By study chapter
How Canadians Govern Themselves
A federal state, a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy — what each of those means, and who does what.
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All 80 questions, with answers
Open a question to see its answer, why, and the official page it comes from.
1.
How are Members of Parliament chosen?
- AThey are appointed by the United Nations.
- BThey are chosen by the provincial premiers.
- CThey are elected by voters in their local constituency (riding).Answer
- DThey are elected by landowners and police chiefs.
Why: The voters in each electoral district elect the member of Parliament who sits in the House of Commons to represent them. The candidate who receives the most votes in that district becomes its MP.
2.
Which of these is named in the guide as a source of Canadian law?
- AThe Constitution of the United States
- BThe laws of ancient Rome
- CThe civil code of FranceAnswer
- DThe charter of the United Nations
Why: Canadian law draws on laws passed by Parliament and the provincial legislatures, English common law, the civil code of France, and the unwritten constitution inherited from Great Britain.
3.
What does the rule of law mean in Canada?
- AIndividuals and governments are regulated by laws and not by arbitrary actions, and no person or group is above the lawAnswer
- BOnly elected officials may interpret the law
- CThe laws apply to citizens but not to visitors
- DEach province decides which federal laws it will follow
Why: The rule of law is one of Canada’s founding principles, and it binds governments as well as people.
4.
Which three words describe Canada’s system of government?
- AA federal state, a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchyAnswer
- BA republic, a direct democracy and a federation
- CA unitary state, a presidential democracy and a monarchy
- DA commonwealth, a parliamentary republic and a confederation
Why: The guide states these as the three key facts about Canada’s system of government.
5.
What are the three parts of Parliament?
- AThe Prime Minister, the Cabinet and the House of Commons
- BThe Sovereign, the Senate and the House of CommonsAnswer
- CThe Governor General, the Supreme Court and the Senate
- DThe provinces, the territories and the federal government
Why: Parliament is made up of the Sovereign, the Senate and the House of Commons.
6.
Until what age do senators serve?
- AAge 65
- BAge 70
- CAge 80
- DAge 75Answer
Why: Senators are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister and serve until age 75.
7.
What must happen before a bill can become law in Canada?
- AIt must be approved in a national referendum
- BIt must be approved by a majority of the provinces
- CIt must be passed by both chambers and receive royal assentAnswer
- DIt must be signed by all the provincial premiers
Why: Royal assent is granted by the Governor General on behalf of the Sovereign, after both chambers have passed the bill.
8.
What is the difference between the role of the Sovereign and that of the Prime Minister?
- AThe Sovereign is the head of state; the Prime Minister is the head of government and directs the governing of the countryAnswer
- BThe Sovereign runs the government; the Prime Minister is ceremonial
- CThey share the same role in turn
- DThe Sovereign leads the Senate; the Prime Minister leads the House of Commons
Why: The guide draws a clear distinction between the head of state and the head of government.
9.
Who represents the Sovereign in each of the ten provinces?
- AThe Premier
- BThe Commissioner
- CThe Lieutenant GovernorAnswer
- DThe mayor of the capital city
Why: The Lieutenant Governor is appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister, normally for five years. In the three territories the Commissioner represents the federal government instead.
10.
What are the three branches of government?
- AFederal, provincial and municipal
- BThe Executive, the Legislative and the JudicialAnswer
- CThe Crown, the Senate and the House of Commons
- DThe Cabinet, the Opposition and the Courts
Why: The Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches work together, and sometimes in creative tension, which helps secure the rights and freedoms of Canadians. The three levels of government are a different thing.
11.
Which of these is a federal government responsibility?
- AEducation
- BHealth
- CHighways
- DCitizenshipAnswer
Why: Federal responsibilities include defence, foreign policy, interprovincial trade and communications, currency, navigation, criminal law and citizenship. Education, health and highways are provincial.
12.
Which areas do the federal government and the provinces share jurisdiction over?
- AAgriculture and immigrationAnswer
- BDefence and currency
- CEducation and health
- DCriminal law and citizenship
Why: The guide names agriculture and immigration as shared jurisdiction.
