Types of GovernmentMr. CowanFHCI

What does a government do?

3 “arms”Executive – The leaders of the country who make major national and international decisions.

Judicial – The court system, makes decisions about how to use the laws, and appropriate punishments for breaking them.

Legislative – Propose bills, and vote on them to make them into laws.

Canada’s 3 Arms of Government

Executive

Comprised of the Cabinet and the bureaucracy (i.e., public servants)

this branch carries out the government business, performs day-to-day operations and implements laws of Canada.

Head of State is the Queen of England (...represented by Governor General of Canada).

Head of Government is the Prime Minister.

Legislative

The legislative bodies of Canada.

They make and debate the laws.

It is also called Parliament.

Parliament consists of the monarch and a legislature (i.e., an elected House of Commons and an appointed Senate).

Judicial

Comprised of judges and the various courts of Canada

This branch decides who broke the law and the punishment that corresponds.

The Supreme Court of Canada is the court of last resort.

This court hears appeals from decisions rendered by the various appellate courts from the provinces and territories.

Democracy

AdvantagesFollows the will of the majority, while protecting the rights of the minorityInput from many sources into gov’t decisions“People are the gov’t”

DisadvantagesMore costlyTakes time to make decisions

Examples: Canada, Japan, USA

Dictatorship

AdvantagesOrganized and Controlled Efficient (sometimes ruthless)No public protests or riots

DisadvantagesLeader holds absolute power and is unrestricted by lawUsually supported by militaryNo political debate or discussion No free press or opposition partiesLimited individual rights

Examples – Cuba, 1930’s Germany & Italy

Anarchy

Advantages No impositions of government or laws.People are free to do what they want.

Disadvantages Everyone has to guard their belongings.It usually descends into violence.Often used for revolution or change within a nation.

Example: Civil Wars

Communism

Advantages Everyone is represented as equalEqual pay

Disadvantages Promotes lazinessThe leaders of communist parties can become selfish, and take resources with unchecked power

Example: China (currently), USSR

Canada

What are the levels of government in Canada?

Define these terms:“representation by population”

“first past the post”

Republic

AdvantagesThe Law leads the people. The government is limited by law.

Disadvantages Politicians can mislead people to pass their own laws.Representatives (members of government) can be voted in, and not actually represent their people.

Example: America