Federal Elections Flashcards
What do Canadians vote for in federal elections?
Canadians vote for the people they want to represent them in the House of Commons.
What are members of the House of Commons also known as?
Members of Parliament or MPs.
When must federal elections be held in Canada?
On the third Monday in October every four years following the most recent general election.
Who can ask for an earlier election in Canada?
The Prime Minister may ask the Governor General to call an earlier election.
How many electoral districts are there in Canada?
308 electoral districts.
What is an electoral district also known as?
Ridings or constituencies.
What is the role of a member of Parliament (MP)?
To represent the citizens in their electoral district as well as all Canadians.
Who is eligible to run in a federal election in Canada?
Canadian citizens who are 18 years old or older.
What are the people who run for office called?
Candidates.
What must candidates receive to become an MP?
The most votes in their electoral district.
What is one of the privileges of Canadian citizenship?
The right to vote.
What are the eligibility requirements to vote in a federal election in Canada?
Must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old on voting day, and on the voters’ list.
What is the National Register of Electors?
A permanent database of Canadian citizens 18 years of age or older who are qualified to vote in federal elections.
Who produces the voters’ lists used during federal elections?
A neutral agency of Parliament called Elections Canada.
What does the voter information card provide?
Information on when and where to vote and a contact number for special services.
True or False: You cannot be added to the voters’ list on election day.
False.
Fill in the blank: To vote on election day or at advance polls, go to the _______.
polling station listed on your voter information card.
What does Canadian law secure regarding voting?
The right to a secret ballot
This means that no one can watch you vote and no one should look at how you voted.
Who counts the ballots after polling stations close?
Election officers
The results are announced on radio, television, and in newspapers.
What happens after an election in Canada?
The leader of the political party with the most seats is invited to form the government
This leader becomes the Prime Minister after being appointed by the Governor General.
What is a majority government?
When the party in power holds at least half of the seats in the House of Commons
This allows them to run the government with confidence.
What is a minority government?
When the party in power holds less than half of the seats in the House of Commons
This means they may lack the support of a majority of MPs.
What is considered a matter of confidence in the House of Commons?
A vote on a major issue such as the budget
A majority vote against the government decision can lead to the Prime Minister calling for an election.
Who chooses the ministers of the Crown in Canada?
The Prime Minister
Most ministers are chosen from among members of the House of Commons.
What is the role of Cabinet ministers?
To run federal government departments
They also prepare the budget and propose most new laws.
What is the opposition party with the most members called?
The Official Opposition or Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition
Their role is to peacefully oppose or improve government proposals.
Name the three major political parties represented in the House of Commons.
- Conservative Party
- New Democratic Party
- Liberal Party
These parties play a significant role in Canadian politics.
True or False: Family members can insist that you tell them how you voted.
False
No one has the right to insist on knowing how you voted.
Fill in the blank: The Prime Minister and the Cabinet ministers are collectively known as the _______.
Cabinet
They make important decisions about governance.
What is a voter information card?
A card confirming that your name is on the voters’ list and states when and where you vote
Sent to electors whose information is in the National Register of Electors
What should you do if you do not receive a voter information card?
Call your local elections office to ensure you are on the voters’ list
Alternatively, call Elections Canada at 1-800-463-6868
What options do you have if you cannot vote on election day?
You can vote at the advance polls or by special ballot
Dates and location are provided on your voter information card
What must you bring to the polling station on election day?
Your voter information card and proof of your identity and address
The location of the polling station is on your voter information card
How do you mark your ballot?
Mark an ‘X’ in the circle next to the name of the candidate of your choice
True or False: Voting is a public process.
False
Your vote is secret
What should you do after marking your ballot?
Fold it and present it to the poll officials
What happens to your ballot at the polling station?
The poll official will tear off the ballot number and give your ballot back to you to deposit in the ballot box
When are the election results made public?
When the polls close and every ballot is counted
Results can be seen on television or on the Elections Canada website
What happens when the polls close in federal elections?
Every ballot is counted and the results are made public
Results can be viewed on television or the Elections Canada website.
What role does municipal government play?
Plays an important role in the lives of citizens
Municipal governments pass laws called ‘by-laws’ affecting the local community.
What is typically included in a municipal council?
A mayor (or reeve) and councillors or aldermen
Councils are responsible for local governance.
What responsibilities do municipalities have?
Responsibilities include:
* Urban or regional planning
* Streets and roads
* Sanitation
* Snow removal
* Firefighting
* Ambulance and emergency services
* Recreation facilities
* Public transit
* Local health and social services
Most major urban centers have municipal police forces.
How are provincial, territorial, and municipal elections conducted?
Held by secret ballot, but rules differ from federal elections
Voters should know the specific rules for each type of election.
Who are the elected officials at the federal level?
Members of Parliament (MPs)
Federal elections are distinct from provincial and municipal elections.
What are the titles of elected officials at the provincial and territorial level? (4)
Titles include:
* Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs)
* Members of the National Assembly (MNAs)
* Members of the Provincial Parliament (MPPs)
* Members of the House of Assembly (MHAs)
These titles vary by province and territory.
What roles do First Nations leaders have?
Band chiefs and councillors have major responsibilities on First Nations reserves
Responsibilities include housing, schools, and other services.
List some responsibilities of the federal government.
Responsibilities include:
* National defense
* Foreign policy
* Citizenship
* Policing
* Criminal justice
* International trade
* Aboriginal affairs
* Immigration (shared)
* Agriculture (shared)
* Environment (shared)
These responsibilities are outlined in the division of powers.
List some responsibilities of the provincial government.
Responsibilities include:
* Education
* Health care
* Natural resources
* Highways
* Policing (Ontario, Quebec)
* Property and civil rights
* Immigration (shared)
* Agriculture (shared)
* Environment (shared)
Provincial governments manage various aspects of public policy.
List some responsibilities of municipal governments.
Responsibilities include:
* Social and community health
* Recycling programs
* Transportation and utilities
* Snow removal
* Policing
* Firefighting
* Emergency services
Municipal responsibilities are focused on local community needs.
What organizations represent First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples?
Regional and national Aboriginal organizations
These organizations advocate for their relationships with federal, provincial, and territorial governments.
