Canada's Federal System of Government
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the Governor General in Canada's federal system?

  • To summon, prorogue, and dissolve Parliament. (correct)
  • To lead the political party with the second most seats.
  • To control the governing party and set policies.
  • To implement government policies and programs.

In a provincial government, who primarily selects ministers to form the Executive Council?

  • The Speaker of the House
  • The Lieutenant Governor
  • The Leader of the Opposition
  • The Premier (correct)

Which of the following best describes the roles of the 'backbenchers' within the Canadian federal government?

  • They vote, participate in debates, and raise issues. (correct)
  • They are responsible for managing the public service.
  • They set the federal government's policies and priorities.
  • They lead a political party within the House of Commons.

Which branch of the Canadian government is responsible for creating laws?

<p>The Legislative Branch (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) in the government?

<p>To enact, amend, or repeal laws and regulations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a Canadian context, what does a 'minority government' indicate?

<p>A party that wins less than half of the total number of seats. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'seats' refer to in the context of a provincial or territorial legislature?

<p>Positions held by elected representatives in the legislature (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the 'Official Opposition' in the Canadian House of Commons?

<p>To provide an alternative to the governing party and critique government actions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which level of government is primarily responsible for running cities, towns, and districts?

<p>Municipal Government (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a municipal council?

<p>To make decisions about municipal financing and services (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Lieutenant Governor within a Canadian province?

<p>To carry out ceremonial duties and represent the Crown. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference in responsibilities between the federal and provincial governments in Canada?

<p>Federal governments handle national issues, while provincial governments manage their own province. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'caucus' in the context of Canadian politics?

<p>All MPs from a single party (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of the Speaker of the House?

<p>To act as a referee and ensure parliamentary rules are followed (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these scenarios best illustrates the principle of federalism as practiced in Canada?

<p>A province is allowed to create its own educational policies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a 'bill' and an 'Act'?

<p>A bill is a proposed law, an Act is a law that has been passed (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which level of government is primarily responsible for the maintenance of local playgrounds in Canada?

<p>Municipal (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the Canadian federal system, which of the following is primarily a provincial responsibility?

<p>Healthcare (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a shared responsibility between provinces and the federal government?

<p>Environmental Protection (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A dispute between two private citizens over a property line would fall under which area of law?

<p>Civil Law (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of transfer payments within the Canadian federal budget?

<p>To distribute money directly to people, provinces, etc. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of the Federal government?

<p>Regulating inter-provincial trade and commerce (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concept is best represented by the ability of voters to directly decide on specific issues, rather than relying solely on elected representatives?

<p>Referendum (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between a party platform and a government policy?

<p>A platform is a proposed set of actions; a policy is a plan to achieve a goal. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A political party that promotes minimal government intervention in the economy is most aligned with which of the following?

<p>Liberalism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The primary goal of Canada's Youth Criminal Justice Act is to:

<p>Focus on rehabilitation and reintegration of young offenders into the community (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of 'Innocence Canada' in the Canadian legal system?

<p>To help correct wrongful convictions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which tax is predominately calculated on an individual's earning income?

<p>Personal Income tax (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical influence on the creation of government policy?

<p>Astrological Forecasts (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content provided, which federal political party prioritizes focusing on climate change and growing clean energy?

<p>New Democratic Party (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these represents a type of policy that would likely be influenced by a country's relationships with other countries?

<p>International Policy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Federalism

A system where power is divided between a central (federal) government and regional (state/provincial) governments.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government responsible for making and passing laws. In Canada, this is Parliament.

Executive Branch

The branch of government responsible for carrying out and enforcing laws. In Canada, this is the Crown represented by the Governor General and the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Judicial Branch

The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws and ensuring they are applied fairly. In Canada, this is the Supreme Court of Canada.

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Federal Government

The political body that makes decisions on issues affecting the whole country. It includes the Prime Minister, Cabinet, and Members of Parliament (MPs).

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Provincial Government

The political body that handles issues specific to a particular province or territory. It has its own government, leader, and elected representatives.

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Minority Government

A system where the governing party has the most seats but not a majority of the seats in Parliament. This means they need support from other parties to pass laws.

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Caucus

The group of elected members from a specific political party in the House of Commons. They meet to discuss issues and strategies.

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Leader of a Party

A leader of a political party, representing their values and policies in elections and government.

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Political Party

A group of people who share common values and policies, working together to win elections and run the government.

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Mayor

The head of a city, town, or district, responsible for running the local government.

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Bill

A proposal for a law that is being considered by the legislature.

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Act

A bill that has passed all legislative steps and has become a law.

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Civil Law

A type of law in Canada that deals with disputes between individuals or organizations, focusing on resolving private conflicts rather than punishing criminal behavior.

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Political Ideology

A set of beliefs and ideas about how a society should work, often with a political and cultural blueprint for a specific social order.

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Conservatism

Political ideology focused on maintaining the existing order and resisting significant changes.

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Liberalism

Political ideology emphasizing individual rights, civil liberties, and limited government intervention in personal affairs.

