Civics on Steroids Size, Regionalism, Borders Monarch Head of
state Constitutional Monarchy Definition History Comparison to
Absolute Monarchy Largely Ceremonial Queen Elizabeth II Governor
General Monarchs representative Duties: Public appearances Sign
bills Receive foreign ambassadors Open/close parliament Deliver
Speech from the Throne David Johnston Does Canada need a King/Queen
or should we have our own head of state? Salary of GG = (2013) $
Legislative Branch House of Commons Lower House (Green) Most
important component to our democracy 338 seats (representing 338
ridings) Title: Member of Parliament (MP) Senate Upper House
Chamber of sober-second-thought Unelected members Represent the
interest of different Canadian regions Triple E Reform (elected,
equal, effective) Parliament Bicameral System Opposition Leaders
Executive Branch Prime Minister Stephen Harper Leader of the
majority party Head of Government Selects Cabinet Appoints Senators
Cabinet Carries out day-to-day business of govt Individuals
assigned specific duties (Portfolios) Sworn to secrecy (in camera)
cabinet solidarity Political Process Electoral Districts Voting
System First Past the Post 308 ridings (constituencies) Election
Results 2012 Election Seats Provincial Differences Legislative
Assembly (Queens Park) Governor General = Lieutenant General PM
Premier Senate - nope
