Evolution of the New American Political System

It's spring time; a time of resurrection and change. The sun rises a little higher in the sky every day to awaken flora which responds by sprouting fresh, colorful new blossoms. Critters go out in search of new mates and participate in this glorious process. In America, new elections have been scheduled and politicians are out buying votes by making empty new promises for change, if only we would elect them.

I am sitting on the porch swing watching a pretty a red Cardinal attack himself in a car mirror. With flapping wings, slashing claws and a punching beak, he flies against the mirrored glass crying out in anguish and frustration. The little bird has apparently laid claim to the breeding rights on his little acre of his and is determined to drive off any rival who dares to intrude on this domain.

Mr. Cardinal reminds me of the average American voter. Conditioned by constant exposure to a carefully scripted charade, he believes that a two-party system exists in his country. One party, he is told, will protect and defend him against the asserted intrusions of the other. He must therefore choose an ally to support and, of course, an enemy to fight against by default. Then, having chosen, he is to proceed to beat himself into a stupor hopelessly trying to solve a problem hidden beyond his ability to comprehend.

A Comparison of Canadian and American Political Systems

People outside of the "Americas" can often get confused understanding and comparing the differences between the US and Canadian models, forms and structures of government.

In the United States there are 50 states with a federal government. The subunit, that is each state, has its own governor and state legislature. The federal government of course of the USA, has at its head the President (currently President Obama) along with 2 houses of legislature. These are the US House of Representatives (with local elected members referred to as "Congressmen" or perhaps "Congress Women" and the US Senate with "Senators" elected from each and every state. There are many more Congress people per state than elected Senators over all. Some will tell you that Senators carry much more power and clout than the Congressmen in the House of Representatives, whereas in Canada it's not the Canadian Senate and Senators who wield the greatest power and effect changes.

Whereas Canada has a federal and provincial system. There is one overall Federal Government with given responsibilities and 10 more local or Provincial Governments along with 3 "Territories" - not fully assigned fully rights and privileges under the Canadian political system yet. Whereas in the US political system Americans vote for their representatives and then the leader overall (that is the President), Canadians vote for members of Parliament only. Firstly the Canadian Senate as opposed to the US model are not elected at all. Instead they are "appointed" by the ruling party - that is the political party in power federally in the Federal House of Parliament which is located in Ottawa in the eastern province of Ontario. The federal political leader in Canada is not elected for his position. Rather he is the leader of the party with the most seats in the house - that is the ruling party in charge. Interestingly it is the party in power, not the people directly as in the US who chose their ultimate political leader. It might be argued and debated that ultimately it is the Canadian people by voting for their elected representatives who sit in the House of Parliament in Ottawa who make the choice via their votes to their own elected leaders. On the other hand it might be said that party and its "Whip" ensure that sitting members in the House of Parliament tow the party line, when it comes to votes and policy as opposed to the elected officials themselves.