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Date Posted: 07:22:55 11/11/04 Thu
In reply to:
Catherine
's message, "Re: Deb - some corrections" on 20:38:25 11/07/04 Sun
>>Just want to clear up some facts:
>>England and its ‘subsidiaries’ ARE democratically
>>based. The government is democratically elected, the
>>Queen is a figurehead. Yes, I agree that it is a bit
>>stupid to have a pointless figurehead, but who am I to
>>judge? The bottom line is that the government of
>>England, Canada, Australia etc ARE in fact
>>democratically elected, and any relationship to the
>>Queen is, practically speaking, symbolic. Having
>>studied constitutional law, and closely examined the
>>constitutional systems of all of these nations, there
>>is actually not a great deal of difference,
>>democratically speaking. The one major difference is
>>that the US has a constitutionally-enshrined bill of
>>rights. Not 100% sure, but Canada may as well. The
>>other countries have human rights enforced through
>>legislation or convention. These systems are not
>>really better or worse, just different.
>>The point about taxes is correct – the US may have
>>lower tax rates, but you pay a heap more for doctors,
>>medication etc. And it is ridiculously more expensive
>>to go to university in the US – where I am from,
>>nobody’s parents really save up for their kids
>>education – they don’t need to! So, I guess there are
>>positives and negatives to any system.
>>Not trying to cause any trouble, but as a
>>non-American, had to clear up some of these
>>misconceptions! :)
>
>Canada does have constitutionally enshrined rights,
>albiet slightly different than those found in the U.S.
>You're completely right in everything else you said as
>well, Sally. Where are you from?
>As for your comments, Deb - like I said before, my
>post was in no way meant to be judgemental or
>insulting. Your statement was one of an enthnocentric
>nature, and it is your statement that is the kind that
>fuels anger between Canadians and Americans. Please be
>a little more open to criticism and new information.
Canada is an independent constitutional MONARCHY and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The monarch of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is also the monarch of Canada and is represented in the country by the office of governor-general. The basic constitutional document is the Canada Act of 1982, which replaced the British North America Act of 1867 and gave Canada the right to amend its own constitution. The Canada Act, passed by Great Britain, made possible the Constitution Act, 1982, which was passed in Canada. The document includes a Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees the rights of women and native peoples and protects other civil liberties.
The Canadian federal government has authority in all matters not specifically reserved to the provincial governments. The provincial governments have power in the fields of property, civil rights, education, and local government. They may levy only direct taxes. The federal government may veto any provincial law. Power on the federal level is exercised by the Canadian Parliament and the cabinet of ministers, headed by the prime minister. (See the table entitled Canadian Prime Ministers since Confederation for a list of Canada's prime ministers.) Canada has an independent judiciary; the highest court is the Supreme Court, with nine members.
The Parliament has two houses: the Senate and the House of Commons. There are generally 104 senators, apportioned among the provinces and appointed by the governor-general upon the advice of the prime minister. Senators may serve until age 75; prior to 1965 they had served for life. The 301 members of the House of Commons are elected, largely from single-member constituencies. Elections must be held at least every five years. The Commons may be dissolved and new elections held at the request of the prime minister. There are four main political parties: the Liberal party, the Conservative party (formed in 2003 by the merger of the Canadian Alliance and the Progressive Conservative party), the Bloc Québécois (aligned with the Parti Québécois of Quebec), and the New Democratic party.
Basically, if it weren't for Great Britain ALLOWING you to change your constitution...you wouldn't have it. How you can possibly compare the U.S. and Canada is beyond reason.
Everyone who wants to go Democratic uses the United States as a profile and for good reason....we're the first and still the best for all citizens....just talk to some immigrants who come to this country. I've had enough of this conversation. It's like arguing with a 4 year old...you get no where. And please don't anyone bother responding....I won't be reading or responding again.
A Proud U.S. Citizen
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