Introduction to Canadian Government
Curriculum guideline
Instructor presentation of the course will involve the use of formal lectures, structured group work, in-class discussion, and student presentations or formal debates. Additional readings may be assigned for each course unit and placed on library reserve or via selected websites. Audio-visual and interactive materials may be used.
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 such as the Meech Lake and Charlottetown accords, the 1995 Quebec succession referendum, and the Clarity Act.
2. Federalism
This section examines and evaluates concepts of Canadian federalism. The major challenges to federalism will be examined in terms of dualism (French/English), Quebec nationalism, and the regional dynamics that influence the legislative authority of both federal and provincial governments.
3. The Prime Minister, Ministry, and Cabinet
The role and powers of the political executive are examined, with particular emphasis on the prime minister. Cabinet formulation and structure as well as the roles of Cabinet ministers are discussed. Policy formulation at the executive level is examined, with reference to major coordinating agencies such the Prime Minister’s Office and the Privy Council Office.
4. Legislative Politics
The structure and roles of the Canadian parliament are examined, with particular reference to the governing and opposition parties, parliamentary processes, the committee system, and the roles of elected members of Parliament.
5. The Civil Service
The basic structure and role of the civil service is explored, with particular emphasis placed on the role the civil service plays in terms of the development and implementation of public policy.
Upon conclusion of the course, successful students will be able to:
- Distinguish between pluralist, public choice, class, state-centred, and globalization approaches to the study of Canadian government;
- Describe major institutions in the Canadian political system, for example, the constitution, the political executive, Parliament, the courts, and the civil service;
- Explain the functions of the main institutions of Canada’s political system such as passing, implementing, executing, and adjudicating legislation;
- Apply understanding of course objectives and content in a formal research essay;
- Pursue study in more advanced work in Canadian government and politics courses.
The course evaluation will be based on course objectives and in accordance with the policies of Douglas College and the Department of Political Science. A minimum of 40% of the student’s course grade will be assigned to examinations, a minimum of 30% will be assigned to the various components of a formal research essay, and a maximum of 30% will be based upon components such as quizzes, short essays, participation, and class presentations. Specific evaluation criteria will be provided by the instructor in course outlines.
One example of an evaluation system:
Mid-term exam 25%
Participation 10%
Presentation 10%
Research essay 30%
Final exam 25%
Total: 100%
Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students:
Textbooks and readers will be selected based on instructor expertise and preference, and in consultation with the Department of Political Science. There are a range of textbooks and readers that can fulfill course objectives. Some examples include:
Bickerton, James and Alain-G. Gagnon. eds., Canadian Politics. Fifth edition (Toronto: University of
Toronto Press, 2009).
Brooks, Stephen. Canadian Democracy: An Introduction. Sixth edition (Toronto: Oxford University
Press, 2012).
Dyck, Rand. Canadian Politics: Critical Approaches. Sixth edition (Toronto: Nelson, 2011).
Malcolmson, Patrick and Richard Myers. The Canadian Regime: An Introduction to
Parliamentary Government in Canada. Fourth edition (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2009).
Mintz, Eric, Livianna Tossutti, and Christopher Dunn. Democracy, Diversity and Good Government:
An Introduction to Politics in Canada (Toronto: Pearson Education, 2011).