Social Studies - The Bahamas - An Independent Country

Social Studies - The Bahamas

An Independent Country

by Miss D. Williams

Multiple Choice

The form of government The Bahamas has is called a 

• Monarchy

• Oligarchy

• Constitutional Monarchy

• Democracy

• Dictatorship

​The Constitution

​This is a detailed document that explains how our country is governed.

All of the laws are written in it.

​The duties of government officials are in it.

​It explains how Parliament is set up and how it should function.

​It is a LEGAL document that protects all citizens rights and freedoms.

Fill in the Blanks

When The Bahamas became an independent country, the old COLONIAL system of government was replaced and the new constitution came into effect.  The British and Bahamian governments agreed to this new constitution. 

When did The Bahamas become an independent country?

​The Law-Making bodies of our country include:

• ​The House of Assembly - where laws are discussed

• ​The Senate - where laws are reviewed

• ​The Governor-General - who signs Bills to make them law

The Head of State​

​His Majesty, King Charles III

The Governor-General

​The Head of state holds no real power.

​Her representative in The Bahamas is the Governor-General, who is appointed by the Prime Minister after consultation with his colleagues.

​This position is for ceremonial duties only, even though it is the highest position in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

​Cynthia Pratt

Multiple Choice

Who is the current Governor-General of The Bahamas?

• Sir Milo Butler

• Sir Orville Turnquest

• Dame Marguerite Pindling

• Cynthia Pratt

• Sir Cornelius Smith

​The House of Assembly

​Located in Parliament Square, in the city of Nassau, on the island of New Providence

​The elected Members of Parliament (MP's) meet here to discuss the nation's business and to pass laws.

​Sometimes it is called the Lower House.

​The House is chaired by the Speaker - he/she is selected by the Members of Parliament.

Multiple Choice

Which person is the Speaker of the House, Patricia Deveaux?

Fill in the Blanks

What is the name of the very first Speaker of the House of Assembly in The Bahamas? ** HINT - Woodes Rogers was the Royal Governor at the time.

​The Senate

​Known as the Upper House, the Senate is also located in Parliament Square. The laws that are agreed upon in the House of Assembly are sent here to make sure that every law that is passed in The Bahamas is looked at by two sets of people.

​The President of the Senate

​This person leads the Senate, like the Speaker leads the House of Assembly.

The President of the Senate is elected by the other Senators.

​

​Lashell Adderley is the Speaker of the Senate

Poll

Members of the Senate - Senators are elected by the people.

• TRUE

• FALSE

• I have no idea!

Multiple Choice

What is the name of the monarch the Governor-General represents?

• Queen Elizabeth I

• King Henry VIII

• Queen Elizabeth II

• King Charles

Poll

Only lawyers should enter politics.

• Yes

• No

• Maybe

• I have no clue