POLI 1119 Lecture Notes - Westminster System, Pass Laws
Document Summary
Role of parliament: hold government to account. Scrutiny of public expenditure public accounts committee chaired by opposition. The opposition doesn"t have power over the government but it fuels public debate. Able to shine a bright light onto the government and the state supports this. Opposition has all the resources to hold government into account. Everything is public (except for the one exception in wwii where canadians and americans" lives were at risk) Holds people highly accountable: pass laws. First reading (bill is tabled) second reading (debate and vote) committee stage (witnesses and vote) report. Stage (debate and vote) third reading (debate rare, vote) other chamber (start all over) royal assent. Second reading: ensures the debate is there and the public witnesses it at all times. Committee stage: expert witnesses; explores facts in details. Public: key democratic check throughout all of this. The senate historically will not vote against the governing party"s campaign promise.
