Civics Flashcards
In Canada, to whom do we formally pledge allegiance?
We pledge allegiance to the Sovereign (King or Queen).
What type of government is there in Canada?
Canada is a constitutional monarchy, a parliamentary democracy, and a federal state. Canadians are bound together by a shared commitment to the rule of law and to the institutions of parliamentary government.
What do you swear as you take the Oath of Citizenship?
You pledge loyalty to the King or Queen, abide by Canadian law, and carry out your citizenship obligations.
True or False: In Canada, the constitution, the flag and the country are not encompassed by the Sovereign.
False. In Canada, we profess our loyalty to a person who represents all Canadians and not to a document such as a constitution, a banner such as a flag, or a geopolitical entity such as a country. In our constitutional monarchy, these elements are encompassed by the Sovereign (Queen or King). It is a remarkably simple yet powerful principle: Canada is personified by the Sovereign just as the Sovereign is personified by Canada.
Which Act granted to the Canadas, for the first time, legislative assemblies elected by the people?
The Constitution Act
What are the responsibilities of the federal government?
Matters of national and international concern.
Who has the right to vote in a federal election?
A Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old on voting day and on the voters’ list.
With what words does the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom begin?
“Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law”
What are “mobility rights”?
Canadians can live and work anywhere they choose in Canada, enter/leave the country freely, and apply for a passport.
What three rights are included in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
Mobility rights, Aboriginal Peoples’ rights, and official language rights, multiculturalism
Charter of Rights and Freedoms passed in 1982
What are the responsibilities of Canadian citizenship?
- Obeying the law
- Taking responsibility for one’s self and one’s family
- Serving on a jury
- Voting in elections
- Helping others in the community
- Protecting and enjoying our heritage and environment
What are the two basic requirements for citizenship?
- Knowledge of Canada and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship
- Adequate knowledge of English or French
Where do Canadians’ rights and responsibilities come from?
Canada’s history, they are secured by Canadian law, and reflect shared traditions, identities, and values.
Where does Canadian law come from?
- Laws passed by Parliament and provincial legislatures
- English common law
- civil code of France
- unwritten constitution inherited from Great Britain
What is the oldest law in Canada?
the Magna Carta, signed in England in 1215. Also known as the Great Charter of Freedoms. It included:
- Freedom of conscience and religion
- Freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression, including freedom of speech and the press;
- Freedom of peaceful assembly;
- Freedom of association
What are four of the original freedoms in the Magna Carta?
- Freedom of conscience and religion
- Freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression, including freedom of speech and the press;
- Freedom of peaceful assembly;
- Freedom of association
Magna Carta was signed in 1215 in England and is also known as the Great Charter of Freedoms.
What was the Constitution Act of 1982?
Canada took over the authority to amend its constitution, establishing full sovereignty from England. Before this, England had amended the constitution through Parliament.
The Act also amended the Canadian constitution to entrench the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which summarizes fundamental freedoms while setting out additional rights, including mobility rights, aboriginal peoples’ rights, official language rights and minority language educational rights, and, multiculturalism.
What are institutions in Canada committed to?
Peace, Order, and Good Government, a key phrase in Canada’s original constitutional document in 1867, the British North American Act
What is the original constitutional document?
1867, the British North America Act
What has enabled Canadians to build a prosperous society?
Belief in ordered liberty, enterprise, hard work, fair play
What are territorial rights?
Territorial rights established the basis for negotiating treaties with newcomers, although the treaties were not always fully respected.
First guaranteed through the Royal Proclamation of 1763 by King George III.
True or False: In Canada, gay and lesbian Canadians enjoy full protection of and equal treatment under the law, including access to civil marriage.
True!
A member of Parliament from Montreal announces that she will spend her weekend in her electoral district. This means she would be where?
In the part of Montreal where she was elected.
After a federal election, which party forms the new government?
The party with the most elected representatives is invited by the Governor General to become the party in power.
Fatima is a new immigrant in Canada. What law allows her to take a job at par with a man?
Equality of women and men.
How are Members of Parliament chosen?
Elected by Canadian citizens in their local constituency (riding).
How are Senators chosen?
Senators are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister.
What is the role of the Governor General?
