the branch of government charged

with the execution and

Executive Branch

enforcement of laws and policies

and the administration of public
affairs
the business of supplying an
essential commodity, as gas or

Public or Civil Service

electricity, or a service, as
transportation, to the general
public.
the branch of government having

Legislative Branch

the power to make laws.

Leader of the Opposition

a title traditionally held by the

leader of the largest party not in
government in a Westminster
System of parliamentary
government.
a form or draft of a proposed

Bill

statute presented to a legislature,

but not yet enacted or passed and
made law.
the branch of government charged

Judicial Branch

with the interpretation of laws and

the administration of justice

Riding

a geographical constituency upon

which Canada's representative
democracy is based.

Political Party

an organization of people which

seeks to achieve goals common to

its members through the
acquisition and exercise of political
power
a meeting of party leaders to select
Caucus

candidates, elect convention

delegates

Cabinet Solidarity

Responsible Government

all members of cabinet must

support cabinet decisions.
an executive or Cabinet that is
dependent on the support of an
elected assembly, rather than on
the monarch.

Party Platform

a list of the values and actions

which are supported by a political
party or individual candidate, in
order to appeal to the general
public, for the ultimate purpose of
garnering the general public's
support and votes about
complicated topics or issues.

Representation By Population

a method by which seats are

allocated in the House of
Commons in such a way as to vary
with population

Constituency

a body of voters in a specified area

who elect a representative to a
legislative body.

By-Election

an election to fill a vacancy arising

during a term of office.

Prime Minister

the head of an elected government;

the principal minister of a
sovereign or state.

Cabinet

a body of advisers to the prime

minister, composed of the heads of
the executive departments of the
government