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Branches of Government

REVIEW
What is the Executive Branch?
The part of government responsible for putting laws into action

Includes the Prime Minister (PM) and the Cabinet


What are the roles of the Prime Minister in the
Executive Branch?
The Prime Minister (PM) and the Cabinet run the day-to-day business of the
government.

The Prime Minister decides what portfolios to include in the cabinet and chooses
the cabinet ministers.
What is the role of the cabinet?
The Cabinet proposes most of the ideas that become laws

The Cabinet includes people with responsibility for different government


departments and agencies - or portfolios.

The members of the Cabinet belong to the leading political party in the House of
Commons and are either Members of Parliament (MPs) or Senators.
What are the roles of the Cabinet Ministers?
Cabinet Ministers are chosen by the PM to be in charge of different departments
that affect daily life of Canadians

Example - The Minister of Environment runs the department of the environment


and has staff to help manage and keep track of issues with environment.
What is a portfolio?
A portfolio is like a department that focuses on one specific issue that affects the
lives of Canadians in one way or another
Examples of Portfolios
Agriculture Portfolio

Defence Portfolio

Health Portfolio

Treasury Portfolio

Fisheries and Oceans Portfolio

Foreign Affairs Portfolio

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Portfolio


What is the Legislative Branch?
The part of the government that MAKES the laws

Includes the House of Commons, the Senate and the Governor General

Also called Canadas Parliament


What is the House of Commons?
The major law-making body in Canadas federal political system

The members of the House of Commons debate, study and vote on laws
proposed for Canada, called BILLS
What is an MP?
Member of Parliament (MP)

The party with the most MPs elected typically forms the government.
How are MPs elected?
They are members of the House of Commons - they are elected by voters in
Ridings

Each MP represents one Riding


What is the role of the Senate?
Senators are not voted in ** They are appointed or chosen by the Prime Minister

The Senate includes people from a variety of political parties - not just one.

Senators represent the interests of Canadas minorities.

The Senate cannot propose laws that create or spend taxes

The Senate gives a second thought to any bills the House of Commons proposes.

Bills cannot become laws until both the House of Commons and the Senate approve
it.
What is the Judicial Branch?
The part of government that interprets and applies the law by making legal
judgements
What does the Judicial Branch do?
All members of the Judicial Branch come from a law background

The Judicial Branch is separate from the other branches and acts a check on their
powers.

The main role of the Judicial Branch is making sure that the rights and
freedoms of ALL Canadians are respected
What is the Supreme Court of Canada?
The Highest Court in Canada - if a case goes to the Supreme Court, there are no
higher courts, it means its a doozy.

The Supreme Court has the final word on laws and legal questions for Canada
What is the role of a Supreme Court Judge?
To apply and define the law to the best of their ability

They are judges and not politicians

Examine issues surrounding Equality, discrimination, criminal processes, social


questions, ethics etc.

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