Canadian Citizenship Canadian Government and Democracy — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What type of government does Canada have?
- Federal parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy (Correct answer)
- Republic with an elected president
- Direct democracy
- Absolute monarchy
Correct answer: Federal parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy
Canada is a federal parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. Citizens elect members of Parliament, and the monarch (represented by the Governor General) is the head of state.
Question 2: What is the lower house of Canada's Parliament called?
- The House of Commons (Correct answer)
- The Senate
- The Legislative Assembly
- The National Assembly
Correct answer: The House of Commons
The House of Commons is the lower house of Parliament. Its 338 members (MPs) are elected by Canadian voters in federal elections to represent their ridings (constituencies).
Question 3: Who is the head of the federal government in Canada?
- The Prime Minister (Correct answer)
- The Governor General
- The President
- The Chief Justice
Correct answer: The Prime Minister
The Prime Minister is the head of the federal government in Canada. The Prime Minister is typically the leader of the party that wins the most seats in the House of Commons in a federal election.
Question 4: What is the role of the Governor General in Canada?
- Represents the King/Queen and carries out constitutional duties (Correct answer)
- Leads the federal government and sets policy
- Commands the Canadian Armed Forces directly
- Appoints all members of the House of Commons
Correct answer: Represents the King/Queen and carries out constitutional duties
The Governor General represents the King (or Queen) of Canada at the federal level. They carry out constitutional duties such as swearing in the Prime Minister and Cabinet, opening Parliament, and giving Royal Assent to bills.
Question 5: How many levels of government are there in Canada?
- Three (Correct answer)
- Two
- Four
- One
Correct answer: Three
Canada has three levels of government: federal (national), provincial and territorial, and municipal (local). Each level has its own responsibilities and areas of jurisdiction.
Question 6: What is the role of the Senate in Canada's Parliament?
- To review and pass legislation from the House of Commons (Correct answer)
- To elect the Prime Minister
- To represent Canada in international affairs
- To manage provincial governments
Correct answer: To review and pass legislation from the House of Commons
The Senate is the upper house of Parliament. Senators are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Senate reviews and can amend or reject legislation passed by the House of Commons.
Canadian Citizenship Canadian Government and Democracy
What type of government does Canada have?