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Political Science Canadian

The People's House of Commons

Theories of Democracy in Contention

by (author) David E. Smith

Publisher
University of Toronto Press
Initial publish date
Apr 2007
Category
Canadian
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780802094650
    Publish Date
    Apr 2007
    List Price
    $44.95
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781442691599
    Publish Date
    Apr 2007
    List Price
    $34.95
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9780802092557
    Publish Date
    Apr 2007
    List Price
    $65.00

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Description

Canada's House of Commons has come under considerable attack in recent years. Many critics have contended that the House has been unresponsive to public opinion, and that its party leaders have too much control, while leaving individual MPs essentially powerless. The House has also faced challenges by the courts since the introduction of the Charter, a powerful bureaucracy equipped with specialized knowledge, and new telecommunications systems that are redefining the transfer of information.

Through an examination of academic, judicial, political, and legal commentary, The People's House of Commons explores the role of the House as a public institution. While addressing much of the criticism that has been levelled at the House, David E. Smith considers the competing political models and inherent tensions and their affect on public understanding. Smith maintains that court decisions are transforming the political system from one dominated by parties to one that promotes individual participation. He argues that reforms such as fixed election dates or stronger parliamentary committees have constitutional significance since their implementation would alter the practice of responsible government, which for more than a century has been a party government.

A definitive work by one of Canada's foremost experts in the field of political science, The People's House of Commons explores the ramifications of many of the changes currently being proposed to Canada's political system, with particular reference to their affect on prerogative power, parliamentary privilege, party discipline, bicameralism, and the role of the opposition.

About the author

David E. Smith, FRSC, is the author of Federalism and the Constitution of Canada, The People’s House of Commons, and many books on Canadian politics. He is currently Distinguished Visiting Professor in the Department of Politics and Public Administration at Ryerson University.

David E. Smith's profile page

Awards

  • Short-listed, The Donner Book Prize 2007-2008
  • Winner, Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing