The Legislative Branch
Governor General
The governor general is at the head of the country as the resident representative of the Queen. He/She needs to give Royal assent for a bill to become a law. The governor general is also a part of the executive branch. The governor general is the head of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. The governor general represents Canada during the times we receive royal visitors, head of states and foreign ambassadors at Rideau Hall and at the Citadelle of Québec. He/She is also the commander-in-chief of Canada.
The governor general is at the head of the country as the resident representative of the Queen. He/She needs to give Royal assent for a bill to become a law. The governor general is also a part of the executive branch. The governor general is the head of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. The governor general represents Canada during the times we receive royal visitors, head of states and foreign ambassadors at Rideau Hall and at the Citadelle of Québec. He/She is also the commander-in-chief of Canada.
The House of Commons
The House of Commons is the major law-making body in Canada's federal political system. The member of the House of Commons debate, study and vote on bills. They study pros and cons and vote on them. MPs (Members of Parliament) are the members of the House of Commons. The Parliament is voted by voters, not chosen by the Prime Minister. Majority government is when a political party wins 50% or more seats in the House of Commons. Minority government is when the leading political party wins less than 50% of the seats in the House of Commons. |
The Senate
The Senate is a part of the Legislative Branch. They aren't elected, the Prime Minister appoints them. The Senate reviews and considers bills that are first passed by The House of Commons. They check for any flaws The House of Commons may have missed. They are the "sober second thought". The Senate can also propose laws only if the law doesn't create or spend taxes. They represent the rights and interests of Canada's regions. A bill can't become a law until the Senate and the House of Commons both pass them. |
Members of Parliament
Members of Parliament (MPs) are the members of The House of Commons. MPs are elected by voters of their riding. They also represent that district. They must voice the opinions and concerns of their constituents in the House of Commons. MPs debate, study and vote on bills. They also create legislation for the peace and order. The Parliament is voted by voters, not chosen by the Prime Minister. Each MP represents one riding and belongs to one party. The party with the most elected MPs form the government and the leader of that party become Prime Minister. Other parties become the opposition. |
The Senators
Senators are the people that work in the Senate. They are not elected, because the Prime Minister appoints them. Senators represent the interests and rights in Canada but mainly represent the interests and rights of the minorities in Canada. They can remain in the office until the age of 75. MPs and Senators, if appointed by the Prime Minister, are cabinet ministers. Senators are appointed by region. The Senate can propose laws, but usually only consider bills passed by the House of Commons. Senators have the power to reject bills from the House of Commons. |