Governing Power

"Canada's prime minister is a dictator." "The Sun King of Canadian government." "More powerful than any other chief executive of any other democratic country." These kinds of claims are frequently made about Canada's leader – especially when the prime minister's party holds a majority government in Parliament. But is there any truth to these arguments? At the Centre of Government not only presents a comprehensively researched work on the structure of political power in Canada but also offers a first-hand view of the inner workings of the Canadian federal government. Ian Brodie – former chief of staff to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and former executive director of the Conservative Party of Canada – argues that the various workings of the Prime Minister's Office, the Privy Council Office, the cabinet, parliamentary committees, and the role of backbench members of Parliament undermine propositions that the prime minister has evolved into the role of an autocrat, with unchecked control over the levers of political power. He corrects the dominant thinking that Canadian prime ministers hold power without limits over their party, caucus, cabinet, Parliament, the public service, and the policy agenda. Citing examples from his time in government and from Canadian political history he argues that in Canada's evolving political system, with its roots in the pre-Confederation era, there are effective checks on executive power, and that the golden age of Parliament and the backbencher is likely now. Drawing on a vast body of work on governance and the role of the executive branch of government, At the Centre of Government is a fact-based primer on the workings of Canadian government and sobering second thoughts about many proposals for reform.

'Governing power' is a pioneering attempt to examine the experience with independent regulation of electricity in India to assess its efficacy as an alternative form of governance. It compares the electricity experience with that of independent regulation in the other countries, independent regulatory bodies in India, and old-style regulation by government departments. It evaluates the Indian model in context of its replication over other sectors of the economy. S L Rao's experience of having operationalized the concept in India, as the first Chairman of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, provides valuable insights. This book epitomizes the multidisciplinary expertise (linking economics, management, financial and cost accounting, and engineering) that electricity regulatory commissions must harness to effectively regulate the sector, despite high government ownership, strong utility'government linkages, inefficiencies, and weak commercial attitudes. The book tracks the emergence of regulatory law from the orders of regulatory bodies and courts; explores the concept of ?independence? and discusses the accountability of independent regulators (an issue not sufficiently explored till now); and suggests directions for future development of independent regulation. Governing power is relevant to any environment where independent regulation is introduced, more so in developing economies or where government ownership is dominant. It is extremely relevant to utilities (private and public), regulators, courts, professional managers, accountants, and consultants. It will benefit anyone interested in enhancing the quality of governance.

Agencies and policies instituted to streamline Ottawa's planning process instead concentrate power in the hands of the Prime Minister, more powerful in Canadian politics than the U.S. President in America. Riveting, startling, and indispensable reading.

What does it really take to govern effectively? Michael Wernick, a career public servant with experience working at the highest levels of Canadian government, shares tips, insider knowledge, and essential advice in this first-ever practical governance handbook. From choosing a Cabinet and getting the most out of it, to delivering on the prime minister’s mandate letter, readers will get a close-up look at how day-to-day political work actually happens. Wernick’s three decades "in the room" with prime ministers, cabinet ministers, and other members of government make this a must-read not only for politicians, but for anyone who aspires to understand them.

Barron’s Regents U.S. History and Government Power Pack provides comprehensive review, actual administered exams, and practice questions to help students prepare for the U.S. History and Government Regents exam. The Power Pack includes: Three actual Regents exams online Regents Exams and Answers: U.S. History and Government Five actual, administered Regents exams so students have the practice they need to prepare for the test Comprehensive review questions grouped by topic, to help refresh skills learned in class Thorough explanations for all answers Score analysis charts to help identify strengths and weaknesses Study tips and test-taking strategies Let's Review Regents: U.S. History and Government Comprehensive review of all topics on the test Extra exercise problems with answers One actual, administered Regents U.S. History and Government exam with answer key