Wikipedia:Today's featured article/December 16, 2005



The Canadian House of Commons is a component of the Parliament of Canada, which also includes the Sovereign (represented by the Governor General) and the Senate. Members of the Canadian House of Commons are elected for limited terms, holding office until Parliament is dissolved. Each member is elected by, and represents, an electoral district. The House of Commons was established in 1867, when the British North America Act 1867 created the Dominion of Canada. In practice, the House of Commons (the lower house) holds far more power than the Senate (the upper house), and is by far the dominant House of Parliament. Although the approval of both Houses is necessary for legislation, the Senate very rarely rejects bills passed by the Commons. Moreover, the Government of Canada is responsible solely to the House of Commons; the Prime Minister stays in office only as long as he or she retains the support of the Lower House.

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