Politics of Canada

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Overview of the politics of Canada

The politics of Canada function within a framework of parliamentary democracy and a federal system of parliamentary government with strong democratic traditions. Canada is a constitutional monarchy, in which the monarch is the head of state. The country has a multi-party system in which many of its legislative practices derive from the unwritten conventions of and precedents set by the Westminster system of the United Kingdom.

Constitutional framework

Canada's constitution is the supreme law of the country and consists of written text and unwritten conventions. The written part includes the Constitution Act, 1867 (formerly the British North America Act, 1867) and the Constitution Act, 1982, which includes the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The unwritten conventions are derived from the Westminster system.

Monarchy

The monarch is the head of state and is represented by the governor general at the federal level and by the lieutenant governors at the provincial level. The monarch's role is largely ceremonial, with the governor general and lieutenant governors carrying out most of the royal duties.

Executive branch

The prime minister is the head of government and is appointed by the governor general. The prime minister is usually the leader of the party that has the most seats in the House of Commons. The prime minister appoints members of the cabinet, who are responsible for specific government departments and agencies.

Legislative branch

Canada's parliament is bicameral, consisting of the House of Commons and the Senate. Members of the House of Commons, known as Members of Parliament (MPs), are elected, while senators are appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister.

House of Commons

The House of Commons is the lower house of parliament and is composed of MPs who are elected in electoral districts known as ridings. The party that has the most seats in the House of Commons usually forms the government, and its leader becomes the prime minister.

Senate

The Senate is the upper house of parliament and is composed of senators who are appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister. The Senate's role is to review and suggest amendments to legislation passed by the House of Commons.

Judicial branch

The judiciary is independent of the executive and legislative branches. The highest court in Canada is the Supreme Court of Canada, which has the final authority on legal and constitutional matters. Other courts include the Federal Court, the provincial and territorial courts, and various administrative tribunals.

Political parties

Canada has a multi-party system with several major political parties, including the Liberal Party, the Conservative Party, the New Democratic Party (NDP), the Bloc Québécois, and the Green Party.

Elections

Elections in Canada are held at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels. Federal elections are called by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister and must be held at least every four years. Provincial and municipal elections are governed by their respective jurisdictions.

Related pages

• Constitution of Canada
• Monarchy of Canada
• Governor General of Canada
• Prime Minister of Canada
• Parliament of Canada
• House of Commons of Canada
• Senate of Canada
• Judiciary of Canada
• Liberal Party of Canada
• Conservative Party of Canada
• New Democratic Party
• Bloc Québécois
• Green Party of Canada

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