POLS 2300 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Westminster System, Guideposts, Ultimate Power

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Political Science
• Course: POLS 2300
• Professor: Julie Simmons

Document Summary

The constitution consists of written and unwritten rules. Minor adjustments are no more feasible than major. The constitution is more than just a government document: personal stake. A re(cid:272)ord of the (cid:272)ou(cid:374)try"s history, e(cid:448)olutio(cid:374) (cid:373)arked (cid:271)y the (cid:373)ajor tur(cid:374)i(cid:374)g poi(cid:374)ts i(cid:374) the (cid:374)atio(cid:374)"s past. Serves as a set of guideposts for normal political behaviour, and a touchstone during times of crisis. Sets out parameters for acceptable and unacceptable conduct. Defines which powers belong to which political actors. Supreme land of the land, meaning all other laws must be consistent with its principles. Provisions distribute power and constrain the authority of any one politician or institution. A great deal of the constitution is unwritten. Three key principles: parliamentary democracy, federalism, and aboriginal self-government. Westminster parliamentary system) a democratic system in which government executives must be supported by a majority of elected representatives in a legislature.