In 1947, Letters Patent Constituting the Office of the governor general of Canada (under King George VI) authorized the governor general to exercise most of the Crown’s powers on behalf of the Sovereign.
The governor general has important parliamentary responsibilities:
- summoning, proroguing and dissolving Parliament
- setting out the government’s program by reading the Speech from the Throne
- giving Royal Assent, which brings parliamentary bills into law
- The governor general is also Commander-in-Chief of Canada. He or she visits military bases and honours Canadian military personnel on behalf of The King.
The governor general also fulfills important ceremonial duties:
-promoting a sense of identity
-recognizing the achievements of outstanding Canadians
-receiving foreign dignitaries
-travelling overseas as the representative of Canada
hosting and taking part in official events
How is a Cabinet Minister chosen?
By the Prime Minister.
How is the government formed after a federal election?
Ordinarily, the party with the most elected representatives becomes the party in power. The leader of this party becomes the Prime Minister.
How is the Prime Minister chosen?
In general, the leader of the party with the most elected representatives becomes the Prime Minister. Parties can form a coalition to form the majority of elected representatives together, in which case the party with the most votes of the two will become the Prime Minister.
In Canada, are you allowed to question the police about their service or conduct?
Yes, if you feel the need to.
In Canada’s justice system what does “presumption of innocence” mean?
Everyone is innocent until proven guilty.
Name all the federal parties in the House of Commons and their leaders.
Conservative (Poilievre), NDP (Singh), Liberal (Trudeau), Bloc Quebecois (Blanchet), Green Party (May)
Name six responsibilities of citizenship
Obeying the law, taking responsibility for oneself and one’s family, helping others in the community, voting in elections, serving on a jury, protecting and enjoying
Name two key documents that contain our rights and freedoms
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Magna Carta (the Great Charter of Freedoms)
Name two responsibilities of the provincial and territorial government
Health and education
On what date did Nunavut become a territory?
April 1, 1999
The Canadian Coat of Arms and motto is “A Mari Usque Ad Mare”, which means:
From sea to sea
What are some examples of taking responsibility for yourself and your family?
Getting a job, taking care of one’s family and working hard in keeping with one’s ablities
What are the three levels of government in Canada?
- Federal
- Provincial or Territorial
- Municipal (local)
What are the three parts of Parliament?
The Sovereign, the House of Commons, the Senate
What do you call a law before it is passed?
A Bill
What do you call the Sovereign’s representative in the provinces?
Lieutenant-Governor
What do you mark on a federal election ballot?
An X.
What does Confederation mean?
Joining of the provinces to make a new country
What does it mean to say that Canada is a constitutional monarchy?
Canada’s Head of State is a hereditary Sovereign (Queen or King) who reigns in accordance with the Constitution
What does the “right to a secret ballot” mean
No one can watch you vote and no one should look at how you voted
What does the term “responsible government” mean?
It is the idea that the government is responsible to the people, and the people must trust that the government is doing its job. If they lose the confidence of the House, the government resigns and an election is called.
What is a majority government?
When the party in power holds at least half of the seats in the House of Commons.
What is a voter information card?
A form that tells you when and where to vote.
What is Canada’s system of government called?
Parliamentary government
What is meant by equality of women and men?
Men and women are equal under the law.
What is the difference between the role of the Sovereign and that of the Prime Minister?
The Sovereign is the guardian of Constitutional freedoms, the Prime Minister selects the Cabinet ministers and is responsible for operations and policy of government.
What is the government of all of Canada called?
Federal
What is the highest court in Canada?
Supreme Court of Canada
What is the highest military honour a Canadian can receive?
Victoria Cross
What is the name of the Governor General?
Mary Simon
What is the name of the Prime Minister of Canada and his/her party?
Justin Trudeau (Liberal Party)
What is the role of the courts in Canada?
To settle disputes.
What is the role of the Opposition parties?
To oppose or try to improve government proposals.
What part of the constitution legally protects the basic rights and freedoms of all Canadians?
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
When asked, who must you tell how you voted in a federal election?
No one.
When must federal elections be held?
On the third Monday in October every four years following the most recent election.
When you vote on election day, what do you do?
