Chapter 1 Outline

How effectively does Canadas federal political system govern Canada for all
Canadians?
What you need to know:
The role and structure of the Executive Branch
The role and structure of the Legislative Branch
The role and structure of the Judicial Branch
The responsibilities of the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Members of
Parliament (MPs), and Senators
How a law becomes a law
The relationship between the media and government
The role of lobbyists

The Constitution

Monarch of Britain

Prime
Minister

Executive Branch
Proposes laws
Puts laws into action
Runs the day-day business
of the government

Legislative Branch
Makes laws
Represents the interest and rights
of Canadas Regions

House of
Commons

Judicial Branch
Applies and interprets laws

Provincial/
Supreme
Territorial
Court
Courts

Senate
Cabinet

Some
Cabinet Minister
Appointed by the Prime

Helpful Graphic Organizers:

Member of Parliament

Elected by citizens to
represent a certain
Minister
riding (district)
Responsible for different
Represent their
government
constituents in the
departments (portfolios)
House of Commons
Are MPs or senators
Study, debate, and vote
from the leading political
on proposed laws

Senator

Appointed by the Prime

Minister
Represent the interests
of Canadas regions and
minority groups
Consider bills passed
first by the House of
Commons

party
Proposes most of the
ideas that become laws

Most MPs belong to a

political party