The People's House of Commons

By David E. Smith format: trade paperback publication: April 2007 ISBN: 9780802094650

Price $25.95 Quantity This item is in stock and usually ships within 24 hours.

Winner of the 2008 Donner Prize.

Canada’s House of Commons is under attack, charged with being unresponsive to public opinion, its party leaders too much in control, and individual MPs essentially impotent. It also faces competitors: the courts in the era of the Charter, a bureaucracy with specialist 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 disentangles this conflation of criticism. Esteemed political scientist David E. Smith examines the competing political models and inherent tensions affecting the public’s understanding of the House. Smith maintains that court decisions are transforming politics from a system 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.

An essential work by one of Canada’s foremost minds in the field of political science, The People’s House of Commons explores the ramifications of the numerous changes being proposed to Canada’s political system, with particular reference to their effect on the prerogative power, parliamentary privilege, party discipline, bicameralism, and the role of the opposition.

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