Lesson 1.1: Canada's Federal System of Government

Overview

• Focus Question: How effectively does Canada’s federal political system govern Canada for all Canadians?
• Topics: Constitution, Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Representative Democracy, Federal System

Key Vocabulary

• Govern
• Governance
• Government
• Executive Branch
• Legislative Branch
• Constituent
• Popular Vote
• Minorities
• Judicial Branch
• Accountable
• Civil Service
• Assimilation
• Slogan
• Bias

Canada’s Constitution

• British North America Act of 1867: Describes the authority and function of Parliament; known as Canada’s rulebook.
• 1982: Full independence from Britain; Charter of Rights and Freedoms became part of the constitution.
• Amending Formula: Requires approval from House of Commons, Senate, and 7/10 provinces with 50% of population (70/50 Rule).

Constitutional Monarchy

• Current Monarch: Queen Elizabeth II (symbolic role).
• Governor General: Represents the monarch in Canada.

Representative Democracy

• Nature: People elect representatives to govern on their behalf due to large population.
• Levels: Federal, Provincial, Municipal.

Federal System

• Three Levels:
  • Municipal: City level (e.g., Edmonton).
  • Provincial: Province level (e.g., Alberta, Quebec).
  • Federal: Nation-wide government (Ottawa).
• Representatives: Elected at each level for different responsibilities.

Elections and Representation

• 338 Constituencies: Each equals one seat in the House of Commons.
• Representation by Population: Each riding ~100,000 people.
• Voting Statistics:
  • 60% of eligible Canadians participate in elections.
  • Lower turnout among younger people.

Assignments

• Complete the notebook questions for this chapter.