13.
In which document were the responsibilities of the federal and provincial governments defined in 1867?
- AThe Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- BThe British North America Act, now the Constitution Act, 1867Answer
- CThe Quebec Act
- DThe Official Languages Act
Why: The British North America Act of 1867 is now known as the Constitution Act, 1867.
14.
The three northern territories have the same status as provinces.
- ATrue
- BFalseAnswer
Why: The territories have small populations and do not have the status of provinces, though their governments and assemblies carry out many of the same functions.
15.
When must federal elections be held under legislation passed by Parliament?
- AOn the first Tuesday in November every five years
- BWhenever the Senate decides
- COn the third Monday in October every four years following the most recent general electionAnswer
- DOn July 1 every three years
Why: The Prime Minister may also ask the Governor General to call an earlier election.
16.
Who is eligible to vote in a Canadian federal election?
- AAny resident of Canada aged 18 or older
- BA Canadian citizen who is at least 18 years old on voting day and is on the voters’ listAnswer
- CAny permanent resident who has lived in Canada for five years
- DAny citizen who owns property in the electoral district
Why: All three conditions must be met: citizenship, age on voting day, and being on the voters’ list.
17.
What is Elections Canada?
- AA department of the Prime Minister’s Office
- BA committee of the Senate
- CA private company hired to run elections
- DA neutral agency of Parliament that produces the voters’ listsAnswer
Why: Elections Canada produces the voters’ lists from the National Register of Electors.
18.
Your employer has the right to insist that you tell them how you voted.
- ATrue
- BFalseAnswer
Why: Canadian law secures the right to a secret ballot. You may discuss your vote if you choose, but no one — not family, an employer or a union representative — may insist.
19.
What is a majority government?
- AOne where the party in power holds at least half of the seats in the House of CommonsAnswer
- BOne where the party in power won a majority of the popular vote
- COne formed by two or more parties together
- DOne where the party in power holds every seat in the Senate
Why: If the party in power holds less than half of the seats, it is a minority government.
20.
After an election, which party usually forms the government?
- AThe party chosen by the Senate
- BThe party with the most seats in the House of CommonsAnswer
- CThe party with the most members across the provinces
- DThe party that held power before the election
Why: The Governor General invites the leader of that party to form the government, and after being appointed that leader becomes Prime Minister.
21.
What is the role of the opposition parties?
- ATo appoint the Cabinet ministers
- BTo run the federal government departments
- CTo peacefully oppose or try to improve government proposalsAnswer
- DTo prepare the federal budget
Why: The opposition party with the most members in the House of Commons is the Official Opposition. Preparing the budget and running departments are Cabinet’s work.
22.
What are the three levels of government in Canada?
- AExecutive, legislative and judicial
- BFederal, provincial or territorial, and municipalAnswer
- CCrown, Senate and Commons
- DNational, regional and community
Why: Each level has its own elected officials: MPs federally, MLAs/MNAs/MPPs/MHAs provincially, and a mayor or reeve with councillors municipally.
23.
What are the laws passed by a municipal council called?
- AStatutes
- BRegulations
- CBy-lawsAnswer
- DOrdinances of the Crown
Why: By-laws affect only the local community.
24.
Cabinet ministers must resign if they are defeated in a non-confidence vote.
- ATrueAnswer
- BFalse
Why: Cabinet ministers are responsible to the elected representatives and must retain the confidence of the House.
25.
In a province, whose role is similar to that of the Prime Minister federally?
- AThe Lieutenant Governor
- BThe PremierAnswer
- CThe Commissioner
- DThe Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
Why: The Premier is to a province what the Prime Minister is federally, just as the Lieutenant Governor is to the Governor General.
26.
What does the Cabinet do?
- AIt hears appeals from the provincial courts
- BIt appoints the Governor General
- CIt makes important decisions, prepares the budget and proposes most new lawsAnswer
- DIt supervises the provincial legislatures
Why: The Cabinet is the Prime Minister and the Cabinet ministers, who also run the federal government departments.
27.
If you do not receive a voter information card, you can no longer be added to the voters’ list.