Go to the voting station with your voter’s card and ID, mark an X next to your chosen candidate, fold the ballot and present it to the poll officials who will tear off the ballot number and give you the ballot to deposit in the box.
Which federal political party is in power?
The Liberal Party.
Which party becomes the Official Opposition?
The party with the second most MPs (members of Parliament)
Which party is the Official Opposition at the federal level?
The Conservative Party
Who do Canadians vote for in a federal election?
A candidate they want to represent them in Parliamenth
Who do the Members of Parliament represent?
Everyone who lives in his or her electoral district
Who has the right to vote in federal elections?
Canadian citizens, 18 years or older and on voter’s lists
Who have major responsibilities on First Nations reserves?
Band chiefs and councillors
Who is Canada’s Head of State?
His Majesty King Charles III
Name the six federal electoral districts in Vancouver, British Columbia
In Vancouver:
Vancouver Centre (1914–present)
Vancouver East (1933–present)
Vancouver Granville (2013–present)
Vancouver Kingsway (1952–1987), (1996–present)
Vancouver Quadra (1947–present)
Vancouver South (1914–1996), (2003–present)
Not in the City of Vancouver:
West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country (2004–present)
North Vancouver (1987–present)
Name the six current members of Parliament for Vancouver, BC and the parties they belong to.
- Vancouver Kingsway: Don Davies (NDP)
- Vancouver Centre: Hedy Fry (Liberal)
- Vancouver East: Jenny Kwan (NDP)
- Vancouver Quadra: Joyce Murray (Libera)
- Vancouver Granville: Taleeb Noormohamed (Liberal)
- Vancouver South: Harjit S. Sajjan (Liberal)
Not Vancouver:
- West Vancouver/Sunshine Coast: Patrick Weiler (Liberal)
- North Vancouver: Jonathan Wilkinson (Liberal)
What is the capital city of British Columbia?
Victoria.
Name 3 Vancouver City Counsellors.
- Rebecca Bligh
- Christine Boyle
- Adriane Carr
- Lisa Dominato
- Pete Fry
- Sarah Kirby-Yung
- Mike Klassen
- Peter Meiszner
- Brian Montague
- Lenny Zhou
What is the name of the leader of the opposition in British Columbia?
Kevin Falcon (BC United Party)
What is the name of the Lieutenant-Governor in British Columbia?
Janet Austin.
Who is the mayor of Vancouver?
Kevin Sim (ABC Vancouver)
What is the name of the Premier of British Columbia?
David Eby (NDP)
What political party is in power in BC?
New Democrat Party (NDP)
What three natural resources are important for British Columbia’s economy today?
Forests, fish, and water.
Why is British Columbia known as Canada’s Pacific Gateway?
Billions of dollars in trade goods are handled through the Port of Vancouver
How many electoral districts are there in Canada?
338
What is the Canadian Health Act?
Passed in 1985. Allows all Canadians to get basic healthcare.
Give an example of where English and French have equal status in Canada?
The Official Languages Act (French: Loi sur les langues officielles) is a Canadian law that came into force on September 9, 1969, which gives French and English equal status in the government of Canada. This makes them “official” languages, having preferred status in law over all other languages.
So, in the Parliament of Canada.
Also, in New Brunswick, where English and French were given equal status in the 1982 Constitution Act.
What is a constitutional monarchy?
When a monarch (king or queen) helps to maintain the rule of law that is in the Constitution. Canada is a constitutional monarchy.
What did the queen sign in 1982?
Queen Elizabeth II signed the amended constitution.
The Canadian Constitution
A system of laws and conventions by which Canada governs itself.
What are Official Language Rights and Minority Language Education Rights?
The Government of Canada has to use both English and French equally in Parliament and in the government.
What is the right to multiculturalism?
Canada is proud of being a multicultural country. We try to respect many ways of doing things and many different beliefs, and live together in piece. This right allows citizens to practice their religions and keep their identities without the fear of official persecution.
What does it mean to take responsibility for one’s self and family?
It is important to get a job, take care of one’s family, and work hard. This helps to make Canada a strong country.
What does it mean to serve on a jury?
In court, a jury is a group of people who help the judge to make decisions about whether the person who is on trial is guilty or not guilty. You must serve on a jury if you are asked.
