no elected/ equal senate to represent provincial interests House of Commons is based on rep by pop-thus huge inequality in provincial clout at national level
  5. House of Commons Representation by Province } 181 = 60% } 92 = 30%
  6. Parliamentary v. Presidential-Congressional Systems:Comparative Framework United States - Separation of powers Canada - Fusion of Powers
  7. US Congress (House and Senate) House and Senate roughly equal in power and influence Strong, independent powers to legislate Canadian Parliament (Commons and Senate) House of Commons focus of power; carries out will of majority party Unelected senate, mostly advisory Opposition principle built into House of Commons Question Period Role of Legislative Bodies United States - Separation of powers Canada - Fusion of Powers
  8. Government and Opposition Note the “face-off” architecture of The House of Commons
  9. Question Period: A Unique Parliamentary Institution Have students simulate question period. Assign roles such as PM, Leaders of Opposition parties, cabinet ministers, etc. See: Model Parliamentary Unit Teaching File http://www.parl.gc.ca/information/about/education/mpu/index_e.asp
  10. Majority & Minority Governments A Majority Government 2011 A Minority Government 2008 Have the students work out the numbers and likely partners in a possible coalition government
  11. Political Parties & Leaders
  12. Thank You
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