Government and Elections Flashcards

Who selects Cabinet Ministers?

Answer: The Prime Minister

In Canada's parliamentary system, the Prime Minister holds significant power, including the authority to select and appoint members of the Cabinet. Cabinet Ministers are typically Members of Parliament from the governing party who are responsible for specific government departments and advise the Prime Minister. This selection is a key aspect of forming the government.

When you go to vote on election day, what do you do?

Answer: Go to your polling station, bring your voter information card, bring ID and residence proof, mark an X by the candidate of your choice, fold it, and give it to the polling official

On election day, voters must go to their assigned polling station, typically bringing their voter information card and valid identification with proof of residence. They then receive a ballot, mark an 'X' beside their chosen candidate, fold the ballot for secrecy, and present it to the polling official to be placed in the ballot box. This process ensures a fair, confidential, and verifiable vote.

What is the name of the Sovereign's representative in the Territories?

Answer: Territorial Commissioner

While provinces have Lieutenant Governors as the Sovereign's representatives, Canada's three territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut) have Territorial Commissioners. These Commissioners are appointed by the federal government and perform duties similar to those of a Lieutenant Governor, representing the Crown and overseeing territorial governance. This distinction reflects the territories' unique constitutional status.

On election day, who do Canadian's vote for?

Answer: The person they want to have represent them from their district

Canadians vote for a candidate in their local electoral district (riding) to represent them in the House of Commons. This candidate, if elected, becomes a Member of Parliament (MP). The party that wins the most seats typically forms the government, and its leader becomes the Prime Minister.

How are Senators chosen?

Answer: They are chosen by the Prime Minister and appointed by the Governor General

Senators in Canada are not elected by citizens. Instead, they are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister. This process ensures that the Senate acts as a chamber of sober second thought, reviewing legislation passed by the elected House of Commons.

Which of these is NOT a name for an elected provincial or territorial member?

Answer: Member of Parliament (MP)

A Member of Parliament (MP) is an elected representative at the federal level, sitting in the House of Commons. Provincial and territorial elected members have different titles, such as Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), Member of the National Assembly (MNA) in Quebec, or Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) in Ontario. Therefore, MP is not a name for an elected provincial or territorial member.

How are Cabinet members chosen?

Answer: By the Prime Minister, most of them from the House of Commons

Cabinet members are chosen by the Prime Minister to lead various government departments. While a few may come from the Senate, the vast majority are selected from elected Members of Parliament (MPs) in the House of Commons. This ensures that the Cabinet is accountable to the elected representatives of the people.

Which is NOT a major political party currently represented in the House of Commons?

Answer: Green Party

While the Green Party has elected members and is a recognized federal party, it is not considered a 'major' political party in the same vein as the Liberal Party, Conservative Party, or New Democratic Party, which typically hold a significant number of seats and form official opposition or government. The question asks which is NOT a major party, implying a party with a substantial presence, which the Green Party generally does not have compared to the others.

How many judges sit on the Supreme Court of Canada?

Answer: 9

The Supreme Court of Canada, the highest court in the country, consists of nine judges. These judges are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. By law, three of these judges must come from Quebec to ensure representation of the civil law tradition.

Who is entitled to vote in Canadian federal elections?

Answer: Any Canadian citizen, 18 years old and on the voter's list

To vote in Canadian federal elections, an individual must be a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years old on election day. Additionally, they must be registered on the voter's list for their electoral district. Being on the voter's list ensures that eligible citizens can easily cast their ballot.

Who is the current Prime Minister and his/her Party?

Answer: Justin Trudeau, Liberal Party

As of the time this question was likely created or last updated, Justin Trudeau is the current Prime Minister of Canada. He is the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, which formed the government after the 2015 federal election and has remained in power since.

How is the voter's list for federal elections produced?

Answer: From the National Register of Electors by the agency Elections Canada

Elections Canada, an independent body, is responsible for maintaining the National Register of Electors. This permanent database contains the names and addresses of eligible voters. The voter's list for federal elections is generated from this register, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in the electoral process.

Traditionally, how often are Members of Parliament elected for?

Answer: Every four years

Traditionally, federal elections in Canada are held every four years, as mandated by law. While the Prime Minister can advise the Governor General to call an election earlier, fixed election dates aim to provide stability and predictability to the electoral cycle.

Who appoints the Supreme Court of Canada's justices?

Answer: Governor General

The justices of the Supreme Court of Canada are appointed by the Governor General. This appointment is made on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, following a rigorous selection process. The Governor General acts as the formal head of state in this capacity.

Who chooses the Monarch as Canada's head of state?

Answer: Hereditary succession

Canada is a constitutional monarchy, meaning its head of state is a hereditary monarch. The Sovereign (King or Queen of Canada) assumes the role through hereditary succession, not by election, referendum, or appointment. This system links Canada to the Commonwealth and its historical ties to the British Crown.