How Canadians Govern Themselves

Question 1

What is Canada’s system of government?

Answer 1

1. Federal state
2. Parliamentary democracy
3. Constitutional monarchy

Question 2

Which levels of governments does Canada have?

Answer 2

1. Federal
2. Provincial
3. Territorial
4. Municipal

Question 3

What is the British North America Act?

Answer 3

Act that defines the responsibilities of the federal and provincial governments. Also known as the Constitution Act.

Question 4

When was the British North America Act established?

Answer 4

1867

Question 5

What are the responsibilities of the federal government?

Answer 5

National and international matters:
- Defence
- Foreign policy
- Interprovincial trade and communication
- Currency
- Navigation
- Criminal law
- Citizenship

Question 6

What are the responsibilities of the provincial government?

Answer 6

• Municipal government
• Education
• Health
• Natural resources
• Property and civil rights
• Highways

Question 7

Which responsibilities are shared between federal government and the provinces?

Answer 7

• Agriculture
• Immigration

Question 8

What is federalism?

Answer 8

Federalism allows different provinces to adopt policies tailored to their own populations.

Question 9

Of which parts does parliament exist?

Answer 9

1. The Sovereign (Queen or King)
2. The Senate
3. The House of Commons

Question 10

Which parties are involved in provincial legislatures?

Answer 10

1. The Lieutenant Governor
2. The Elected Assembly

Question 11

What is the Prime Minister’s role?

Answer 11

The Prime Minister selects the Cabinet ministers and is responsible for the operations and policy of the government.

Question 12

What is the House of Commons?

Answer 12

The House of Commons is the representative chamber, made up of members of parliament, elected by the people, traditionally every four years.

Question 13

How are Senators appointed?

Answer 13

Senators are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister and serve until age 75.

Question 14

What is the shared role of the House of Commons and the Senate?

Answer 14

Both the House of Commons and the senate consider and review bills (proposals for new laws).

Question 15

What is required for a bill to become law in Canada?

Answer 15

A bill needs to pass both chambers and receive royal assent, granted by the Governor General on behalf of the Sovereign.

Question 16

What are the steps of a bill becoming law?

Answer 16

Step 1: First Reading - the bill is considered read for the first time and is printed.
Step 2: Second Reading - Members debate the bill’s principle.
Step 3: Committee Stage - Committee members study the bill clause by clause.
Step 4: Report Stage - Members can make other amendments.
Step 5: Third Reading - Members debate and vote on the bill.
Step 6: Senate - The bill follows a similar process in the Senate.
Step 7: Royal Assent - The bill receives royal assent after being passed by both Houses.

Question 17

Who is Canada’s Head of State?

Answer 17

The Sovereign

Question 18

How is the Sovereign represented in Canada?

Answer 18

The Sovereign is represented in Canada by the governor general, who is appointed by the Sovereign under advice of the Prime Minister usually for five years. In each of the 10 provinces, the Sovereign is represented by the lieutenant governor, who is appointed by the governor general on the advice of the Prime Minister, also, normally for five years.

Question 19

Who are the members of elected legislatures of provincial and territorial government?

Answer 19

• Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs); or
• Membrs of the National Assembly (MNAs); or
• Members of theProvincial Parliament (MPPs); or
• Members of the House of Assembly (MHAs), depending on the province or territory.