Role Of Monarchy.pdf

The role of the Canadian constitutional monarchy in government formation under a hung parliament situation is examined, focusing on recent elections in Canada. In countries like Canada, which use a single-member district system, a two-party system is often expected to function, with power alternating between the two major parties. However, in recent years, Canada has experienced hung parliament situations, where no party has a majority, leading to minority governments or coalition governments.

In the 2017 British Columbia (BC) provincial election, the BC Liberal Party won the most seats but not a majority, leading to a hung parliament situation. The BC New Democratic Party (NDP) and the BC Green Party formed an agreement to support a minority government, with the Greens providing confidence and supply in exchange for policy concessions. The BC Liberal Party, led by Premier Christy Clark, attempted to continue in power but was ultimately defeated in a confidence vote, leading to the formation of a new government led by the NDP's John Horgan.

The role of the Lieutenant Governor, Judith Guichon, was crucial in this process, as she refused Clark's request to dissolve the legislature and call a new election, instead inviting Horgan to form a government. This decision was based on the Lieutenant Governor's constitutional powers and her duty to ensure that the government has the confidence of the legislature.

The article examines the constitutional and political implications of this event, including the role of the Lieutenant Governor and the principles of responsible government. It also discusses the potential for future hung parliament situations in Canada and the need for clear guidelines on the role of the Governor General or Lieutenant Governors in such situations.

Key points:

The Canadian constitutional monarchy plays a crucial role in government formation under a hung parliament situation.
The 2017 BC provincial election resulted in a hung parliament, with the BC Liberal Party winning the most seats but not a majority.
The BC NDP and BC Green Party formed an agreement to support a minority government, with the Greens providing confidence and supply.
The Lieutenant Governor, Judith Guichon, played a crucial role in the formation of the new government, refusing the Premier's request to dissolve the legislature and instead inviting the NDP to form a government.
* The article examines the constitutional and political implications of this event, including the role of the Lieutenant Governor and the principles of responsible government.