1. Fundamental principles
Canada functions according to three fundamental principles:
- •Federal state
- •Parliamentary democracy
- •Constitutional monarchy
2. 1. Federal state
Levels of government:
- •Federal: National and international affairs (defence, foreign policy, trade, citizenship)
- •Provincial/Territorial: Education, health, natural resources, local transportation
- •Municipal: Local services (police, roads, water)
3. Sharing of jurisdiction
- •Exclusive to federal: Currency, army, immigration (shared)
- •Exclusive to provinces: Education, health
4. 2. Parliamentary democracy
Elections:
- •Citizens elect members of parliament to legislative assemblies
5. Parliamentary operations
- •House of Commons: Elected MPs (usually every 4 years)
- •Senate: Senators appointed by the Governor General until age 75
- •Legislative process: Bill → two chambers → Royal Assent
- •Ministerial responsibility: Government must maintain the confidence of the House
6. 3. Constitutional monarchy
Head of State:
- •The King or Queen (Charles III) - symbolic role
7. Representatives of the Crown
- •Governor General (federal): Appointed by the monarch
- •Lieutenant Governors (provincial): Appointed by the Governor General
8. Role of the sovereign
- •Symbol of national unity
- •Guarantor of constitutional freedoms
- •Represents Canada in the Commonwealth (53 countries)
9. The three branches of government
Executive:
- •Prime Minister and Cabinet: Run the government
10. Legislative branch
- •Parliament (House of Commons + Senate): Votes on laws
11. Judicial branch
- •Supreme Court of Canada (9 appointed judges): Interprets laws
12. Provincial/Territorial government
- •Elected legislative assembly (called differently depending on the region)
- •Provincial Premier: Role similar to the federal PM
- •Lieutenant Governor: Represents the Crown
13. Citizen participation
- •Right to vote: From age 18 (federal, provincial, municipal)
- •Importance of voting: Choosing representatives and influencing policies
14. Conclusion
The Canadian system combines:
- •Decentralization (federalism)
- •Democratic representation
- •Monarchical stability
- •Protection of citizens' rights
- •Effective governance