Abstract
This essay argues that the application of democratic theory to the reserve powers, which developed before the emergence of responsible government, has led to ambiguity surrounding the role of head of state in Canada. These powers emerged in a pre-democratic time of conflict between the king and Parliament, and during the years of democratization were not transferred to the elected officials in the executive branch. The decline in the legitimacy of the queen and her governors has meant that these powers have become increasingly susceptible to influence by prime ministers acting unilaterally and alone. The essay suggests that the normative model of responsible parliamentary government can be obtained by simply having the Canadian governor general issue written decisions and, in the event the powers are misused, by Parliament placing limits on the powers.
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