Student Handbook Thea Student Mock Deb Atelegislature

2nd Edition

Student Handbook TheA Student Mock Deb ateLegislature

Student Handbook

www.assembly.ab.ca Check out the Student Zone!

The Legislative Assembly Office gratefully acknowledges the following individuals for their contributions to the development of this resource:

Educational Content Review

• Glenda Bristow Program Coordinator, St. Paul Regional School Division, St. Paul • David Bryce Technology Consultant, Edmonton • Linda Couillard-L’Abbé Teacher, Springfield Elementary School, Peace River • Wally Diefenthaler Educational Consultant, Edmonton • Rick Homan Teacher, Winston Churchill High School, Lethbridge • Carol Anne Konkin Teacher, Michael A. Kostek Elementary School, Edmonton • Susan Mackay Teacher, Tom Baines Junior High School, Calgary • Corvin Urbach Teacher, Lacombe Composite High School, Lacombe

Illustrations

• Brent Mottershead Illustrator

Permission is granted to make copies of any or all parts of this resource for educational, not-for-profit use only.

ii The Mock Le�islature

Welcome to the Mock Legislature!

Have you ever wondered what happens at the Alberta Here’s your chance to find out! You are about to Legislature? Have you thought about someday being take part in a Mock Legislature, where you and your a Member of the Legislative Assembly? What would classmates will have an opportunity to propose it feel like to be the Premier of the province? The an idea for a new provincial law, then take part in Speaker of the Assembly? The Leader of the Official a legislative debate and see if you can get your Bill Opposition? The passed into law.

Sergeant-at-Arms? What do these people do, But first you have to learn a little about the process anyway? How do their roles fit into democratic of law-making and the roles of the people who are decision-making? most involved.

Have fun!

A Student Debate iii Notes

iv The Mock Le�islature Contents Contents 1. Making Laws in Alberta 1 The Role of the Legislative Assembly 1 The Alberta Legislature: What’s It All About? 2 How Does a Bill Become a Law? 3 What Is a Debate? 6 Components of a Debate 8 Where Can I Learn More? 9

2. The Legislative Assembly 10 Daily Routine, Ceremony and People 10 The Daily Routine: What Does It Look Like? 11 Ceremony: Connecting Symbols and Traditions 14 The People of the Assembly: Who Are They, and What Do They Do? 16 Where Can I Learn More? 20

3. The Mock Legislature 21 Getting Ready 21 How Do I Use the Mock Legislature Script? 22 Costumes: What Will I Wear? 23 Where Can I Learn More? 23

4. Student Resources 24 Chamber Matching Game 24 Mock Legislature Chamber Floor Plan 25 How To Make A Mace 26

5. Student Glossary of Legislative Vocabulary 28 Where Can I Learn More? 33 Vocabulary Notes 33

6. Useful Links 34

A Student Debate v Notes

vi The Mock Le�islature 1

notes Making Laws Alberta in A Student Debate A Student Debate

Who makes Alberta’s laws? Who makes Alberta’s Why must go a Bill through so many becomessteps it before a law? an importantHowis debate MLAs for tool to communicate their ideas the in Legislature? • • • • • •

Making Laws Alberta in of theRole The Legislative Assembly 1. Who gets to decide what rules Albertans In this must chapter follow? will discover you LegislatureAlberta’sprovincial works how Albertans. for to laws make specialPay attention to the information in these sections to with help you the activities teacher your thinkhas about through As prepared work you. this these for you chapter, questions: 2 in glossary. the found be can sections B in Alberta Laws Making olded words in these these in words olded

The Mock Le Mock The

� notes islature election. The Alberta Legislature: What’s Legislature: Alberta The It All About? constituency each in votes most the gets who person the held, is a provincial election When constituencies. 87 into divided is make laws. Alberta help and Legislature the in Albertans represent will people which decide to five every years at least held is aprovincial election Alberta In group. whole for the decisions best make the to try and T team. of a captain government be school in or to positions take to you voted for classmates ever election an your held or classroom school Has the the Government the forms Assembly Legislative the to Members T Legislature. the to are they elected when party apolitical to You’ve party apolitical you do what know but ofaparty, heard Premier he people who get the most votes represent their classmates or team members members or team classmates their represent votes most the get who people he some of the duties of your job?your of duties ofthe some . T If you were Premier, you If his is the party that will determine government policies until the next next the until government policies determine will that party the is his what might be might what Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Assembly Legislative of the aMember becomes health care. and environment for education, ministries the as such Albertans affect that things different many T Legislature. the in laws and according policies established the to E province.laws of the and approved, have become they debated been T ach government ministry government ach he governing party introduces B introduces he governing party ? T here are ministries that oversee that here are ministries his could have been a time when when couldhis have atime been he party electing the most most the electing party he , and its leader becomes becomes leader its , and is? Most MLAs belong belong MLAs is? Most carries out its work its out carries ills, which, after after which, ills, . 3

notes

Making Laws Alberta in A Student Debate A Student Debate ill isill introduced, the government here are several steps involved before before steps several are here involved ill. ideas propose to Bills? as efore a government B a government efore to citizens aboutto laws? future Where do you think the MLAs get . B Why is it importantWhy is it MLAs for talk to

discusses theidea. MLAs thentalk with interested citizens andgroups to find

ill finallyill becomes a law

and is introduced into the Legislature debate. for T a B caucus out how they would feel theyout would about how such a B How Does a Bill BecomeLaw? a a Bill How Does Laws in Alberta MLAs. on by voted are When is first a law proposed, it is called a Bill 4 in Alberta Laws Making

