July 1 and July 4
*In the Confederation debates, the Canadian system of government attempted to correct the mistakes in the American system that had lead to a tragic civil war. Instead of a system of "checks and balances" where the American Congress is set in an adversarial position in relation to the President and Executive Council, in Canada the Executive is chosen from the majority party in the legislature. The Prime Minister CEO is the leader of the party with the majority. The majority party forms the government as long as they can retain a majority vote in parliament. An election can be called no later than five years after the last election, or if the government is defeated in a vote in the House. A Prime Minister can resign at any time; the new leader of the party in power becomes the new Prime Minister. An appointed Governor General performs the functions of Head of State representing the Monarch. In the USA, the President is CEO and also Head of State, elected for a fixed four year term. Sometimes (during the recent impeachment) it seems as if the US system elects a citizen to be "king" but no one feels obliged to swear allegiance.
*Both nations have a written Constitution. The American Constitution was ratified in 1788 and has been amended two dozen times. The Canadian Constitution was an Act of the British Parliament in 1867. It has been amended only twice since Confederation. In 1927, the nation assumed responsibility for foreign affairs from Great Britain. In 1982, the Constitution was "repatriated," brought home to Canada. At the same time, a Charter of Rights and Freedoms was added which effectively protects the rights of individuals and certain groups against the possible tyranny of a majority that could try to deny certain rights.
*Both nations officially use the English language. Canada has a second official language, French, and encourages the retention of First Nations and ethnic Mother Tongues. *Canada switched from the English to the more commonly used decimal system of weights and measures in the 1970's. *Both countries call their money "dollars" although they are worth different amounts.
*Since the 1960's, Canadian provinces have instituted "socialized" or government-subsidized medical insurance and state-funded doctors and hospitals. This service is based on the belief that all are equal and that everyone deserves medical treatment whatever their income. With the exception of emergencies, medical services are accessed on
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