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The Canadian Political System: A Comparative Perspective

The Canadian Political System: A Comparative Perspective. Study Canada Summer Institute July 4, 2011 Donald Alper Department of Political Science Center for Canadian-American Studies Western Washington University. A Federal System. 14 governments (excluding First Nations) 1 federal

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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 July 4, 2011 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 • geography (fewer, more clout) • fueled by political structure • French-English ‘accommodation’ • French-speaking homeland • bilingualism

  4. A Closer Look at Pol Structure and Provincial Influence • In US—states have strong 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. Party Leaders

  12. Thank You Consider: John Saywell, Canada Past and Present, chs 6-7 at: http://www.scribd.com/doc/12688143/john-saywell-canada

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