The Mock Le Mock The

� notes islature finished. B the with or disagree why agree they state states the B the states Some B Some of aBill: Stages law. T aB When Royal Assent T Third Reading B the refers committee the amendments stage at this Sometimes T detail. in it discuss to Whole of the aB If Whole of the Committee B the to alternatives may and suggest speak can parties all B why the outlines Member sponsoring the stage At this Reading Second T Reading First his is when the sponsor of the B ofthe sponsor the when is his B the sponsoring Member the when stage, first the is his of these steps before it finally becomes alaw. becomes before finally steps you think it it Do of these It will often take weeks or months for a Bill to go through all all a go through for months to Bill or weeks take It will often is good or bad that it alaw? bad to take make or long can good so is Why? ill passes second reading, Members of the Assembly then meet as a Committee aCommittee as meet then Assembly ofthe Members reading, second ill passes Lieutenant Governor monarch’s by approval Lieutenant the formal the is his representative, ills do not come into effect immediately but do so at a later date. so at do alater but immediately effect into come not do ills before it becomes a becomes before it receive assent royal must it reading, third passed ill has ill’s title and summarizes the purpose of the B ofthe purpose ill’s the summarizes and title ill to the Assembly. the ill to ill summarizes its benefits and the opposition parties parties opposition the and benefits its ill summarizes are made to the B the are to made his is where much of the debate takes place. place. takes debate ofthe much where is his ill. A final vote is taken once debate is takenoncedebate is vote Afinal ill. ill was introduced. Members of Members introduced. ill was ill (usually Minister acabinet ill. ill. ill. When debate is finished, finished, is debate When ill. ) . 5

notes Making Laws Alberta in A Student Debate A Student Debate ill B ill to Assembly ill becomes law ill’s final debate B B Changes may be made LAW ill is debated by Members B Step 5 — Royal Assent Step 1 — First Reading Step 4 — Third Reading Step 2 — Second Reading Introduction of B ill is debated in detail by committee B Step 3 — Committee of the Whole

6 in Alberta Laws Making

The Mock Le Mock The

� notes islature Whole it is the Chair ofCommittees. Chair the is it Whole Speaker the is person this activity Legislature Mock the and over. is speak to time their Assembly when Legislative the them In tells and speak to is it turn whose recognizes or she He issue. the on any position side with not does orhe she What Is aDebate?What Is they are speaking. One person runs the debate. debate. the runs person One arethey speaking. when others to listens and speaking turns takes person each so that organized is debate Alegislative it. opposing party one and issue an supporting party one has debate A simple said. just side has other the what about think to and other better. is position D their show to why attempt to allows and sides all open the into ideas different these brings of a disadvantages and advantages the debate MLAs Legislature the In good forbe Albertans. B the that agree always will MLA for anew every not law idea an proposed, is When Think about a time when your class had to decisionmake a had to together, class your when a time about Think What steps did you take as a class to come to a come decision? to take aclass did as you steps What you Do think it is important to consider other classmates’ ideas? other classmates’ to consider Why? itthink important is like where to go on a field trip or what to do for a class party. class a whatto for or do trip field go likeon a to where B ill. ill. D uring a debate many ideas and opinions are expressed. are expressed. opinions and many ideas a debate uring uring debate it is very important for each side to listen to the the to listen side to for each important very is it debate uring T his person is is person his . D uring Committee of the ofthe Committee uring nonpartisan T he process of debate of debate process he , meaning , meaning ill will ill will 7

notes Making Laws Alberta in A Student Debate A Student Debate he opposinghe responds side to ach side summarizes their major T specific points otherthe side has made uses and examples to defend its position. E points and restates a major of piece thatevidence makes their position very convincing. B D C A ill. hen definition think own of your of debate and write it in the provided. space he supporting uses side examples ach side hasach side a chance to briefly E state one two or major reasons for supporting opposing or the B T itsfrom research as that evidence its position on the issue is the best. he following are all parts are he following a well-organized of debate, but not listed they are in the T the Rewrite descriptions below in the correct in the box correct chart order. on the next page. T Making Laws in Alberta

onents of a Deb omp ate C te C om ba g sta po De nin tem ne a pe e nt f O n s s o . t o t 1 s f a en D n e o b p a m te o C C o e t m a p b o e n D e n a t f s o o s f t a n

