The Paradox of Parliament

Jonathan Malloy

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English

University of Toronto Press
16 May 2023

Politics & government; Political structure & processes; Public administration

The Paradox of Parliament provides a comprehensive analysis of all aspects of Parliament in order to explain the paradoxical expectations placed on the institution. The book argues that Parliament labours under two different 'logics' of its purpose and primary role: one based on governance and decision-making and one based on representation and voice. This produces a paradox that is common to many legislatures, but Canada and Canadians particularly struggle to recognize and reconcile the competing logics.

In The Paradox of Parliament, Jonathan Malloy discusses the major aspects of Parliament through the lens of these two competing logics to explain the ongoing dissatisfaction with Parliament and perennial calls for parliamentary reform. It focuses on overarching analytical themes rather than exhaustive description. It centres people over procedure and theory, with strong emphasis given to dimensions of gender, race, and additional forms of diversity. Arguing for a holistic and realistic understanding of Parliament that recognizes and accepts that Parliament evolves and adapts, The Paradox of Parliament puts forward an important and novel interpretation of the many facets of Parliament in Canada.

By: Jonathan Malloy
Imprint: University of Toronto Press
Country of Publication: Canada
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 14mm
Weight: 410g
ISBN: 9781487550998
ISBN 10: 1487550995
Pages: 304
Publication Date: 16 May 2023
Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , Primary , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

1. Introduction Explanations for Parliament’s Problems Paradox and the Competing Logics Conclusion 2. Historical Foundations and the Competing Logics Indigenous Peoples and Legislative Representation The Early Development of Canadian Legislatures The Logic of Governance The Logic of Representation Attempting to Reconcile the Logics: “Every Reform Creates A New Problem” Reforms of the 1960s–1980s The 1990s: The Reform Party and Paul Martin’s “Democratic Deficit” The 2004–2011 Minority Era and Beyond Consensus Legislatures Canada in Comparative Perspective Conclusion 3. Parties Canadian Political Parties: An Overview The Weakness of Canadian Parties Party Discipline: Is Canada Exceptional? Party Discipline in Practice “Excessive” Discipline Party Discipline and the Party System Parties in Minority Governments Electoral Systems and Parties Conclusion 4. MPs Why Do MPs Run? Who Gets Elected as an MP? Gender and Race Socioeconomic and Occupational Backgrounds Age Learning to Be an MP MPs in the House MPs in the Constituency Life as an MP: The Personal Dimension Managing Their Public Roles Managing Their Personal Lives MP Pay Staffing An MP’s Day Departure, Turnover, and “Amateurism” Conclusion 5. House of Commons Business The Roles The Speaker The Clerk and Procedural Staff House Leaders and Whips The Setting The Chamber and Decorum The Parliamentary Day The House of Commons at Work: Four Aspects Government Bills and Debate Question Period Private Members Business Opposition Days and Confidence/Non-confidence Motions Process in Minority Parliaments Committees Conclusion 6. Diversity Persons with Disabilities LGBT Persons Women in Parliament Women in the Senate Women in the House Figure 9.1 Women in the House of Commons since 1968 (%) Women as Legislators Race Symbolic Descriptive Table 9.1 Racialized MPs in the House of Commons Compared to General Population Substantive Conclusion 7. The Senate Bicameralism A Brief Description of the Senate History of the Senate Senate Reform The Senate since 2016 8. Scrutiny Scrutiny in Theory and Practice Parliament and Money Officers of Parliament Parliamentary Scrutiny: How Far Can It Go? Parliament’s Access to Documents and People Conclusion 9. The Future of Parliament Technological Sociological Citizen Attitudes Conclusion

Jonathan Malloy is a professor of political science and the Bell Chair in Canadian Parliamentary Democracy at Carleton University.

Reviews for The Paradox of Parliament

"""The Paradox of Parliament confronts the struggle Canadians face in both understanding and shaping the crucial roles played by the House of Commons and Senate as representatives and governors of our country. While studies of Canada's institutions may seem quaint and somewhat nostalgic, how we confront current challenges in both domestic and global affairs depends crucially on our perception of Parliament's capacity to lean into changing environments and expectations. In that regard, Jonathan Malloy gives students of Canadian parliament the kind of attention this topic needs."" - Anna Esselment, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Waterloo ""The Paradox of Parliament is richly written, and filled with anecdotes that will whet the intellectual appetite of parliamentary observers. With diplomatic aplomb, Malloy deftly weaves a commanding understanding of the history, debates, and harsh realities that characterize the Canadian Parliament."" - Alex Marland, author of Whipped: Party Discipline in Canada ""Canadians have long waited for a comprehensive look at how their Parliament works. They need not wait any longer. Jonathan Malloy has brilliantly answered the call in The Paradox of Parliament. He maps out, from a historical and comparative perspective, the competing forces that shape the inner workings of Parliament. This timely book constitutes a major contribution to our understanding of Canadian democracy."" - Donald J. Savoie, Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Public Administration and Governance, Université de Moncton ""Frustration. Disappointment. Indifference. Citizens and parliamentarians alike feel dissatisfied with Canada's legislative institutions. The Paradox of Parliament shows that demands for diverse representatives have long collided with expectations of effective governance. Bravo to Jonathan Malloy on a compelling, provocative, and highly readable account of tensions at the heart of Canadian democracy."" - Sylvia Bashevkin, Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and Professor Emerita of Political Science, University of Toronto ""In exploring the tension between representation and governance at the heart of our Westminster parliamentary system, Jonathan Malloy provides an interesting historical overview of the evolution of Canada's Parliament over the years. A welcome contribution to our knowledge of an often-misunderstood institution at the heart of Canada's democracy: Parliament."" - Michael Chong, Member of Parliament, Wellington-Halton Hills"