- ATrue
- BFalseAnswer
Why: You can be added to the voters’ list at any time, including on election day.
28.
What is a matter of confidence in the House of Commons?
- AA vote on a major issue such as the budgetAnswer
- BAny vote held on a Friday
- CA vote held in the Senate
- DThe election of the Speaker
Why: If a majority of members vote against a major government decision, the party in power is defeated, which usually results in an election being called.
29.
What does federalism allow the provinces to do?
- AAdopt policies tailored to their own populations, and experiment with new ideas and policiesAnswer
- BOpt out of federal criminal law
- CSign their own treaties with foreign countries
- DIssue their own currency
Why: Criminal law and currency are federal responsibilities, and so is foreign policy.
30.
What does every province have?
- AIts own senate
- BIts own elected Legislative Assembly, like the House of Commons in OttawaAnswer
- CIts own supreme court of final appeal
- DIts own Governor General
Why: Provincial legislatures comprise the Lieutenant Governor and the elected Assembly. The Supreme Court of Canada is the country’s highest court, and there is one Governor General for the whole country.
31.
What are elected representatives responsible for?
- AAppointing judges and senators
- BEnforcing the laws
- CPassing laws, approving and monitoring expenditures, and keeping the government accountableAnswer
- DSettling disputes between citizens
Why: The police enforce the laws and the courts settle disputes. Senators are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister.
32.
What happens at the committee stage of a bill?
- ACommittee members study the bill clause by clauseAnswer
- BThe bill receives royal assent
- CMembers vote on the bill for the last time
- DThe bill is printed for the first time
Why: Royal assent is the last step, the final vote is the third reading, and printing happens at first reading.
33.
What role does the Sovereign play in Parliament?
- ALeads the party with the most seats
- BChairs Cabinet meetings
- CAn important, non-partisan role as the focus of citizenship and allegianceAnswer
- DAppoints the Leader of the Opposition
Why: The Sovereign is the Head of State; the Prime Minister, as head of government, is the one who directs the governing of the country and chooses the Cabinet.
34.
Which of these countries does the guide also name as a constitutional monarchy?
- AThe United States
- BFrance
- CGermany
- DJapanAnswer
Why: The guide lists Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Spain, Thailand, Japan, Jordan and Morocco. Canada is the only constitutional monarchy in North America.
35.
What is the National Register of Electors?
- AA permanent database of Canadian citizens 18 years of age or older who are qualified to voteAnswer
- BA list of everyone living in Canada
- CA record of how each elector voted
- DA list kept by each political party
Why: Elections Canada produces the voters’ lists from it. How you voted is secret — no record of it exists.
36.
How do you mark a federal ballot?
- AWrite the candidate’s name in full
- BMark an “X” in the circle next to the name of the candidate of your choiceAnswer
- CNumber every candidate in order of preference
- DSign your name beside your choice
Why: You mark it behind a screen, fold it, and the poll official tears off the ballot number and gives it back to you to deposit in the ballot box. Signing it would break the secrecy of the ballot.
37.
Which of these is normally a municipal responsibility?
- ACitizenship
- BSnow removal and garbage removalAnswer
- CNatural resources
- DForeign policy
Why: Municipalities also handle planning, streets and roads, firefighting, ambulance and other emergency services, recreation facilities and public transit. Citizenship and foreign policy are federal; natural resources are provincial.
38.
Who has major responsibilities on First Nations reserves, including housing and schools?
- ABand chiefs and councillorsAnswer
- BThe Lieutenant Governor of the province
- CThe municipal mayor
- DThe Senate
Why: A number of provincial, regional and national Aboriginal organizations are also a voice for First Nations, Métis and Inuit people in their dealings with government.
39.
The Citizenship Regulations require an applicant to understand which characteristics of Canada’s system of government?
- AIts characteristics as a federal republic
- BIts characteristics as a constitutional monarchyAnswer
- CIts characteristics as a direct democracy
- DIts characteristics as a unitary state
Why: The Regulations also require a general understanding of Canada’s political and military history, its social and cultural history, and its physical and political geography, plus knowledge of the national symbols.