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8 The Mock Le�islature 9

notes Making Laws Alberta in A Student Debate A Student Debate e? or n M ar , 7th edition, 7th n I Le a e C r e h W ill uba B he T Citizen’s Guide to the AlbertaCitizen’s Legislature  Visitor Informationwww.assembly.ab.ca  Learning Resources T www.assembly.ab.ca  Visitor Informationwww.assembly.ab.ca  Student Zone ry these websites to learn help you about more law-making, democracy and debate. • •

10 10 Assembly Legislative The

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� notes islature 2. 2. questions: following chapter, the this you about study As think for centuries. out carried been have that practices and traditions in by participating democracy parliamentary Canadian T ceremony by the fascinated are often Visitors he Mock Legislature simulation is an opportunity for you to learn about the roots of roots the about for you learn to opportunity an is simulation Legislature Mock he • • • • • • routine of the Legislative Assembly, and what they do and do? Assembly, Legislative routine ofthe daily in the involved differentpeople are many thereWhy so Assembly? Legislative ofthe part important an traditions and such symbols are some Why Assembly? day Legislative like the for atypical is What Daily People Routine, and Ceremony Assembly Legislative The and tradition and in the Alberta Legislature. Legislature. Alberta in the 11 refers to the hrone and continues continues and hrone Session regular sitting of the Legislative Assembly. A session begins with the Speech Fromthe T until adjournment. notes . The Legislative Assembly A Student Debate A Student Debate hursday hursday ills. Chamber ills are introduced,ills are think the Legislative of the Legislative Assemblyduring a routine, follow follows you much like here ishere usually morning a routine of the national anthem, announcements Assembly a routine? follows

Why do you

afternoons. Sometimes meetings they will have the in evenings. When the meeting is aboutto begin, bella rings to let the MLAs know they need to be in the is read,A prayer announcements and introductions made, are B documents tabled, are and then MLAs get to discussing work and debating B MLAs usually meet weeks several for in the spring and fall, Monday through T The Daily Routine: What Does It Like? LookDoes Routine: What Daily The A daily sitting school. at Ina day school the morning bell rings to let students know it is time to take their seats. T After thisand sometimes routine students a prayer. can begin their school work. You when get ready toto you like probablyschool go in think otherof routines follow, you the morning. 12 12 (*). asterisk an with noted procedures the and procession the enact only will you Legislature Mock the In Assembly Legislative The

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� notes islature The Speaker’s Procession Speaker’s The Assembly through the daily Routine. daily the through Assembly N government Members. the towards pointing Mace of the T officers table other the and Assembly Legislative of the followedis Clerk by the Assembly. E ofthe Speaker the escorting and Chamber the into Mace ceremonial the carrying T he Sergeant-at-Arms lays the Mace at the end of the Assembly table with the crown the with table Assembly ofthe end at the Mace lays the Sergeant-at-Arms he Sergeant-at-Arms reveal to the opening doors Chamber the with begins sitting he veryone in the Chamber stands for the Speaker’s T for the procession. stands Chamber the in veryone ow the Speaker guides the the guides Speaker ow the he Speaker Speaker he . The Legislative Assembly

The Daily Routine outine The Da ily R ily R Da ou he tin T Opening prayers* e T ne h ti e u o D R a il ly y i R a o D u Orders of Introductions t e i h the day* of visitors n T e and guests

e T n h i t e

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A Student Debate 13 14 14 Assembly Legislative The

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� notes islature Ceremony: Connecting Symbols and Traditions and Symbols Connecting Ceremony: behind the symbols and traditions that are involved Legislature. that Mock the in traditions and symbols the behind meaning the understand to Assembly’s history. long important is of It the part been have which ceremonies some you enact will Legislature, Mock the you perform When assembly. ofaschool beginning at the anthem like Canadian the singing symbols, the with go along that you have will traditions Sometimes wall. gym the on painted mascot the school of or apicture in hanging classroom your flag may aCanadian be there example, For afew spot symbols. you around probably look yourIf you can school, How do you feel when you participate participate you feel when you do How Is there a reason why certain symbols certainsymbols there areason why Is in school traditions ceremonies?and in school are displayed in your school? in your are displayed 15

notes he The Legislative Assembly A Student Debate A Student Debate . his his lack Rod to to lackRod he traditionhe B . uring the meeting it rests on the Assembly table. T ill could could ill ill in the Chamber, in theill Chamber, his tradition ill hasill been passed through is a symbol of the Legislative ritish parliaments needed the lack Rod is carriedlack the Rod by Sergeant-at-Arms Black Rod Black ill will become a law. Sometimes willill become the a law. law he he early B he Mace is a heavy, decorated,he Mace is a heavy, staff gold which symbolizes the authority the of Assembly Royal AssentRoyal T The BlackThe Rod T Assembly’sindependence the from monarchy to make laws for the D for to laws province. make The MaceThe T Alberta’s B General Governor when the or Lieutenant Governor, the Queen is escorted T to the Chamber. theisfor Sergeant-at-Arms to usethe knock three times on the Chamber doors to request permissionthe Speaker’s the for Lieutenant Governor to enter the Chamber to message deliver a royal such as the Speech the from Throne monarch’s approval a B before monarch’s officially T become law. is still practised when the Lieutenant grantsGovernor assent royal to legislation. T means that a B once all the necessary readings and the Lieutenant the hasGovernor B approved the B takes effectupon proclamation a later at date. crown of thecrown Mace indicating points which the toward the of side government Chamber, party has to thegovern. power 16 16 25. page on plan floor the See Assembly Legislative The

