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Canada's system of government
- Canada is a constitutional monarchy, a parliamentary democracy, and a federal state.
- The Constitution sets out the basic rules for government, rights, and the division of powers.
- Federal, provincial or territorial, and municipal governments have different responsibilities.
- The monarch is Canada's Head of State, while elected representatives and responsible government shape day-to-day democratic authority.
- Federalism means powers are divided so national, provincial, and territorial governments handle different areas of public life.
Parliament and representation
- Members of Parliament represent voters in the House of Commons.
- The Prime Minister is usually the leader of the party that can command confidence in the House of Commons.
- The Crown is represented federally by the Governor General and provincially by Lieutenant Governors.
- Parliament includes the Sovereign, the Senate, and the House of Commons.
- The House of Commons is elected, while Senators are appointed and review, debate, and revise legislation.
Levels of government
- The federal government handles areas such as national defence, foreign policy, citizenship, criminal law, and national economic policy.
- Provincial and territorial governments handle areas such as education, health care, highways, property and civil rights, and natural resources.
- Municipal governments manage local services such as public transit, policing, firefighting, water, waste, and local roads.
- Knowing which level of government is responsible for an issue is a common citizenship-test skill.
Responsible government
- Responsible government means the government must maintain the confidence of the elected House of Commons or legislature.
- Cabinet ministers are responsible for government departments and must answer to elected representatives.
- If a government loses an important confidence vote, an election may be called or another government may be asked to govern.
- This idea links elections, Parliament, political parties, and the Prime Minister's authority.
Federalism in practice
- Federalism allows different regions to have provincial or territorial governments while sharing one national government.
- The federal government makes laws for all Canadians in national areas such as citizenship, defence, and criminal law.
- Provinces have their own legislatures, premiers, and responsibilities, especially in areas close to daily life.
- Municipal governments are created by provinces and handle local community services.
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Sample Questions
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Question 1 of 5
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What type of democracy does Canada have?