How Canadians Govern Themselves

The first 10 questions, with answers

Open a question to see the answer and the explanation.

1. 1. Canada's system of government is described by which three characteristics?

   • A federal state, a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy
   • A federal state, a republican democracy and an elected presidency
   • A confederation of colonies, a parliamentary democracy and an absolute monarchy
   • A unitary state, a direct democracy and a constitutional monarchy

   Answer: A federal state, a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. Power in Canada is divided between a national government and the provinces, laws are made by elected representatives in Parliament, and the Sovereign remains head of state under the Constitution.

2. 2. Which of the following is a responsibility of the provincial governments rather than the federal government?

   • National defence
   • Education
   • Citizenship
   • Currency and coinage

   Answer: Education. Provinces look after matters closest to daily life such as schools, hospitals, highways and natural resources, while Ottawa handles national concerns like defence, money and citizenship.

3. 3. Which area of responsibility is shared between the federal and provincial governments?

   • Criminal law
   • Foreign policy
   • Agriculture
   • Interprovincial trade

   Answer: Agriculture. Agriculture and immigration are handled jointly by Ottawa and the provinces, unlike foreign policy, criminal law and trade between provinces, which are federal alone.

4. 4. What are the three parts of Parliament in Canada?

   • The Sovereign, the Cabinet and the House of Commons
   • The Prime Minister, the Senate and the Supreme Court
   • The Governor General, the Cabinet and the provinces
   • The Sovereign, the Senate and the House of Commons

   Answer: The Sovereign, the Senate and the House of Commons. Federal laws are made by the elected House of Commons together with the appointed Senate, with the Sovereign as the third element of Parliament.

5. 5. True or False: In Canada, the Prime Minister is the head of state.

   • True
   • False

   Answer: False. The Sovereign serves as head of state, while the Prime Minister leads the government as head of government.

6. 6. How long does a Governor General normally serve?

   • About five years
   • About seven years
   • About three years
   • About ten years

   Answer: About five years. The Sovereign appoints the Governor General on the Prime Minister's advice, and the usual term of office runs roughly five years.

7. 7. True or False: In each province, the Lieutenant Governor is appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister.

   • True
   • False

   Answer: True. Lieutenant Governors represent the Sovereign at the provincial level and are named by the Governor General acting on the Prime Minister's advice, normally for about five years.

8. 8. How old must you be to vote in a Canadian federal election?

   • 19 years old
   • 18 years old
   • 21 years old
   • 16 years old

   Answer: 18 years old. To cast a ballot you must be a Canadian citizen, be at least 18 on voting day, and have your name on the list of electors.

9. 9. Members elected to Quebec's provincial legislature are known by what title?

   • Members of the Legislative Assembly
   • Members of Provincial Parliament
   • Members of the House of Assembly
   • Members of the National Assembly

   Answer: Members of the National Assembly. Provincial titles differ: Quebec elects MNAs, Ontario elects MPPs, Newfoundland and Labrador elects MHAs, and most other provinces elect MLAs.

10. 10. What is the final step that turns a bill passed by the House of Commons and the Senate into law?

    • Royal Assent given by the Governor General
    • Approval by the Supreme Court of Canada
    • Ratification by the provincial legislatures
    • A signature from the Prime Minister

    Answer: Royal Assent given by the Governor General. After both chambers approve a bill, it becomes law only once the Sovereign's representative grants Royal Assent.

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