Branches of Government Executive Components of Executive Branch

Branches of Government: Executive

Components of Executive Branch Governor General Prime Minister Cabinet The Bureaucracy

The Prime Minister Central Figure Powers are enormous but not outlined in any document These Include: 1. party leadership 2. appointment 3. governmental organization 4. dissolution

1. Party Leadership Has the power to approve someone from his own party running in an election to become an MP When a party wins an election, it can be said that the voters have given that party a mandate PM can therefore count on support of his MP’s Leads Caucus meetings to iron out issues. n Caucus means ‘of one party’.

2. Power of Appointment Appoints Governor General (asks Queen) Appoints cabinet members n n Each province is represented in cabinet All races, genders, minority groups etc. Decides the size of the cabinet

3. Government Organization PM appoints cabinet ministers and has power to create or abolish portfolio’s’ (responsibilities) Cabinets can be shuffled by PM if they are not working as the PM intended

4. Power of Dissolution PM can set the time of election to his or her liking (i. e. Public opinion suggests the government is doing a good job) PM must call an election every 5 years

Cabinet Are not of equal in importance or power 1. Ministers in charge of permanent regular government departments - (Finance, Justice) 2. Ministers of state - usually in charge of small, often temporary departments linked to a larger one - (Minister of state for small business) 3. Ministers without portfolio - no specific area of responsibility - In the cabinet so that a province may have its quota of cabinet representation

Cabinet (cont. ) Cabinet Solidarity n n n Central to the executive process Decisions are collective Cabinet minister who disagrees would have to keep it private or resign Party whip: member that ensures that all other members are present in Parliament to support bills and sometimes disciplines members who do not behave Cabinet Secrecy n The records of the cabinet meeting Order-in-Council n n Authority by which most cabinet decisions are carried out Expressed in a cabinet document, signed by GG which orders a particular course of action and has the force of law

Shadow Cabinet Mimics the Cabinet Formed by the Leader of the Opposition responsibility to pass criticism on the current government and its respective legislation, as well as offering alternative policies

Privy Council Office Is a public service not affiliated with any party Eyes and ears of cabinet Top figure = Clerk of Privy Council Very influential Coordinating meetings and relaying decisions Provide impartial research and info

Ministries or Bureaucracy One in every five Canadians works for the government Four major areas of control 1. 2. 3. 4. Gov’t Depts Crown Corporations Regulatory Agencies Advisory Bodies/Royal Commissions

Bureaucracy: Four major areas of Control 1. Government departments - 23 departments each led by Cabinet minister - Ex. Transportation, National Defense, Justice 2. 3. 4. Crown Corporation - a business owned by the government - Ex. Canadian National Railway Regulatory Agencies: - set rules and regulations by which businesses in Canada must operate - Ex. Canadian Transport Commission Advisory Bodies: - Royal Commissions or task forces set up to examine a specific issue - Ex. Royal Commission on women or Aboriginal Rights