Civics and Citizenship Test

Test Details

• The Civics and Citizenship test is scheduled for April 1st, 2025.
• The test includes 10 matching questions worth 10 marks.
• The test includes 13 multiple-choice questions worth 13 marks.
• The test includes 7 identify the level of government questions worth 7 marks.
• The test includes 5 short-answer response questions worth 20 marks.
• The test is worth a total of 50 marks.
• Students must bring their own pen or pencil.

Key Definitions

• Constitution: A set of fundamental principles governing a country, outlining the structure of government and citizens' rights.
• Member of Parliament: An elected representative in the House of Commons representing a specific electoral riding, involved in making federal laws.
• Monarchy: A form of government with a king or queen as head of state, often ceremonial in constitutional monarchies like Canada.
• Band Council: A governing body for an Indigenous community in Canada, managing local affairs such as education, health, and infrastructure.
• Self-Governance: The ability of a group, like Indigenous communities, to control and manage their affairs without external interference.
• Voter Turnout: The percentage of eligible voters who participate in an election.
• Party Platform: A political party's set of policies, goals, and promises outlining their stance on various issues.
• Electoral Riding: A geographic area represented by an elected official in the House of Commons or a provincial legislature.
• House of Commons: The lower chamber of Canada's Parliament where elected Members debate and pass laws.
• Senate: The upper chamber of Canada's Parliament where appointed Senators review and revise legislation.
• Cabinet: A group of Ministers chosen by the Prime Minister to head government departments and make high-level policy decisions.
• Left Wing: Advocates for social equality, progressive policies, and a larger role for government in providing social services (Liberal).
• Right Wing: Supports individual freedoms, lower taxes, less government involvement in the economy, and traditional values (conservative).
• Centrist: Holds moderate political views, balancing elements of both left and right-wing policies.
• Supreme Court of Canada: The highest court in Canada, responsible for interpreting and ruling on constitutional matters and legal disputes.

Key People

• Prime Minister of Canada: Justin Trudeau.
• Premier of Ontario: Doug Ford.
• Mayor of St. Catharines: Mat Siscoe.

Types of governments

• Authoritarian: Power is concentrated in a single leader or a small group, providing quick decision-making and stability, but lacking individual freedoms and risking abuse of power.
• Laissez-Faire: Government minimizes involvement in economic and social affairs, encouraging economic freedom but potentially leading to inequality and lack of public services.
• Democratic: Citizens vote for leaders and policies, offering voice and government accountability, but can be slow in decision-making and risk political polarization.

Canadian Responsibilities

• Voting in elections
• Obeying laws
• Paying taxes
• Serving on a jury when required
• Respecting the rights and freedoms of others

Elections in Canada

• Canada's electoral system: First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) which is simple and produces stable governments.
• FPTP cons: Can result in governments that do not represent the majority of voters.
• A candidate is a person who runs in an election.
• Candidate eligibility: Must be at least 18 years old and a Canadian citizen.

Canada's Constitution

• The legal framework of Canada's government: The Constitution.
• Named: The Constitution Act, 1982.
• The Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, mobility rights, and equality.
• Categories: Fundamental freedoms, democratic rights, mobility rights, legal rights, equality rights, language rights, and minority rights.

Federal Political Parties in Canada and Leaders

• Liberal Party of Canada: Justin Trudeau.
• Conservative Party of Canada: Pierre Poilievre.
• New Democratic Party (NDP): Jagmeet Singh.
• Green Party of Canada: Elizabeth May.
• People’s Party of Canada (PPC): Maxime Bernier.

Liberal Party of Canada Priorities

• Climate Change: Focus on reducing carbon emissions through policies like carbon pricing.
• Social Programs: Support for universal healthcare, affordable childcare, and increased funding for education.
• Economic Growth: Investments in infrastructure and technology to create jobs.
• Recent policies: Carbon tax, expanded Canada Child Benefit, increased immigration targets.

Conservative Party of Canada Priorities

• Lower Taxes: Advocates for reduced corporate and income taxes to stimulate economic growth.
• Resource Development: Supports expanding Canada’s oil, gas, and energy sectors.
• Public Safety: Proposes tougher criminal justice policies and increased defense spending.
• Recent policies: Opposition to carbon tax, support for pipelines, tougher immigration controls.

NDP Priorities

• Universal Healthcare Expansion: Advocates for universal pharmacare and dental care.
• Workers' Rights: Higher minimum wage, stronger labor protections, and affordable housing.
• Climate Justice: Green economy investments and reductions in fossil fuel reliance.
• Recent policies: Wealth tax on the super-rich, free prescription medication and increased corporate taxes.

Green Party of Canada Priorities

• Environmental Protection: Phasing out fossil fuels, investing in renewable energy.
• Social Justice: Support for Indigenous rights, basic income programs, and affordable housing.
• Electoral Reform: Advocates for proportional representation in elections.
• Recent policies: Banning single-use plastics, free post-secondary education and reducing military spending.

People's Party of Canada (PPC) Priorities

• Advocates for individual freedoms: Reducing government intervention in personal and business affairs.
• Advocates for lower immigration: Stricter immigration controls and limits on multiculturalism policies.
• Advocates for economic deregulation: Cutting foreign aid, reducing public spending, and opposing carbon taxes.
• Recent policies: Eliminating diversity programs, ending COVID-19 mandates and reducing foreign aid.

Political Spectrum

• Liberal: Centre-left
• Conservative: Centre-right
• NDP: Left-wing
• Green Party: Left-wing
• Peoples Party: Right-wing (libertarian and nationalist)

Federal Government Branches

• Legislative Branch: Makes laws (House of Commons & Senate).
• Executive Branch: Implements laws (Prime Minister & Cabinet).
• Judicial Branch: Interprets laws (Supreme Court of Canada).

Test Taking Tips

• Write with clarity.
• For every mark a question is worth, provide one detailed point or sentence.
• Read all instructions carefully.
• Stick to the point.
• Manage your time.