The Mock Le Mock The

� notes islature T from the Speech the Assembly, reads ofthe sessions closes and Governor opens also T may government have side. the on sit Chamber, to the in Members opposition some aminority only government has the when cases, some In by aisle. an separated side but opposition the on placed have would then desks government Members of the a large such has a government Sometimes across sit from them. Members Opposition Speaker’s right. T a sitting. during be to place aspecific has Assembly Legislative arole the in has What and They , Do Do? AreWho They Assembly: the of People The support for the MLAs and the Assembly as awhole. as Assembly the and MLAs for the support T to. T belong they fairly. are treated T MLAs T T Speaker T invitation. upon Chamber the enters only and Assembly ofthe aMember not T GovernorLieutenant T certain duties. certain hrone and dissolves the Assembly for an election (this is called dissolution (this called is for election an Assembly the hrone dissolves and he Speaker sits at the head of the Chamber. Members of the governing party sit to the the to sit governing Chamber. ofthe ofthe party head at the Members sits Speaker he he Speaker is also responsible for the Legislative Assembly Office, whose staff provide staff whose Office, Assembly Legislative for the responsible also is Speaker he all that ensures and Chamber of the rules for enforcing the responsible is person his Chamber. over the in presides who debate MLA an is Speaker he B to royal assent grants person his he Legislative Assembly Chamber Assembly Legislative he here are many people involved in the law-making process. process. involvedhere are many people law-making the in he Lieutenant Governor is the Queen’s Governor the is T he Lieutenant representative. majority he Speaker does not normally vote B on normally not does Speaker he he Speaker must serve all MLAs equally no matter which party party which matter no equally MLAs all serve must Speaker he that there aren’t enough seats on the government side. Some Some government aren’tside. the on there that seats enough ills which have reading. third T which ills passed is where the Assembly meets. E meets. Assembly the where is ills except in the case of a tie. ofatie. case exceptills the in he Lieutenant Governor is he Lieutenant E ach of these people has has people of these ach ach person who who person ach he Lieutenant Lieutenant he ). of seats ofseats 17

notes ) The Legislative Assembly A Student Debate A Student Debate ach of Alberta’s constituencies elects one representative. ills and motions withother Members and debating themwithin the discussing B Assembly helping constituents with programs government and services attending caucus meetings to discuss party policies attending legislative and policy committee meetings listening to and speaking on behalf of their constituents • • • • • While some have additionalWhile some duties have within their parties within or the all are Assembly, responsible for: and as a legislator. E and as a legislator. An MLA has two roles–as the representative constituency a for called riding a (also Members the of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) 18 18 Assembly Legislative The

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� notes islature of their party and respond to those of the government. T government. ofthe those to respond and party of their policies the present to party by their are appointed Members opposition ofthe Some Government MLAs government activities. government activities. questioning by public continually the to accountable government stays the that ensure independents as sit who those well as T MLAs Opposition T debate and vote in the Assembly. vote and the in debate • • • • • • he opposition includes all elected MLAs from parties other than the governing party as as governing the party than other from parties MLAs elected all includes opposition he Assembly. the in representatives elected most the with party the to belong MLAs hese the attention of the public. ofthe attention the T government policies. to alternatives suggest and question examine, opposition of the Members MLAs. ofelected number greatest T vote. atie is there unless Whole ofthe Committee during not but session T session. regular during Speaker of the that to similar is government Member. aprivate committee role usually or is her during His person T Whole. ofthe Committee during meeting the runs of Committees Chair The vote in the Assembly. T T backbenchers as to referred are often also Members Government Private new B and agriculture. T agriculture. and Ministers Cabinet government does. the for everything overall responsibility of government has and head the is Premier The hese individuals are not cabinet Ministers. T Ministers. are cabinet not individuals hese Assembly. the in representatives most the has that party the to belong MLAs hese he leads the party that has the second- the has that party the leads Opposition Official of the Leader ills that concern their ministries. their concern that ills he Premier chooses them from the MLAs in his party. T party. his in MLAs from the them chooses Premier he T head various government ministries such as health, education education health, as such government ministries various head he remainder are private opposition Members, and they also also they and Members, opposition are private remainder he hey bring questions about government policies and actions to to actions and government policies about hey questions bring . hey sit behind Ministers and debate and and debate and Ministers hey behind sit hey are known as criticshey as are known he Chair can vote during can he Chair hey sponsor hey sponsor and and his his . 19

