Introduction to Canadian Government

1. The Canadian Constitution

This section covers the origins and evolution of the Canadian Constitution, the formal executive, the monarchy and Governor General, the structure of the judiciary, federal and provincial legislative authority, the 1982 patriation of Canada’s Constitution and key post-1982 events and challenges such as the Meech Lake and Charlottetown Accords, the 1995 Quebec secession referendum, the Clarity Act, and Indigenous self-government.

 2. Federalism

This section examines and evaluates concepts of Canadian federalism. The major challenges to federalism are examined in terms of dualism (French/English), Quebec nationalism, Indigenous sovereignty, and the regional dynamics that influence the legislative authority of both federal and provincial governments.

 3. The Prime Minister, Ministry, and Cabinet

This section explores the roles and powers of the political executive, with particular emphasis on the prime minister and Cabinet ministers, and discusses the roles of Cabinet ministers, including the Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations. It examines policy formulation at the executive level, with reference to major coordinating agencies such the Prime Minister’s Office and the Privy Council Office.

4. Legislative Politics

This section assesses the structure and roles of the Canadian parliament, with reference to the governing and opposition parties, parliamentary processes, the committee system, and the roles and diversity of elected members of Parliament and appointed members of the Senate.

5. The Bureaucracy

This section explores the basic structure and role of the civil service, with particular emphasis placed on the role the civil service plays in terms of the development and implementation of public policy.

6. Electoral system, elections, and political parties

This section examines the formal and legal aspects of the electoral system, including redrawing the electoral map; the organization of elections; the lack of proportionality in the electoral system; suggestions for electoral reform; and party and election finance. It also examines the evolution of political parties and interpretations of the party system, party ideology, and party organization. It explores election campaigns and the role of political parties, leaders, candidates, the media and social media, and opinions polls along with the national and local campaigns, voting and other forms of political participation.

7. Advocacy groups, social movements, and lobbying

This section identifies the leading advocacy groups and social movements in Canada and outlines their targets and methods of operation. It examines the activities of professional lobbying firms who work with advocacy groups to influence government activities.