Canada has a federal parliamentary democracy system of government. Power is divided between the central federal government and regional provincial governments. Citizens participate through democratic elections and voting for representatives. The prime minister is the head of government and is chosen by the political party that wins a plurality in the House of Commons. Citizens can vote at age 18 but it is not mandatory.

1. Canada’s Government Unit 5 Notes

2. Government Systems & Types A Brief Review…

3. Government Systems -- Whose Got the Power? Unitary --power is held by one central authority Confederation --association of independent states that agree to certain limitations on their freedoms by joining together Federal --power is divided between central authority & several regional authorities Which system does Canada have?

4. Government Types -- How Do Citizens Participate? Autocratic -- 1 person possesses unlimited power & citizens have limited role in government Oligarchic -- small group exercises control & citizens have limited role in government Democratic --supreme power is vested in the people & exercised by them directly or indirectly though a system of representation involving free elections Which type does Canada have?

5. Two Types of Democratic Governments Parliamentary -- a system of government having the real executive power vested in a cabinet composed of members of the legislature who elect the leader Leader works with or through the legislature Presidential --system of government in which the leader is constitutionally independent of the legislature Leader works separate from legislature *Which type of democracy does Canada have?

6. Canada’s Government Federation (federal system) Parliamentary Democracy Constitutional Monarchy

7. Leadership 1. Head of State: Monarch of the United Kingdom (presently, Queen Elizabeth II); little political power 2. Governor General : stands in for the monarch 3. Prime Minister : holds the most political power; works closely with the legislature

8. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

9. Her Excellency The Right Honorable Michaelle Jean (Governor General)

10. The Right Honorable Stephen Harper (Prime Minister)

11. How the Leader is Chosen… Governor General: appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister; serves a 5 year term Prime Minister : is the leader of the majority party in the House of Commons; indirectly elected by the people

12. Legislature: Parliament Senate (105 seats): members are appointed by the governor general with advice from the Prime Minister --not elected by the people; can serve until they are 75 years old House of Commons (308 seats): members are directly elected by the people --serve 5 year terms --largest political party in the House elects the Prime Minister

13. Role of Citizen in Government Citizens must be 18 to vote, but voting is not required by law Citizens vote for members of the House of Commons, which indirectly elects the Prime Minister

14. Personal Freedoms