Branches of Government Legislative First Our 3 Branches

Branches of Government: Legislative

First… Our 3 Branches of Gov. n 1. ) Legislative Branch = makes laws n 2. ) Executive Branch = implements laws n 3. ) Judicial = enforcement of laws

Legislative Branch - There are 3 major components of the legislative branch 1. ) Governor General (GG) 2. ) House of Commons (HOC) 3. ) Senate * House of Commons is the most important

Who’s Who? Head of state has ultimate authority in legislative process n Head of state in Canada is the Queen n

Governor General is the representative of the Queen or Monarch in Canada n Current GG is David Johnson n

Governor General’s Role 1. Read the Speech from the Throne – Announces in general terms what legislation the government hopes to have passed during the session 2. Prorogues Parliament – Declares the session over 3. Between opening and prorogation – Gives Royal Assent (signing bills)

Government Composition n In Canada government is formed by the political party which wins the most seats in a federal election n The leader of the party which forms government is the Prime Minister

Structure of the House of Commons - House of Commons consists of all the representatives elected to the house who are called MP’s (Members of Parliament) - 308 seats in the H of C - MP’s of all parties who do not make up government are called opposition - Party with 2 nd most seats in House, is called the Official opposition

Senate n Is comprised of 105 members n Appointed n Must by GG upon PM selection retire by age 75

Role of Senate 1. Provides “sober second through” to legislation coming from HOC - power to veto - must pass three readings 2. “polishes” legislations; cleans up wording and technical details 3. Supply Cabinet ministers when MP’s are not available

A Closer Look n. A piece of proposed legislation is called a bill n A bill goes through the necessary stages to become law n Ideas for a bill usually originate from cabinet n Legislation involving the spending of government funds, must be introduced in the House of Commons