Monthly Archives: December 2011

Right-Wing Monarchists and Left-Wing Republicans: The Inevitable Partisan Politicization of the Crown in Canada?

Posted on 2011/12/30 by J.W.J. Bowden

Introduction Constitutional monarchies benefit from the separation between the Head of State and Head of Government: under responsible government, (what Paul Benoit considers “the doctrine of royal infallibility”[1]) Ministers of the Crown are responsible for acts of the Crown and … Continue reading →

Posted in Monarchism v Republicanism | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

The Adoption of the Maple Leaf May Have Saved Constitutional Monarchy

Posted on 2011/12/28 by J.W.J. Bowden

After the acrimonious Great Flag Debate, the Parliament of Canada adopted the current Canadian flag, the Maple Leaf, and first flew it on 15 February 1965. The Maple Leaf replaced the Canadian Red Ensign as our unofficial national flag and … Continue reading →

Posted in Monarchism v Republicanism | Tagged , , , , , | 15 Comments

A Parliamentarist’s Christmas: The Christian Origins of the Westminster System

Posted on 2011/12/24 by J.W.J. Bowden

The Parliament of Canada The Centre Block of Parliament Hill stands out as one of the most impressive examples of neo-Gothic architecture in Canada. While attending a presentation there earlier this year, I walked along the Rotunda and admired the … Continue reading →

Posted in Parliament, Traditions and History | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Constitutional Crisis in Papua New Guinea: Codification Causes Confusion

Posted on 2011/12/21 by J.W.J. Bowden

Introduction I have published this account somewhat belatedly; however, regardless of the current state of the constitutional crisis in Papua New Guinea, it brings some fundamental underlying principles of Westminster parliamentarism to light and provides an excellent case study in … Continue reading →

Posted in Appointment of PM, Codification of Convention, Constructive Non-Confidence, Crown (Powers and Office), Dissolution, Fixed-Date Elections, Officialization of Convention, Prime Minister's Powers, Reform | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

No Discretion: On Royal Assent and the Governor General

Posted on 2011/12/12 by J.W.J. Bowden

Introduction Under our system of responsible government, the Sovereign or Governor General exercises his prerogative powers on the advice of the Crown-in-Council, and his constitutional powers relating to Parliament on the advice of the Prime Minister alone. Responsible government means … Continue reading →

Posted in Crown (Powers and Office), Governor's Discretion, Officialization of Convention, Royal Assent | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 33 Comments