Monthly Archives: July 2011

Defining Canada’s Constitution: Canada Did Have One Before Trudeau and 1982!

Posted on 2011/07/31 by J.W.J. Bowden

Part of my research includes studying the unwritten constitution. When Americans refer to their constitution, they mean one complete and concise document; while Americans can frame a copy of their constitution and hand it on a wall, Canadians cannot, because … Continue reading →

Posted in Constitution (Written) | 6 Comments

The King’s Speech

Posted on 2011/07/30 by J.W.J. Bowden

I thought that this documentary “George VI: The Reluctant King” would prove of interest.

Posted in Articles and Books, Reviews | 1 Comment

“Irresponsible Government” and the American System

Posted on 2011/07/29 by J.W.J. Bowden

“The American people may have voted for divided government, but they didn’t vote for a dysfunctional government,” said President Obama in his live address on the debt ceiling.  The recent impasse between the White House and Congress over the controversy … Continue reading →

Posted in Parliamentarism v Presidentialism, Responsible Government | 17 Comments

Two Swords and One Inch Apart?

Posted on 2011/07/28 by J.W.J. Bowden

If you’ve ever taken an official tour of the Parliament of Canada, the guide will normally present the House of Commons in the antechamber and explain the overall seating arrangements – that the government sits to the Speaker’s right, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Electoral Redistributions, Parliament, Traditions and History | 10 Comments

Crowned Maces in the Legislatures of South Carolina and Virginia

Posted on 2011/07/18 by J.W.J. Bowden

I chose a British parliamentary mace as the header for Parliamentum, because the mace represents the Crown-in-Parliament (sometimes called the Queen-in-Parliament) and the authority of the Speaker and of the House of Commons to pass laws; it always points toward … Continue reading →

Posted in History of British North America, Parliament, Traditions and History | 7 Comments