Canadian Government Structure
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Questions and Answers

Who represents the Queen of England in Canada?

  • The Prime Minister
  • The Cabinet
  • The Governor General (correct)
  • The Chief Justice

    • The Prime Minister is more powerful than the Constitution of Canada.

    False

    What is the primary responsibility of the Governor General?

    To ensure Canada always has a Prime Minister and a government.

    The _______ is responsible for signing official documents in Canada.

    <p>Governor General</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following roles with their responsibilities:

    <p>Prime Minister = Runs the government and makes decisions Governor General = Represents the Queen and swears in officials Cabinet = Leads the executive branch Chief Justice = Oversees the judicial system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a power of the Governor General?

    <p>Declare war</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Members of the Cabinet are usually appointed from outside the elected Members of Parliament.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Canadian head of state is technically the _______.

    <p>Queen of England</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many seats are in the House of Commons?

    <p>338</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Members of the Senate in Canada are elected by citizens.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the principle of confidence in the House of Commons?

    <p>The government must have the support of the majority of MPs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If a minority government loses the confidence of the House, they typically need to _______.

    <p>resign</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens after a bill passes both the House of Commons and the Senate?

    <p>It is given Royal Assent and becomes law.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Party discipline refers to MPs voting independently of their party's decisions.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the Senate in Canada?

    <p>To provide sober second thought on legislation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The federal government handles issues like _______ and foreign affairs.

    <p>national defense</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of governments with their responsibilities:

    <p>Federal Government = National defense and foreign affairs Provincial Government = Education and health care Municipal Government = Local services like waste collection Indigenous Government = Management of indigenous lands</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must a bill go through after the Second Reading?

    <p>Committee Stage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A party with a minority government can always pass laws without support from other parties.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by 'non-confidence' in the context of Canadian government?

    <p>When the government loses the majority support of MPs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Canada, the lowest level of government responsible for local matters is the _______.

    <p>municipal government</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why was the Senate created?

    <p>To provide a check on the power of the House of Commons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Legislation can become law without passing through the Senate.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Canadian Parliament

    • Rule of Law: No one, not even the Prime Minister, is above the law.
    • Constitutional Monarchy: Canada's head of state is the Queen of England, but the Governor General represents her in Canada. The constitution is supreme.
    • Governor General: Technically has power to govern Canada, but acts on the Prime Minister's advice.
      • Responsibilities: Ensures a PM and government (in case of emergency), swears in PM, judges, cabinet; summons, prorogues, and dissolves Parliament, delivers Speech from the Throne, gives Royal Assent, signs documents, represents Canada abroad, presents awards, commands armed forces, and visits personnel.

    Executive Branch

    • Members: Queen, Governor General, Prime Minister, Cabinet.
    • Job: Implements laws, maintains the rule of law and Canadians' well-being.

    Cabinet

    • Members: Prime Minister and ministers chosen by PM.
    • Tenure: Ministers can be replaced.
    • Composition: Typically elected Members of Parliament (MPs).
    • Responsibilities: Each minister has a specific department and responsibilities. This can change.
    • Term: Entire cabinet resigns with the Prime Minister.

    Legislative Branch (House of Commons)

    • Membership: Elected by Canadian citizens.
    • Seats: 338 seats representing all Canadians.
    • Principle of Confidence: Majority rule. Government needs confidence of a majority of MPs to stay in power.
    • Party Discipline: Parties require MPs to vote with party policies. Whips ensure this.
    • Majority/Minority Governments: Majority governments have over 50% seats, minority governments have less than 50% and need support (coalition) for votes
    • Vote of Non-Confidence: Minority government loses power if a vote of no confidence fails a crucial bill (usually the budget). This leads to resignation and a new election.

    Legislative Branch (The Senate)

    • Membership: Appointed by the Prime Minister.
    • Role: Second legislative house, reviews bills passed by the House of Commons.
    • Powers: Cannot introduce money bills (taxes or spending).
    • Rationale: Provides "sober second thought" on bills. Senators not in political parties may have a better perspective on what's best for all Canadians
    • Accountability: Not accountable to the same extent as elected MPs; this is a criticism.

    How a Bill Becomes Law

    • Stages: First Reading, Second Reading, Committee Stage, Report Stage, Third Reading, Senate approval, Royal Assent.
    • First Reading: Bill is read and printed.
    • Second Reading: Members debate the bill's idea.
    • Committee Stage: Committee reviews the bill clause-by-clause.
    • Report Stage: Amendments can be made.
    • Third Reading: Final debate and vote.
    • Senate: Similar process of review.
    • Royal Assent: Bill becomes law after approval by both chambers.

    Federalism

    • Rationale: Needed due to Canada's large size to manage diverse needs.
    • Levels of Government: Federal, Provincial, Municipal governments share responsibilities.

    Division of Powers

    • Federal Powers: National defense, foreign affairs, employment insurance, banking, federal taxes, post office, fisheries, shipping, railways, telephones, pipelines, Indigenous lands/rights, criminal law.
    • Provincial Powers: Direct taxes, hospitals, prisons, education, marriage, property and civil rights, health care.
    • Shared Powers: Agriculture, immigration.
    • Equalization Payments: Federal government helps less wealthy provinces achieve Canadian standards through funds.
    • Municipal Powers: Local issues (by-laws, emergencies, animal control, road maintenance)

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    Description

    This quiz covers the fundamental aspects of the Canadian Parliament and Executive Branch, including the roles of the Governor General, Prime Minister, and Cabinet. Test your knowledge on the constitutional principles and responsibilities that shape Canada’s governance.

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