notes he he The Legislative Assembly A Student Debate A Student Debate his person calls hey are normally are hey Alberta high esides typing 30,000 and editing over well he Clerk also has responsibility overall the for hroughout the year they help draft for laws new produce the produce officialreport of the debates of the . T hey produce final produce hey transcriptsof House debates within is the of legal group advisers who the advise Speakerand daily order business of The Clerk of the Assembly T is the adviser to the Speaker. the various administrative services that MLAs need to do their such as work financial administration and library services. The LawClerk is a senior procedural adviser and is also responsible approving for amendments and petitions and helping to draft rulings on procedural issues. Parliamentary Counsel MLAs on Assembly procedure. T MLAs legal procedural provide and and to MLAs, advice committees staff and who support Assembly. the The Committee Research Co-ordinator conducts procedural research, keeps Assemblyand helpsrecords the produce Assembly’s daily agendaOrder Paper) (the and the minutes and (Votes Proceedings). he Sergeant-at-Armshe is responsible security for thein Chamber theand galleries. he peoplehe Hansard who for work he Sergeant-at-Arms also carries the Mace into the Chamber T each sitting day. • • • • Legislative Assembly and its committees. B T Hansard Pages Pages help Members during sittings of the Assembly delivering messages by and materials to MLAs, table officers T and the Speaker in the Chamber. school and university students. MLAs spoken by words every that day the Assembly meets, they ensureall proper T names spelled are accurately. hours.nine T Sergeant-at-Arms T Sergeant-at-Arms leads procession the intothem Speaker’s Chamberto signalthe start sitting. of the day’s Table Officers Table 20 20 Assembly Legislative The

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notes � islature The Media (Reporters) The Media and the people who work in the Legislative Assembly. Legislative work the in who people the and T online. and newspapers radio, television, through information this critics) report and opposition and Ministers cabinet T representatives. by made elected decisions aware is public ofthe T • • ry these websites to help you learn more about the daily routine, traditions and symbols symbols and traditions routine, daily the more about you help learn to websites these ry he media take notes throughout the debates, interview MLAs afterwards (particularly (particularly afterwards MLAs interview debates, the throughout notes take media he he role of the media is very important in a democracy. T ademocracy. in important very is media rolehe ofthe Student Zone Student www.assembly.ab.ca Information Visitor Legislature Alberta the to Visit Virtual Resources Learning www.assembly.ab.ca Information Visitor Part 3: Rules T and Part 7th edition, Legislature Citizen’s Alberta the to Guide Now that you that you Now Assembly, which role would you choose? you would role which Assembly, W raditions know what each person does in the Legislative the person in does each what know Why did you choose that role? choose did you Why h e r e C a n ILe ar n M

or he media ensures that the the that ensures media he e? 21

notes The Mock Legislature A Student Debate A Student Debate y now y now here are just a few more things more just are a few here to

What is my role andWhat is my my role mostimportant duty in the Mock Legislaturesimulation? Howdoes my character dress and behave during thesimulation? Howdoes my characterfeel about be will that the debated? Bill • • • The Mock Legislature GettingReady • • •

hink about the questions: following 3. your classyour has selected topic,a arguments developed been debate, for have you and assigned in the to play a role Mock Legislature. T In the first sections two you learned the basics about law-making in Alberta. B T consider before you are ready the are for consider simulation! you before 22 22 Legislature Mock The

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notes � islature Once you have filled in the script, you should be ready for the Mock Legislature. Mock the for be ready should you youOnce have the script, in filled How Do I Use the Mock Legislature Script? Legislature Mock the DoHow IUse Good luck, and have fun! have and luck, Good Remember: activity. Legislature Mock the perform N T B ofthe (such name information the as important or other arguments your in debate write T areas. blank to your attention group. with Pay script special the Your Read have through to groups meeting. into acaucus your divide will class teacher • • • • • • • ill or the name of the person being addressed). being person ofthe name ill or the he script is mainly a guideline for the order of proceedings for aB order ofproceedings for the aguideline mainly is he script o matter what the script says, there are some important things to remember as you as remember to things are important some there says, script the what o matter ducation” or “ ofEducation” Minister Members are referred to by position and not by name; for example, “ for by not example, and by are name; to referred position Members hand. one with desks their on by thumping support show their usually members party other the apoint, made has MLA an After T standing. is Speaker moves the while T at one atime. may speak they only that everyone for order. calls Speaker the T outbursts, are noisy there If Chair”). “Madam or Chair” D Speaker.” “Mr. or “Madam with Speaker” start and stand always they speak, to D he Clerk and Members also stand when they are they speaking. when stand also Members and Clerk he he Speaker stands when he/she Assembly. when addresses the stands he Speaker uring Committee of the Whole Members address all statements to the Chair (“Mr. Chair the to statements address all Members Whole ofthe Committee uring begins Speaker. are the addressed to aMember When statements all debate uring T he Honourable Opposition Member.” Opposition Honourable he he Speaker politely reminds reminds politely Speaker he N o one else speaks or speaks else o one his is where you where is his will T ill to become law. become ill to he Honourable he

notes The Mock Legislature A Student Debate A Student Debate e? or n M ar , 7th edition,, 7th n I Le a e C r e h raditions W

