Government and Elections Flashcards

What comprises the provincial legislatures?

Answer: The Lieutenant Governor and the elected Assembly

In Canada, the provincial legislatures are composed of two main elements: the Lieutenant Governor, who represents the Sovereign (the King/Queen) at the provincial level, and the elected Assembly (also known as the Legislative Assembly or House of Assembly), whose members are elected by the citizens of the province. The Premier is the head of government, but not part of the composition of the legislature itself.

How does the government form after an election?

Answer: The party with the most elected representatives becomes the party in power and that party's leader becomes Prime Minister

In Canada's parliamentary system, after a federal election, the political party that wins the most seats (elected representatives) in the House of Commons forms the government. The leader of that winning party then becomes the Prime Minister. This process ensures that the government is formed by the party with the strongest mandate from the electorate.

Who have major responsibilities on First Nation Reserves?

Answer: Bands Chiefs and Councillors

On First Nation Reserves in Canada, the primary responsibility for local governance and community affairs rests with the Band Chiefs and Councillors. These elected officials manage the day-to-day operations, services, and resources of their respective First Nation communities, making decisions that directly impact their members. This structure reflects the self-governance inherent to First Nations.

What is the majority government?

Answer: The Party in power holds at least half the seats in the House of Commons

A majority government in Canada occurs when the political party in power holds more than half of the total seats in the House of Commons. This significant number of seats allows the governing party to pass legislation and implement its agenda without needing support from other parties. It generally leads to a stable government that can govern for its full term.

Up to what age can Senators serve?

Answer: 75

Senators in Canada are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister. They serve in the Senate until they reach the mandatory retirement age of 75. This age limit ensures a regular turnover of members and allows for new appointments to the Senate over time.

In a parliamentary democracy, who elects the members to the provincial and terrritorial legislatures?

Answer: The people (voters)

In Canada's parliamentary democracy, the people (voters) are sovereign and directly elect their representatives to both federal and provincial/territorial legislatures. These elected members then form the government, with the party holding the most seats typically forming the government. This system ensures that the government is accountable to the citizens through their elected representatives.

What is NOT a responsibility of the Prime Minister and ministers of the Crown (the Cabinet)?

Answer: They make new laws

The Prime Minister and the Cabinet (ministers of the Crown) are responsible for proposing new laws and making important decisions about how the country is governed, including preparing the budget. However, they do not *make* new laws themselves. It is Parliament (the House of Commons and the Senate) that debates, amends, and ultimately passes bills into law.

Normally, how long a period is the appointment of the Governor General and the Lieutenant Governor?

Answer: Five years

The Governor General, who represents the Sovereign in Canada, and Lieutenant Governors, who represent the Sovereign in the provinces, are typically appointed for a term of five years. While they serve 'at pleasure' of the Sovereign (on the advice of the Prime Minister), the five-year term is the established convention. This fixed term provides stability to these vice-regal roles.

Which of these is NOT a shared responsibility between the Federal and Provincial/Territorial Governments?

Answer: Citizenship

In Canada's federal system, responsibilities are divided between the federal and provincial/territorial governments. While areas like agriculture, environment, and immigration are often shared responsibilities requiring cooperation, citizenship is primarily a federal responsibility. The federal government sets the criteria for Canadian citizenship and issues citizenship certificates.

What is the difference between the role of the Queen and that of the Prime Minister?

Answer: The Sovereign is the head of state (guardian of the Constitution) and the Prime Minister is the head of government (directs the governing of the country)

In Canada's constitutional monarchy, the Sovereign (King or Queen) serves as the Head of State, representing Canada and acting as a non-partisan guardian of the Constitution. The Prime Minister, on the other hand, is the Head of Government, leading the elected government and directing the day-to-day governing of the country. This distinction separates the symbolic and constitutional role from the political and administrative role.

Which one of these is NOT a municipal (local) responsibility?

Answer: Highways

Municipal (local) governments are typically responsible for services like snow removal, firefighting, and local policing within their specific communities. Major highways, especially inter-city or provincial routes, are generally the responsibility of provincial or territorial governments. The federal government may also be involved in national highway systems or funding.

Which of these are NOT a part of Canada's system of government.

Answer: Republic

Canada's system of government is characterized as a Federal State, a Parliamentary Democracy, and a Constitutional Monarchy. It is not a Republic, which is a form of government where the head of state is elected rather than being a hereditary monarch. Canada's Head of State is the hereditary Sovereign.

Which of these is NOT true concerning the Head of State's role?

Answer: The Head of State directs the goverment

The Head of State in Canada, the Sovereign (King or Queen), holds an important non-partisan role as the guardian of the Constitution and a reflection of Canada's history. However, the Head of State does not direct the government; that is the role of the Head of Government, the Prime Minister. The Sovereign's role is largely symbolic and ceremonial, acting on the advice of the elected government.

What does it mean to say that Canada is a constitutional monarchy?

Answer: Canada's Head of State is a hereditary Sovereign (Queen or King) who reigns in accordance with the Constitution

Canada is a constitutional monarchy because its Head of State is a hereditary Sovereign (currently King Charles III) whose powers are defined and limited by the Constitution. This means the Sovereign reigns but does not rule, acting on the advice of the elected government. It contrasts with an absolute monarchy where the monarch has unlimited power, or a republic where the head of state is elected.

After an election, which party forms the government?

Answer: The political party with the most elected representatives in the House of Commons (seats)

After a federal election, the political party that wins the most seats (elected representatives) in the House of Commons typically forms the government. If they win a majority of seats, they form a majority government. If no single party wins a majority, the party with the most seats may form a minority government or attempt to form a coalition.

In what document are the responsibilities of the federal and provincial governments defined?

Answer: The British North American Act or the Constitution Act

The responsibilities of the federal and provincial governments in Canada are defined in the Constitution of Canada. Historically, this was primarily outlined in the British North America Act of 1867. This act was later renamed and updated as the Constitution Act, 1867, and together with the Constitution Act, 1982, forms the core of Canada's constitutional framework, clearly delineating powers.