[DerbyX]

IlovUSandCanada IlovUSandCanada:

$1:

She can. In fact the GG has progressed from being a full on Queens rep to being a fully appointed Canadian in a mostly ceremonial position.Technically speaking the Queen could assert control in much the same way she might assert control in the UK. Would not go over well so the monarchy respects (and has done us proud) our wishes.

That last part I do know. This fascinates me. In this day and age where she could be to Canada in 3 hours if she chose, I don't see why the position of Govenor General is even necessary.

Forgive me if I sound rather dense and stupid, I don't mean to.

That's OK. I have no idea what the difference is between a senator and a congressman.

$1:

Except in rare cases, the Governor General only acts in accordance with constitutional convention and upon the advice of the national Prime Minister.[3] The Governor General is still the local representative of the sovereign, and performs the same duties as they carried out historically, though their role is almost purely ceremonial. Rare and controversial exceptions occurred in 1926, when Canadian Governor General Lord Byng refused Prime Minister Mackenzie King's request for a dissolution of parliament; in 1953 and 1954 when the Governor General of Pakistan, Ghulam Mohammad, staged a constitutional coup against the Prime Minister and then the Constituent Assembly; and in 1975, when the Governor General of Australia, Sir John Kerr, dismissed the Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam.[4] In principle, the Crown could overrule a Governor General, but this has not happened in modern times.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governor-General

For many people it is not the actual power of the GG but the idea of the position and the symbol it represents. I can't recall anything of significance in my lifetime that the GG affected compared with our political parties. The possible exception there is the recent coalition pact and the possibility that the GG could have simply turned power over to them.

[IlovUSandCanada]

$1:

That's OK. I have no idea what the difference is between a senator and a congressman.

A senator is a member of the senate, generally considered to be the "Upper House". There are two senators per state regardless of population.

A Congressman is a member of either house, the Senate or the House of Representatives. Seats in the house are based upon population with a state getting one per million population. The houses are roughly equal in power.

$1:

For many people it is not the actual power of the GG but the idea of the position and the symbol it represents. I can't recall anything of significance in my lifetime that the GG affected compared with our political parties. The possible exception there is the recent coalition pact and the possibility that the GG could have simply turned power over to them.

So, pretty much, the GG is like the Queen. An essentially powerless official who provides a link to their past and heritage?

[DerbyX]

IlovUSandCanada IlovUSandCanada:

So, pretty much, the GG is like the Queen. An essentially powerless official who provides a link to their past and heritage?

Yes. Surprisingly so Australia debates this question much more vigorously then Canada and considering our english - french divide it is.

They have often brought up the republic question in a far more official and public manner the us. Perhaps it is because we fear ousting the monarchy will lead to QC seperation and break up of the country.

It is very symbolic but as you know symbols can be very powerful.

[IlovUSandCanada]

$1:

Yes. Surprisingly so Australia debates this question much more vigorously then Canada and considering our english - french divide it is.They have often brought up the republic question in a far more official and public manner the us. Perhaps it is because we fear ousting the monarchy will lead to QC seperation and break up of the country.It is very symbolic but as you know symbols can be very powerful.

Actually, I am an American, so I don't have many symbols. The one's we do have usually get used by politicians for their own ends. It must be nice to have your ultimate symbol (The Queen) be one you could never do that with.

Australians seem much more ... I don't know ... Canadians seem much more ... not resigned ... Canadians are much more willing to tolerate things that don't specifically hurt them.

And you don't have to worry. The United States would never let Canada break up. Isn't that what good neighbors are for?

[PimpBrewski123]

Only need to get a hot chick in there, that's all.