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The Canadian government is called a Westminster system because it follows the model developed in the United Kingdom. The name comes from the British Parliament, which meets in the Palace of Westminster.

Some key characteristics of the Westminster system are:

  • The chief executive (ie monarch/governor general/ceremonial president) doesn't actively participate in governance, but is apolitical.
  • The political executive is responsible to the legislature and usually formed of legislators.
  • The political executive can be dismissed through a vote by the legislature.
  • Executive policy is directed by the upper echelon of the political executive, the Cabinet, which is headed by a Prime Minister/First Minister/Premier.
  • The legislature can be dissolved by the executive at any time.
  • Parliamentary privilege and procedures are similar to those used in the Westminster Parliament. For example, legislators cannot be charged for defamatory comments made during debate.
  • The legislature is often bicameral and elected through first past the post, though there are exceptions.
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Q: Why is the Canadian Government called a Westminster system?
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TheCanadian government is modeled on the "Westminster" structure of government. Google Westminster structure for more information.This is what it is like.


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