What is an advance poll?
A poll that allows you to vote before election day, if you want to.
Who is the returning officer in an election?
The person who is responsible to conduct the election in an electoral division.
What is an enumerator?
The person who goes door-to-door collecting names of eligible voters for the voters list.
What is an electoral division?
For provincial elections, each country or territory is split into a number of areas. Each area is called an electoral division.
What are constituencies or ridings?
For federal elections, the country of Canada is divided into 308 areas. Each area is called a constituency or a riding, and has some candidates who will run for office in the federal election.
What are wards?
For municipal elections, each municipality (city/town, etc.) is split into a number of areas. Each area is called a ward.
What is a by-law?
A municipal (city/town) law.
What is due process?
A justice system in which everyone has fair and just treatment, with all of their legal rights. Canada has this.
What is a federal state?
When a national (federal) government deals with general national issues, and each province or territory manages local issues. Canada is a federal state.
What is a parliamentary democracy?
When citizens vote in democratic elections, the elected politicians go to parliament to make laws. Canada is a parliamentary democracy.
No-Confidence Vote
When the majority of elected representatives in the House of Commons vote that they are not confident that the cabinet ministers are doing their job. This leads to an election.
What 4 things do you do when you vote?
- Bring your voter information card and proof of identity and address.
- Choose a candidate by marking an “X” on the ballot
- Close the ballot and give it to the poll official.
- Put it in the ballot box after the poll official returns your ballot to you.
What are the three kinds of elections in Canada?
Federal elections (for the whole country)
Provincial or territorial elections
Local elections (for a municipality or city/town)
What is the Prime Minister?
The elected head of government in Canada. The leader of the political party with the most elected Members of Parliament in the House of Commons.
What are the four major political parties in the House of Commons?
- Conservative Party
- Liberal Party
- New Democratic Party
- Bloc Quebecois
What is a voting station?
Not to be confused with a voting place, which is where you go to vote!
The voting station is the table inside the voting place where a voter receives their ballot.
What are the three branches of government?
Executive, Legislative, and Judicial
The King vs the Prime Minister
The king is very different from the Prime Minister.
- The Prime Minister is the Head of Government. He is responsible for providing leadership for the governing of the country.
- The King is Canada’s Head of State and the Head of the Commonwealth.
What is the role of the Prime Minister?
- Selects the cabinet
- Responsible for government operations and policies
What are the duties of the House of Commons?
- Contains elected Members of Parliament (MPs)
- Elections for MPs usually happen every 4 years.
- MPs consider and review bills (proposed laws)
What is the duty of senators?
Senators are appointed by the Prime Minister and serve until age 75. They consider and review bills.
What level of government is responsible for social and community health?
Municipal (city/town) government
What level of government is responsible for recycling?
Municipal (city/town) government
Transportation and utilities are the responsibility of what level of government?
Municipal
Snow removal is the responsibility of what level of government?
Municipal
Firefighting is the responsibility of what level of government?
Municipal.
Emergency services are the responsibility of what level of government?
Municipal
What level of government is responsible for national defense?
Federal
What level of government is responsible for foreign policy?
Federal
What level of government is responsible for citizenship?
Federal
What level of government is responsible for the RCMP?
Federal
What level of government is responsible for criminal justice?
Federal government
What level of government is responsible for international trade?
Federal
What level of government is responsible for Indigenous affairs?
Federal
Trading and communications between provinces is the responsibility of what level of government?
Federal
What level of government is responsible for currency?
Federal
What level of government is responsible for national transportation (e.g. Via Rail)?
Federal
Agriculture is the responsibility of what level of government?
Shared by federal and provincial governments.
Immigration is the responsibility of what level of government?
Federal
The environment is the responsibility of what level of government?
Federal and provincial
What level of government is responsible for education?
Provincial
What level of government is responsible for healthcare?
Provincial
What level of government is responsible for natural resources?
Provincial
What level of government is responsible for highways?
Provincial
Policing is the responsibility of what level of government?
Provincial and municipal
Property and civil rights are the responsibility of what level of government?
Provincial
What is a Mayor (or reeve) and Councillors (or aldermen)?
2 types of elected officials in municipal governments.
What is the Premier?