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Socialism

A political ideology advocating for government ownership of capital and land for the benefit of the people.

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Communism

A system of government where the state owns all means of production and dictates economic activity.

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Fascism

A political system characterized by extreme nationalism, militarism, and centralized government control.

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Liberal Party

The political party in Canada that is generally associated with more government intervention in the economy and social programs.

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Conservative Party

The political party in Canada that generally advocates for less government intervention, lower taxes, and traditional values.

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New Democratic Party

The political party in Canada that generally focuses on social justice, environmental protection, and economic equality.

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Bloc Quebecois

The political party in Canada that advocates for Quebec's independence from Canada and promotes Quebec's interests.

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Green Party

The political party in Canada that promotes environmental sustainability, social justice, and green economic policies.

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First Past the Post

An election process where the candidate with the most votes in a district is elected, even if they don't get a majority of the votes.

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Proportional Representation

An electoral reform proposal where the percentage of votes each party receives determines the number of seats they get in the legislature.

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Referendum

A direct democracy process where citizens vote on a specific issue, rather than their representatives deciding for them.

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Study Notes

Canada's Federal System of Government

  • Canada's government power is divided between federal and provincial/territorial levels.
  • Federal (central) government has jurisdiction over the whole country.
  • Federal system balances responsibilities & power.
  • Federalism accommodates diversity in large, diverse countries like Canada.

Canadian Branches of Government

  • Executive: Held by the Crown, carried out by the Governor General and Prime Minister/Cabinet.
  • Legislative: Parliament is the legislative branch of the federal government.
  • Judicial: The Supreme Court of Canada

Federal Government

  • Governor General: Summons, prorogues, and dissolves Parliament.
  • Prime Minister: Leads the governing party and acts as their spokesperson.
  • Cabinet: Advisors setting federal policies and priorities.
  • Backbenchers: Parliament members without significant roles, but still participate in debates and raise issues.
  • MPs (Members of Parliament): Elected representatives who create, debate, and vote on federal laws and issues. The Prime Minister leads the MPs.
  • Public Service: Implements government policies, programs, and services.
  • House of Commons: Where MPs debate/pass laws, examine the government, and represent their constituents.
  • Parties: Organized groups of individuals with shared beliefs, values, and goals.
  • Leaders: Lead political parties.
  • Caucus: All elected party members in the House of Commons.
  • Official Opposition: Party with the second most seats in the House.
  • Minority Government: When a party wins the most seats but less than half the total.

Provincial Government

  • Responsible for issues within their province/territory, such as education, health care, social welfare, and infrastructure.
  • Lieutenant Governor acts in a ceremonial role, symbolizing provincial sovereignty.
  • Premier leads the provincial cabinet.
  • MPPs (Members of Provincial Parliament) enact/amend/repeal laws and regulations.
  • MPPs participate in policy development and represent their government.

Municipal Government

  • Run cities, towns, and districts.
  • Mayor & Council responsible for municipal finances & services.

Majority vs. Minority Government

  • A minority government occurs when no single party has more than 164 MPs elected.
  • A majority government occurs when a party holds more than half the seats (164+).

Speaker of the House

  • An MP selected to act as a neutral referee, enforcing rules.
  • Must be non-partisan.

Question Period

  • Occurs daily in Parliament, allowing opposition to question MPs and cabinet members for 45 minutes.

The Senate

  • The Senate can block bills passed by the House of Commons.

How Laws are Made: Bill vs. Act

  • Bill: Proposed legislation.
  • Act: Bill that has become law.
  • Government Bills: Introduced by the ruling party.
  • Private Member's Bills: Introduced by individual MPs without government support (less likely to pass).

Canada's Justice System

  • Goals: safety, social order, respectful fundamental rights
  • Fundamental Rights : right to know cause of arrest), right to lawyer, innocent until proven guilty
  • Criminal justice Process: investigation, arrest, initial appearance, pre-trial, trial, sentencing, and potential appeal
  • Youth Criminal Justice Act: Emphasizes rehabilitation and early intervention
  • Wrongful Convictions: mechanisms (appeals, federal reviews like Innocence Canada) to correct.
  • Civil Law: Deals with disputes between individuals or organizations, aiming to resolve private conflicts.

Political Ideologies

  • Political ideologies represent sets of principles explaining how society should function, offering a blueprint for political and cultural order.
  • Examples include Communism, Socialism, Liberalism, Conservatism, and Fascism.

Canada's Political Parties

  • Table showing party leaders, ideologies, stances on taxation, economics, social programs, crime, healthcare, environment, military.

Elections

  • Elections occur every 5 years.
  • One person (MP) is elected for each riding.
  • First past the post system for electing MPs.
  • Steps in the election process: call, nominations, voters lists, campaigns, election day, vote counting.
  • The winner is the candidate with the most votes.
  • Different voting systems and options (proportional representation) exist.

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Canada's Federal System Of Government PDF

Description

Explore the intricate structure of Canada's federal government, where power is divided between federal and provincial/territorial levels. This quiz covers the roles and responsibilities of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, highlighting the significance of federalism in embracing the country's diversity.

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