Student Led Tutorial: Is the Prime Minister too Powerful?

By: Adam Phillips

“Limits on the Power of the Prime Minister” (No)

By: Paul Barker

Summary:

Inside Government

The Prime Minister has been confronted time and time again and has been forced to compromise with his cabinet ministers.

Prime Minister must compete with his own ministers to maintain his position in government

Collective ministerial decision-making system separates to disperse power.

Power is also divided up between the two other government branches (legislative and judiciary).

Ex. In 1998, the Supreme Court of Canada laid out the rules that would govern the secession of Quebec from Canada

Outside Government

“In Canada, the closest parallel to divided government is found not in relations between executive and legislative but in federalism itself. Much of the imagery surrounding divided government in the United States is replicated in analyses of federal-provincial relations in Canada. Just as an assertive Congress challenges the president, so do assertive provinces challenge Ottawa.” – Barker

Provinces

The Canadian government may not be divided within the government, but it is divided between governments.

Ex. Ottawa’s effort to give itself a greater role in health care. Chrétien had to counter his health minister because he knew provinces would never agree.

“Federalism is probably the most important roadblock to prime-ministerial government in Canada” - Barker

Media

The Media can reduce the stature of the prime minister in the publics eyes. In other words the media can make the prime minister look like a complete idiot.

The media thrives on the mistakes and gaffes of political leaders ( “Gothca” journalism)

The use of investigative resources forces issues onto the public agenda. Investigative journalism seeks to undermine the prime minister.

Globalization

The power of world leaders are reduced as they accept international trade agreements and new tax regimes which demand common playing fields which the world’s multinational corporations can play on.

Globalization tries to bypass nation-states because they are seen as obstacles.

Virtual Competition

“It’s a survival game played under the glare of light. If you don’t learn that, you’re quickly finished.” – Chrétien

The prime minister must take into consideration every statement, every answer, every action he does in fear that he may find himself in serious trouble.

The Prime minister must always defend himself against unforeseen dangers such as new leaders, court decisions and past indiscretions coming to light.

National leaders must defend themselves from every challenge, even though it may only appear to be a potentiality.

Glossary

Accession: The attainment of a dignity or rank.

Corroboration: To strengthen or support with other evidence.

Debilitating: Sapping the strength or energy of

Emanate: To come or send forth

Executive branch: Part of the government that is responsible for carrying out laws.

Extemporaneous: Carried out or performed with little or no preparation.

Federalism: A government system where power is divided between a central figure and other political units.

Fiscal: Relating to government expenditures, revenues and debts.

Globalization: How worldwide forces erode national boundaries

Glocalization: The downward shifting of influence from national leaders to locally oriented bodies.

Hyperbole: Where exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect.

Internationalization: To put under international control.

Judiciary branch: A system of courts of law for the administration of justice.

Legislative branch: Part of the government that has the ability to create and pass laws.

Supranational: Extending beyond borders held by separate nations.

Verbatim: Using exactly the same word.

Questions

1. Is the prime minister too powerful?