Part and T Rules 3:  Visitor Informationwww.assembly.ab.ca  Learning Resources Virtual Visit to the Alberta Legislature  Visitor Informationwww.assembly.ab.ca  Student Zone Citizen’s Guide to the AlbertaCitizen’s Legislature Speaker, Clerk, Law Clerk,Speaker, Parliamentary robes Counsel: Sergeant-at-Arms: whiteblack gloves, suit jacket, black pants skirt or Pages: black pants skirt or Lieutenant Governor: suit dress or Media: no official outfit but should be neatly dressed MLAs: suit jackets ry these websites to learn help you about more will take the you during role the Mock • • • • • • • • Legislature. T

How will yourcharacter be dressed ? Costumes:Wear? Will I What coming toIf are the you Legislature to take part needin to a Mock worry Legislature, don’t you about costumes. holdingIf are the you debate in classroom,your some suggestions are here for what to wear. Student Resources Student Resources Chamber Matching Game U4.sing the Mock Legislature Chamber floor plan, match the title of each person with the correct seat in the Chamber, and then write down that person’s most important duty.

What is this person’s most important duty in the Title of Person Seat democratic process?

Government Minister

Media

Leader of the Official Opposition

Critics

Premier

Private Government Member

Page

Law Clerk

Clerk

Sergeant-at-Arms

Speaker

Private Opposition Member

Lieutenant Governor 

Chair of Committees 

 Where does the Lieutenant Governor sit when delivering royal assent?_____

 Where does the Chair of Committees sit when moderating the debate? _____

24 The Mock Le�islature Student Resources

Mock Legislature Chamber Floor Plan

9 1

10 3 5 8 11

2 6

A Student Debate 25 26 26 Student Resources

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notes � islature How To Make AMace ToHow Make 1. Directions Materials Legislature. your in use to Mock own mace make your you can very activity this make laws. In Legislature’s to authority ofwar. aweapon was Mace the T time At one T 3. 2. 5. 4. 6. • • • • • • • o begin each sitting day, the Sergeant-at-Arms carries the Mace into the Chamber. the into Mace the carries day, sitting Sergeant-at-Arms each the o begin

decorations. Glue it onto the plastic container. plastic the onto it Glue decorations. container. plastic D the than taller be should D cylinder. circle. traced the Cut out cardboard circumference of the the trace container plastic of the bottom the On Insert the staff of the mace into the hole of the container. ofthe hole the into mace U ofthe staff the Insert and others. wheat beavers, bison, roses, wild trout, bull owl, horned great the pine trees, lodgepole D T U buttons, sequins, plastic jewels,buttons, or glitter other decorations coloured markers or tape glue scissors (from or ice cream) yogourt containers plastic construction paper cardboard cylinders (from paper towels) o make the staff of the mace, tape a few cardboard cylinders together end to end. to end together cylinders afew cardboard tape mace, ofthe staff o make the se your mace as part of your classroom debate! ofyour classroom se your part as mace ecorate the staff with markers. You can draw symbols of Alberta, like bighorn sheep, like sheep, bighorn You markers. ofAlberta, with symbols draw can staff the ecorate raw the crown of your mace on construction paper and cut it out. T out. it cut and paper crown ofyour the raw construction on mace ecorate your crown with markers and and markers your crown with ecorate oday the Mace is the symbol of the ofthe symbol the is Mace oday the se tape to hold it in place. in it hold to se tape he crownhe 27

Resources Student notes A Student Debate A Student Debate

e c ren e f Re Citizen’s Guide to the AlbertaCitizen’s Legislature edition 7th  Visitor Informationwww.assembly.ab.ca  Learning Resources ry this website to learn about more the Mace. • T Student Glossary of Legislative Vocabulary 5. Student Glossary of Legislative Vocabulary

Ceremony: A formal action that follows special cus- A toms, rules or traditions. Amend: To change or improve. Chair: The presiding officer at a meeting of the Legisla- tive Assembly or a committee. Amendment: A change proposed to a motion, a Bill, a written question or a committee report with the Chamber: The meeting room in which all Members of intention of improving it or providing an alternative. the Legislative Assembly meet to discuss and to vote. (See Legislative Assembly.)

B Civil Servant: Someone who works for the administrative service of a government, called the civil Backbencher: An MLA who is not a Minister and does service (or public service). This includes government not sit on the front benches reserved for cabinet ministries and various agencies. Ministers or for opposition party officials. Clerk of the Legislative Assembly: The principal Bill: A suggestion for a law that the Legislative Assem- person in the Chamber who advises the Speaker and bly is asked to consider. MLAs about rules in the Legislative Assembly.

Black Rod: The ceremonial baton carried by the Ser- Committee: A group of Members of the Legislative geant-at-Arms as a symbol of authority, used when Assembly selected to study a specific subject or Bill accompanying the Lieutenant Governor on occasions and to write a report on it. such as royal assent or the Speech from the Throne. Committee of the Whole: All Members of the Leg- Budget: The plan of where the government is going to islative Assembly will meet to consider Bills or other get money this year and how it will spend its money. important legislation.

