Government and Politics

Foundations of Government

Why study government?

Aboriginal decision making

• Aboriginal peoples relied on participation by members of the community

• Hereditary leaders handed down positions through a clan or family

• Consensus from open community discussions

• Traditions passed down through oral tradition

Canada’s method of decision making has

roots in the British parliamentary tradition

“Rule By The People”

Democracy

Constitutional Monarchy

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada

ConstitutionBritish North America (BNA) Act, 1867

Amended in 1982, the Canadian Constitution has three main parts:

Division of Powers

Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Amending formula

The Federal System

• At the time of Confederation, the colonies that later became Canada agreed to pool their resources for defence, trade, and other common goals

• However, they were unwilling to give up completely their individual autonomy

Federalism: an organization of regional governments (provinces) each acting on behalf of its own residents, and a central government, with divided and shared responsibilities between the two

The Federal System

Residual Powers

All areas of decision making that did not exist or were not listed in 1867 are by default allocated to the federal government.

Federal Responsibility

Provincial Responsibility

Municipal Responsibility