The head of the province or territory
What is the Lieutenant Governor?
The representative of the Queen in a province or territory
What is the Head of State?
The King.
What is the House of Commons?
It is where Members of Parliament (who are elected by popular vote) sit. Located in Ottawa.
What are the 7 steps to a bill becoming law?
- First Reading
- Second Reading
- Committee Stage
- Report Stage
- Third Reading
- Senate
- Royal Assent
What is the First Reading when making a bill into a law?
When a bill is read for the first time in the House of Commons and printed. The first step of making a bill into a law.
Making a bill into law: What is the Third Reading?
When members of Parliament debate and vote on a bill. The fifth step to make a bill into law.
Making a bill into a law: What is the Second Reading?
When members of Parliament debate the ideas in a bill. The second step of making a bill into law.
Making a bill into law: What is the Committee Stage?
When the Committee members in the House of Commons study a bill very carefully. The third step to making a bill into law.
Making a bill into a law: What is the Report Stage?
When members of Parliament make amendments to a bill. The fourth step to making a bill into law.
Making a bill into law: What is the Royal Assent?
When a bill is approved by the Governor General after it is passed by the House of Commons and the Senate. The last step to make a bill into law.
Making a bill into law: What is the Senate Step?
When a bill follows a similar process in the Senate as in the House of Commons. The sixth step to making a bill into law.
What province is legislated by House of Assembly?
Newfoundland and Labrador
What province is legislated by National Assembly?
Quebec.
What province is legislated by Provincial Parliament?
Ontario
What provinces/territories are legislated by Legislative Assembly?
Prince Edward Island
Nova Scotia
New Brunswick
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
Alberta
BC
Yukon Territory
Northwest Territories
Nunavut
What are the duties of the Executive Branch?
The Executive Branch is the decision-making branch of government.
Who is in the Executive Branch?
- Governor General
- Prime Minister and Cabinet
- Administration (all government departments, armed forces, Crown corporations and others)
What are the duties of the Legislative Branch?
They have the power and responsibility to create laws.
Who is in the Legislative Branch?
- The Governor General
- The House of Commons
- The Senate
Upper House of Parliament
Another name for the Senate
What are the duties of the Senate?
The senate votes on bills after they are passed by the House of Commons. They also investigate economic and social issues. Made up of senators appointed by the Governor General.
What are the duties of the Judicial Branch?
Administer justice
Who is in the Judicial Branch?
Judges and courts
What are the two courts under the Supreme Court of Canada?
- Federal Court of Canada
- Provincial Courts
Number of judges in the Supreme Court of Canada
9
Are judges elected or appointed to the Supreme Court?
Appointed
Who appoints judges to the Supreme Court?
The Governor General. Three of the nine must be from Quebec.
Who is the current Sovereign?
King Charles III.
Who is the current Governor General?
Mary Simon (since 2021). She is the first Indigenous person to hold this office.
Peace, Order, and Good Government
An expression that means that Canadians believe in freedom, but it must have order. Canadians also believe in good and fair government.
The Quebec Act
An act passed by the British in Quebec in 1774. It allowed religious freedom for Catholics and allowed them to work in government jobs. It established British criminal law and French civil law.
What are the four components of the Canadian legal system?
- Rule of law
- Freedom under the law
- Democratic principles
- Due process
What is the role of courts in Canada?
To settle disputes
What is the role of prisons?
To punish criminals and deter crime.
What is the role of police?
To enforce the law and keep people safe.
Federal Court of Canada
Deals with laws that relate to the Federal government
Court of the Queen’s Bench or Supreme Court
Name for appeal and trial courts
Small Claims Court
Deals with civil cases involving small sums (amounts) of money
Official Languages Act
- French-language rights and services were promised to all Canadians.
What passed in 1969?
Official Languages Act, which promised French-language rights and services.
3 responsibilities of Citizenship
- Obeying the law
- Taking responsibility for oneself and one’s family
- Serving on a jury
2 key documents that contain our rights and freedoms?
- Magna Carta (Great Charter of Freedoms)
- Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
4 fundamental freedoms that Canadians enjoy
- Freedom of conscience and religion
- Freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression
- Freedom of peaceful assembly
- Freedom of association
