French terms in Canadian politics

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In Canada, the political system is based on Westminster parliamentarism and has evolved with local traditions. One of the particularity of the Canadian experience of the British constitutional monarchy is the presence of the French language in the terms:

• Premier ministre (Prime Minister). In French this refers both to the federal first minister, Premier ministre du Canada (Prime Minister of Canada), and to the provincial premiers for example the Premier of Quebec (Premier ministre du Québec). Canada has had prime minsters since 1867 although they are not mentioned in the written constitution and exist by convention. In France, the office of prime minister existed as in formal advisor to the Crown since 1624. Under the republican office prime minister did not exist until 1946.

• comté - which usually means county in Canada can also be an informal term for an electoral district, like the English riding

• Chambre des communes (House of Commons)

Terms coming from France, usually adopted in Quebec:

• Assemblée nationale du Québec (National Assembly of Quebec)

Terms closer to the United States:

• Doyen de l'assemblée, ou de la Chambre (Dean of the House)