Constituency: The area in Alberta that an MLA represents in the Legislative Assembly (also known as a C riding or electoral district). During debate the Mem- Cabinet: The group of Ministers who work closely ber is identified by the name of the riding rather than with the Premier. (See Cabinet Minister.) by his or her own name.

Cabinet Minister: A Member of the Legislative Constituent: A person living in an area represented by Assembly who is usually head of a ministry. an MLA in the Legislative Assembly.

Caucus: A group composed of Members of the Legisla- Constitution: The set of fundamental principles and tive Assembly from the same political party. Private established practices which a country follows outlin- caucus meetings are held regularly. ing the system of government and the civic rights of its citizens.

28 The Mock Le�islature Student Glossary of Legislative Vocabulary

Critic: An MLA in an opposition caucus, especially G the Official Opposition, who reviews a government portfolio. Like the Ministers they shadow, opposition Government: The group with the authority to run critics hear concerns and ideas from various persons the business of the province; this is the Premier and and interest groups from anywhere in the province. cabinet.

Government Business: Period of time set aside each day for dealing with items of business presented by D the government in the Assembly. Daily Order of Business: The daily agenda of business that may be taken up by the Legislative Assembly. Government House Leader: The MLA responsible for managing the government’s business in the Legis- Debate: A discussion of any subject by MLAs. lative Assembly. This person is also a member of the cabinet. Democracy: A country that is governed by people who are elected by its citizens to make decisions on their behalf. H Dissolution: The bringing to an end of a Legislature Hansard: The official printed record of what is said in either at the conclusion of its five-year term or by the Legislative Assembly. proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor. It is fol- lowed by a general election. Head of Government: The Premier is the head of government and looks after the business of the province. E Head of State: The monarch (queen or king) is the Elect: To choose one person from a group of several head of state of Canada. The Lieutenant Governor people by voting. The person with the most votes is represents the monarch in Alberta. elected. Honourable: A title given to Lieutenant Governors, Election: The selection of a person or government by Premiers, cabinet Ministers and sitting MLAs. Terms voting. In Alberta elections for MLAs must be held at such as “Honourable Member for...,” “Honourable least every five years. colleague,” and others are used by Members of the Legislative Assembly as a courtesy as traditionally they are not allowed to address each other by name. Electoral District: (See Constituency.)

House Leader: The member of a party who is responsible for its management in the Assembly. The F Government House Leader determines a schedule of First Reading: The first step in a Bill becoming a law; House business through consultation with the House it is the introduction of the Bill to the Assembly. The leaders of the other recognized parties. Bill usually passes unanimously as it has yet to be debated and analyzed.

A Student Debate 29 Student Glossary of Legislative Vocabulary

I Lieutenant Governor: The representative of the monarch (queen or king) in Alberta who acts on the Independent Member of the Legislative Assem- monarch’s behalf with the advice of the Premier and bly: A Member of the Legislative Assembly who cabinet. The Lieutenant Governor summons, pro- does not belong to a political party. rogues and dissolves the Legislative Assembly, reads the Speech from the Throne and gives royal assent to Bills. The Lieutenant Governor receives diplomatic Interest Groups: Groups of businesses, associations representatives and performs many ceremonial and and people with a common interest who try to per- social duties. suade the government to promote that interest.

Issue: A subject for debate or discussion which involves Local Government: The council that manages the more than one point of view. business of a municipality (village, town or city). The council members are elected by the people living in that area. (Also known as municipal government.) L Law: A rule for all of Alberta made by the Members M of the Legislative Assembly through discussion and voting. Mace: A large, heavy, and richly ornamented staff that represents the power and authority of parliament. Law Clerk: A senior procedural adviser and is also When the Speaker enters the Chamber on a work- responsible for approving amendments and petitions ing day, the Sergeant-at-Arms places the Mace on and helping to draft rulings on procedural issues. the table in front of the Members of the Legislative Assembly in the Chamber. Leader of the Official Opposition: The leader of the political party with the second-largest number of Majority: The governing party has more than half of MLAs elected. the total number of MLAs elected to the Legislative Assembly. Legislative Assembly: The elected Members of the Legislative Assembly together form the Legislative Mayor: The head of a municipality (village, town or Assembly. This term also refers to the Chamber, city). where they meet regularly. Media: The radio, television, Internet, magazines and Legislative Process: The process by which Bills are newspapers and the journalists who work for them. approved by the Legislative Assembly and become laws. A Bill goes through three readings and study Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA): A by a committee. After approval by the Legislative person elected to the Legislative Assembly. There Assembly it receives royal assent and becomes law. are 87 Members of the Legislative Assembly, repre- The new law comes into effect either on receiving senting all of the areas of Alberta. royal assent or upon proclamation at a later date.

Members’ Statements: A daily period when MLAs who are not cabinet Ministers can speak for up to two minutes each on matters they consider to be important.

