Organization of the Government

Three Basic Powers

• Legislative: Power to make laws• Executive: Power to carry out laws• Judicial: Power to interpret and enforce laws.

Legislative Branch

Made up of the governor general, members of parliament and the member of the senate.

Responsible for making laws and regulations.

Executive Branch

• Governor general, prime minister, cabinet members, civil service.

• Carry out laws and regulations.

Judicial Branch

• Supreme Court of Canada• Provincial and territorial courts

Interpret laws and settle conflicts between • people• people and the government• different levels of government

Federal Parliament

• Elected House of Commons (MPs)• Senate• Governor General

Responsible for protecting and promoting Canada and its citizens.

Bills

• Proposals for new laws.

• Before each session of Parliament a legislative agenda is made that outline the new laws that the government plans on creating.

Prime Minister

• Leader of the government.• Chooses members of cabinet, appoints

Supreme Court judges, members of senate.• Developing programs and policies for the

country.• Representing Canada at international

conferences.• Planning new laws.

The Cabinet

Appointed to run a department such as National Defence, Foreign Affairs, Finance etc.

• Oversee the operation of the department.• Provide advice to PM.• Defend public policies.

House of Commons

Made up of the 308 elected members (MPs)

• Represent people in his/her riding.• Attend Question Period.• Participate in caucus.• Discuss bills.

Senate

Appointed members

• Overlook bills and give final approval to make them laws.

Governor General

Queens representative.

• Signs bills• Opens and closes Parliament.• Reads the governments plans for each session.