Responsible government is a principle of some democratic governments. It is not the same as a government with responsibility.
A responsible government is one in which there is a degree of accountability towards parliament. There is also the fundamental concept of Bicameralism. For example, in the United Kingdom the accountability tends towards the Lower House (House of Commons), as the upper House (House of Lords) is not wholly elected. Thus, there is a better representation of those who voted for the government that holds the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty.
In the government of a country that uses responsible government, the leaders of the executive branch of government (called the cabinet) are also members of the legislature. Also, the cabinet must have the support of the majority of the legislature to stay in power. If it loses the support of the legislature, there will be an election or a different political party will make a new cabinet.
Countries that use responsible government usually have parliamentary systems of government. Some examples of countries that have responsible government are the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
In countries that do not have responsible government, the cabinet and the legislature are each elected separately. This system has more separation of powers than a system with responsible government. Some examples of countries that do not have a system of responsible government are the United States and France.
Constitution of Canada |
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Pre-Confederation constitutional documents |
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Confederation |
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Constitution Act, 1867 |
- Canadian federalism
- Preamble
- Section 121
- Section 125
Powers under Section 91 |
- Peace, order, and good government
- Trade and commerce
- Criminal law
- Matters excepted from s. 92
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Powers under Section 92 |
- Licensing
- Works and undertakings
- Property and civil rights
- Administration of justice
- Fines and penalties for provincial laws
- Matters of a local or private nature
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Amendments and other constitutional documents 1867–1982 |
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- British North America Acts, 1867–1982
- Manitoba Act, 1870
- Alberta Act, 1905
- Saskatchewan Act, 1905
- Statute of Westminster, 1931
- Newfoundland Act, 1949
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Patriation |
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- Fulton–Favreau formula
- Victoria Charter
- Kitchen Accord/Night of the Long Knives
Constitution Act, 1982 | Part I – Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms |
- Preamble
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- 16.1
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Part II – Rights of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada | |
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Part III – Equalization and regional disparities | |
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Part VII – General | |
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Conventions |
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- At Her Majesty's pleasure
- Cabinet collective responsibility
- Disallowance and reservation
- Responsible government
- Fusion of powers
- Implied repeal
- Individual ministerial responsibility
- Interpellation
- Parliamentary privilege
- Parliamentary sovereignty
- Reserve power
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