30 The Mock Le�islature Student Glossary of Legislative Vocabulary

Ministry: A section of the civil service devoted to a Parliamentary Procedure: The rules and traditions specific section of government business, usually that determine how the Legislative Assembly carries headed by an appointed Minister (e.g., ministries out its business. responsible for education, health or finance). Partisan: A member of a political party influenced by Minority: The governing party has more Members the ideas and beliefs of that party. than any other single party but not more members than all the other parties together. Petition: A letter, often signed by many people, making a specific request to the Legislature. Monarch: A queen or king. The head of state of Can- ada is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Political Party: A group of people who have the same Canada. beliefs about how the province should be run.

Municipal Government: (See Local Government.) Poll: A survey that asks questions to find out what people think about a certain topic.

N Portfolio: The term used to describe the responsibilities of a member of cabinet. Nonpartisan: Neutral, not connected to any one political party. Premier: The head of government and leader of the governing party. The Premier is also a Member of the Legislative Assembly and represents a constituency. O Presiding Officer: The person in the chair at a meet- Official Opposition: The political party with the sec- ing of the House (Speaker, Deputy Speaker or Chair ond-largest number of MLAs elected. of Committees).

Opposition: MLAs belonging to parties other than the Private Member: A Member of the Legislative Assem- governing party. In the Chamber opposition MLAs sit bly who is not a cabinet Minister. across from the cabinet. The role of the opposition is to criticize government policies, suggest alternatives and make sure the public is aware of what the government is doing or plans to do. Q Queen: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is Queen of Oral Question Period: The order of business when Canada. (See Monarch.) Members ask the Premier or cabinet Ministers questions of current importance related to their responsibilities. Fifty minutes each day are allotted to this order of business. R Reading (of a Bill): A word used for the stages where a Bill is debated in the Legislature before it is passed P into law. Pages: Students who work part-time in the Legislative Report: A written or verbal statement by a commit- Assembly to assist MLAs during sittings by distribut- tee to the Assembly giving the results of an inquiry, ing documents and relaying messages. asking for additional powers or returning a Bill after consideration, with or without amendments.

A Student Debate 31 Student Glossary of Legislative Vocabulary

Riding: (See Constituency.) Speaker’s Procession: The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Sergeant-at-Arms with the Mace, the Routine Proceedings: A time set aside daily in the Clerk of the House and other officials walk formally Legislative Assembly to table documents, present from the Speaker’s Office to the Legislative Assem- petitions, introduce Bills and consider other routine bly before the opening of a sitting. business. Speech from the Throne: A speech prepared by Royal Assent: The Lieutenant Governor approves a the government and delivered by the Lieutenant Bill passed by the Legislative Assembly to make it law. Governor at the start of a session. The speech is Royal assent may take place in the Assembly Cham- delivered in the Assembly Chamber and outlines the ber or in the Lieutenant Governor’s office. government’s policies and the legislation it plans to introduce during the session.

S T Second Reading: The second step in a Bill becoming Table Officers: The Clerk, Law Clerk, Parliamentary a law; at this stage the sponsoring Member outlines Counsel and Committee Research Co-ordinator. why the Bill was introduced. Members of the opposition parties can speak and may suggest alternatives Third Reading: This stage of the passage of a Bill fol- to the Bill. lows Committee of the Whole. The sponsor of the Bill summarizes its benefits, and the opposition par- Sergeant-at-Arms: The head of security inside the ties state why they agree or disagree with the Bill. A Chamber; also attends to the Speaker when he or final vote is taken once debate is finished. she enters or leaves the Assembly Chamber and is responsible for the Mace and the Black Rod. Tradition: Something that is done a certain way because it is the way it has been done for many Session: One of the time periods into which a Legis- years. There is often a story behind the tradition. lature is divided, usually consisting of a number of separate sittings. V Sitting: A meeting of the Legislative Assembly within a session. Vote: 1) The way citizens choose a representative in an election. Eligible Albertans vote for their represen- Speaker: The Member of the Legislative Assem- tatives by secret ballot. 2) The process MLAs use to bly who is elected by the other Members to run make a decision. In the Legislative Assembly Mem- their meetings and to keep order in the Legislative bers can vote either verbally or by standing in their Assembly. The Speaker ensures that rules and tra- places. ditions are respected. The Speaker has a diplomatic and social role in hosting visits by heads of state and heads of government who come to the Legislative W Assembly. The Speaker is elected to the position by other Members by secret ballot at the beginning of a Whip: The Member who is responsible for keeping new Assembly or when a vacancy occurs. The Dep- other Members of the same party informed about uty Speaker assumes this role when the Speaker is House business and ensuring their attendance in the absent. Assembly, especially for a vote in the Chamber.

32 The Mock Le�islature Student Glossary of Legislative Vocabulary

Where Can I Learn More?

Try these websites to help you learn more vocabulary related to the Legislative Assembly.

• Glossary of Parliamentary Terms (Legislative Assembly of Alberta) www.assembly.ab.ca  Visitor Information  Learning Resources • Glossary of Parliamentary Terms for Younger Students www.parl.gc.ca/education  Glossaries

Vocabulary Notes

A Student Debate 33 Useful Links

Useful Links • Legislative Assembly of Alberta www.assembly.ab.ca  Visitor Information  Student Zone

34 The Mock Le�islature