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The Canadian Federal Government. (Terms). Governor General. Representative of the Queen or King of England Chosen by the Prime Minister Term is approximately 5 years Acts on advice of cabinet ministers or the Prime Minister Ceremonial role in today’s government. Head of State.
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The Canadian Federal Government (Terms)
Governor General • Representative of the Queen or King of England • Chosen by the Prime Minister • Term is approximately 5 years • Acts on advice of cabinet ministers or the Prime Minister • Ceremonial role in today’s government
Head of State • Governor General is the head of state • No political powers • Symbolic role as previously discussed
Head of Government • In Canada is the Prime Minister • Prime Minister is the political leader of the government of Canada
Parliament • Group of representatives who govern the country • Branch of government that makes laws • MP is elected from each riding (an area containing about 100,000 people) • Top executive is the Prime Minister, Cabinet, MP’s (backbenchers) • Governor General and Senate are also part of Parliament
House of Commons • All MP’s, Cabinet and Prime Minister is called the House of Commons • Currently 308 MP’s in Canada • MP’s spend their time debating and passing legislation • Focal point of the Canadian Parliamentary system
Senate • Not elected • Consists of 105 men and women appointed by the Governor General on the recommendation of the PM • Appointment to Senate is given as a reward for service to the community • Minimum age = 30 years Max age = 75 • Senate passes bills before they become law • Rare for the Senate to refuse a bill from the House
Executive Branch • Function is to make and apply government decisions • Consists of the Governor General and the Prime Minister (Federal Level)
Legislative Branch • Function is to make and amend laws • Determines how the government will spend money • Consists of the House of Commons, the Senate, and the Governor General (Federal Level)
Cabinet • 30 members • Members are called Cabinet Ministers • Are selected by the PM from the MP’s who won their riding • Each province must have at least 1 minister • No set term • Responsible for making new legislation • Must administer 1 department of government (Eg. Finance, defense, transportation)