Socials Studies 10 Lessons

By: Gen L

Lesson 2: The Legislative Branch

Components of the Branch:

• King
  • Govenor General
• Senate
• House of Commons
  • Government Party
    • Prime Minister
    • Cabinet
    • Backbenchers
  • Opposition
    • Shadow Cabinet

The Govenor General

• Gives the Speech from the Throne (Speech prepared by the PM's Office, outlining goals of the gov't in the next session.)
• Royal Assent (Approves a bill to make it law.)
• Dissolution (Ends a session of Parliament, and starts an election. Done on the advice of the PM.)

The Senate (The Upper House)

• The purpose is:
  • Provide regional representation (equal # from each region)
  • Provide "sober second thought" to legislation (check and balance on HoC)
• Cannot introduce bills requiring spending money, so bills almost never come from the senate.

The Senate, Continued

• Consists of 105 senators appointed by the PM, & serve until 75, resignation or death.
• When the PM appoints a friend or supporter, it is known as "Patronage"

Senate Reform

• Many consider the senate ineffective, not democratic, and basically a "rubber stamp" that always approves bills from the HoC.

Senate Reform, Continued

• Triple "E" Senate - "Elected, Effective, Equal"
  • Each Province elects the same number of senators (requires amendment of Constitution)
• The Panel Senate
  • Each Province elects a panel of candidates, allowing the PM to choose one (no amendment needed)

The House of Commons (Lower House)

• Filled with 338 elected representatives, or MP's (Members of Parliament)
• Provides "Representation By Population" (each MP represents approx. 111k Canadians)
• Most bills originate in the House of Commons.

HoC, Continued

• The Speaker, a respected member elected from the house, acts as a chairperson and referee during debate.
  • Can break voting ties.
• The Government sits to the right of the speaker.
  • PM and their Cabinet sit in front rows,
  • Other members are called Backbenchers.
• The opposition sits opposite to the government, and has a Shadow Cabinet to offer specialised scrutiny of Cabinet policy and actions.

Committees

• Cannot change the purpose of legislation, but does work refining and polishing the language of the bill.
• MP's from all parties make up members of the committees.
• Types of Committees:
  • Committees of the Whole - full HoC examines a bill
  • Standing Committees - Committees that meet seperately.

Law-Making Process, Part 1

1. A bill is introduced, usually by a cabinet member in the House of Commons.
2. The bill goes through First Reading , where it's simply introduced
3. In the Second Reading , it is debated and voted on (to decide whether to continue).
4. If approved, the bill moves to Committee, where it is polished and refined.
5. At the Third Reading, The House votes, if approved, it moves to the Senate.

Law Making Process, Part 2

6. In the Senate, the bill goes through First Reading , Second Reading , Committee and a Third Reading.
7. If both the the House and Senate pass the bill, it is sent to the Govenor General, whom gives it Royal Assent, and it finally becomes a Law.

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