How does the Canadian political system differ from the American political system?

North American Politics Questions



80 Short 80 Medium 48 Long Answer Questions Question Index

How does the Canadian political system differ from the American political system?

The Canadian political system differs from the American political system in several ways.

1. Structure: Canada has a parliamentary system, while the United States has a presidential system. In Canada, the head of state is the monarch (represented by the Governor General), and the head of government is the Prime Minister. In the United States, the President serves as both the head of state and the head of government.

2. Executive Branch: In Canada, the Prime Minister is the leader of the political party that wins the most seats in the House of Commons. The Prime Minister appoints members of the Cabinet from elected Members of Parliament. In the United States, the President is elected separately from the legislative branch and appoints members of the Cabinet from outside of Congress.

3. Legislative Branch: Canada has a bicameral Parliament consisting of the House of Commons and the Senate. Members of the House of Commons are elected, while Senators are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister. In the United States, the legislative branch consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate, both of which are elected.

4. Party System: Canada has a multi-party system, with several major political parties competing for seats in Parliament. The United States has a two-party system dominated by the Democratic and Republican parties.

5. Judicial System: Canada's judicial system is based on the British common law tradition, while the United States has a common law system influenced by English law but also shaped by its own legal precedents.

6. Constitutional Differences: Canada does not have a written constitution like the United States. Instead, it has a series of constitutional documents, including the Constitution Act of 1867 and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

These are some of the key differences between the Canadian and American political systems.