Government Flashcards
What are three key facts about Canada’s system of government?
Canada is a federal state, a parliamentary democracy, and a constitutional monarchy.
What are the three levels of Canadian government?
Federal, provincial (or territorial) and municipal.
What is the Constitution Act?
It is a document that explains the responsibilities of the federal and provincial government.
What are 10 things the federal government is responsible for?
National defence (the army), currency, foreign policy, citizenship, the RCMP, criminal justice, international trade, Aboriginal affairs, trading and communications between provinces, and national transportation.
What is a parliamentary democracy?
When citizens vote in democratic elections, and elected politicians go to parliament to make laws.
What is a non-confidence vote?
When the majority of elected representatives in the House of Commons vote that they are not confident that cabinet ministers are doing their job. This leads to an election.
What are the 3 parts of parliament?
The Sovereign, Senate and House of Commons.
Who is the current Sovereign and Head of State?
Queen Elizabeth II
What 2 groups consider and review bills?
The Senate and the House of Commons.
Are Senators elected or appointed?
Appointed by the Governor General.
Are MPs elected or appointed?
Elected by Canadians.
What is a constitutional monarchy?
When a Head of State (king or queen) helps to maintain the rule of law that is in the Constitution.
What is the Commonwealth?
A group of 52 countries who are loyal to the Queen.
Who is the Head of State?
The Sovereign (King or Queen).
Who is the Head of Government?
The Prime Minister.
Who is the Governor General?
The Queen’s representative in Canada (federal government).
Name two recent Governor Generals.
David Johnston and Julie Payette
What is a Lieutenant Governor?
The representative of the Queen in a province.