[4] Canadian Parliament Buildings
The constitutional monarchy follows British political traditions and recognizes the monarch (currently, Queen Elizabeth II) as the head of state. The monarch is very symbolic, but doesn't have a lot of power in affairs. The Governor General, is the constitutional monarch's representative and he is appointed by the monarch upon advice from the Prime Minister.
[1] Current Prime Minister: Stephen Harper
[2] Queen Elizabeth II
In Canada, we have representative democracy, this means that people vote for representatives who they think can represent their ideas and opinions.
There are three parts/levels in the federal system: Federal, Provincial, Municipal. The Federal level is responsible for departments such as defence, postal service, pensions, RCMP, taxes and more. The Provincial level is responsible for education, hospitals, medical care, highways, license, provincial police and taxes. Lastly, the Municipal level is responsible for firefighters, snow removal, water supply, garbage, transit, local police and taxes.
The Party System consists of four different parties, each party contains representatives with similar beliefs, ideas and plans on how to best govern. These parties promote their ideologies and try to gain public support in order in order to get more seats in the House of Commons. There are currently four main parties in the Canadian government: New Democratic Party, the Conservatives, the Liberals and the Green Party.
In addition to the four systems, there are also three branches in the government. These branches are the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary. The Executive branch is involved with the power to administer the country. The Executive branch consists of the Prime Minister, Queen, Governor General and Cabinet Ministers. The Legislative branch (House of Commons and Senate) is involved with making/repealing laws/bills. The Judiciary branch (Supreme Court, Provincial Court and Federal Court) reinforces laws and hands out the punishments.
The Canadian government functions by using the money that the citizens have to pay as taxes. This money goes towards our government so that it can run smoothly by dividing the money into different departments. The Canadian government attempts to keep our country organized and running smoothly so that we as citizens, can do our own part by working and paying tax money in order for the government to continue running efficiently. Although many would argue that Canada is not as democratic as it is claimed to be, I believe that it is still very democratic compared to other countries. When we compare our democratic rights to that of other countries, we don't face as harsh penalties for voicing our concerns through protests and strikes.
References:
[1] Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/teddyboy/3082734466/
[2] Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/12587661@N06/2316585991/sizes/m/in/photostream/
[3] Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/scazon/3037754970/sizes/m/in/photostream/
[4] Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vincealongi/343443660/sizes/m/in/photostream/
The Party System consists of four different parties, each party contains representatives with similar beliefs, ideas and plans on how to best govern. These parties promote their ideologies and try to gain public support in order in order to get more seats in the House of Commons. There are currently four main parties in the Canadian government: New Democratic Party, the Conservatives, the Liberals and the Green Party.
In addition to the four systems, there are also three branches in the government. These branches are the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary. The Executive branch is involved with the power to administer the country. The Executive branch consists of the Prime Minister, Queen, Governor General and Cabinet Ministers. The Legislative branch (House of Commons and Senate) is involved with making/repealing laws/bills. The Judiciary branch (Supreme Court, Provincial Court and Federal Court) reinforces laws and hands out the punishments.
[3] Canadian House of Commons
The Canadian government functions by using the money that the citizens have to pay as taxes. This money goes towards our government so that it can run smoothly by dividing the money into different departments. The Canadian government attempts to keep our country organized and running smoothly so that we as citizens, can do our own part by working and paying tax money in order for the government to continue running efficiently. Although many would argue that Canada is not as democratic as it is claimed to be, I believe that it is still very democratic compared to other countries. When we compare our democratic rights to that of other countries, we don't face as harsh penalties for voicing our concerns through protests and strikes.
References:
[1] Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/teddyboy/3082734466/
[2] Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/12587661@N06/2316585991/sizes/m/in/photostream/
[3] Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/scazon/3037754970/sizes/m/in/photostream/
[4] Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vincealongi/343443660/sizes/m/in/photostream/
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