40.
Who may run as a candidate in a federal election?
- ACanadian citizens who are 18 years old or olderAnswer
- BAnyone who has lived in Canada for 18 years
- COnly people appointed by the Governor General
Why: The people who run for office are called candidates, and there can be many candidates in an electoral district.
41.
Which party is the Official Opposition?
- AThe party with the most seats in the Senate
- BThe party that forms the government
- CThe opposition party with the most members of the House of CommonsAnswer
- DAny party with no members in the House of Commons
Why: The other parties that are not in power are known as opposition parties. Their role is to peacefully oppose or try to improve government proposals.
42.
If you cannot or do not wish to vote on election day, what can you do?
- ANothing — you lose your vote in that election
- BVote at the advance polls or by special ballotAnswer
- CVote at any polling station on the day after the election
Why: The dates and location of the advance polls are on your voter information card. When the polls close, every ballot is counted and the results are made public.
43.
Federal elections are held on a fixed date every four years. Who may ask the Governor General to call an earlier election?
- AThe Leader of the Official Opposition
- BElections Canada
- CThe Senate
- DThe Prime MinisterAnswer
Why: Under legislation passed by Parliament, federal elections must be held on the third Monday in October every four years following the most recent general election.
44.
Who chooses the ministers of the Crown?
- AThe Prime Minister, most of them from among members of the House of CommonsAnswer
- BVoters, in a separate election
- CThe Senate
- DThe Supreme Court of Canada
Why: Cabinet ministers are responsible for running the federal government departments. Their decisions can be questioned by all members of the House of Commons.
45.
What are the elected members of a provincial or territorial legislature called?
- ASenators
- BMLAs, MNAs, MPPs or MHAs, depending on the province or territoryAnswer
- CLieutenant Governors
Why: They are members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), of the National Assembly (MNAs), of the Provincial Parliament (MPPs) or of the House of Assembly (MHAs). The Lieutenant Governor represents the Sovereign in each province.
46.
The rules for voting in provincial, territorial and municipal elections are the same as those for federal elections.
- ATrue
- BFalseAnswer
Why: They are also held by secret ballot, but the rules are not the same. The guide says it is important to find out the rules for voting in provincial, territorial and local elections so that you can exercise your right to vote.
47.
How is the Governor General chosen?
- AElected by all Canadians in a national vote
- BChosen by the House of Commons from among its members
- CAppointed by the Sovereign on the advice of the Prime Minister, usually for five yearsAnswer
Why: The Governor General represents the Sovereign in Canada. This question is about how the office is filled; who holds it today is on the Facts that change page.
48.
What did the House of Commons recognize in 2006?
- AThat the Quebecois form a nation within a united CanadaAnswer
- BThat Quebec is Canada’s only officially bilingual province
- CThat French is Canada’s only official language
Why: New Brunswick, not Quebec, is the only officially bilingual province, and English and French are both official languages of Canada.
49.
Who provides publicly funded education in Canada?
- AThe federal government
- BThe provinces and territoriesAnswer
- CThe Senate
Why: At Confederation, each province was to elect its own legislature and have control of such areas as education and health.
50.
At which stage of the legislative process do members debate a bill’s principle?
- AFirst Reading
- BSecond ReadingAnswer
- CReport Stage
- DRoyal Assent
Why: At First Reading the bill is considered read for the first time and is printed. At Report Stage members can make other amendments, and Royal Assent comes after the bill has been passed by both Houses.
51.
What does the Canada Health Act ensure?
- AThat every hospital is run directly by the federal government
- BThat health care is paid for only by private insurance
- CCommon elements and a basic standard of coverageAnswer
Why: The guide presents it among the social assistance programs Canada was able to support as prosperity grew, alongside employment insurance and Old Age Security.
52.
What is the presumption of innocence?
- AThat the police must prove they acted lawfully
- BThat everyone is innocent until proven guiltyAnswer
- CThat a person may not be tried twice for the same offence
- DThat the accused does not have to appear in court
Why: The Canadian justice system is founded on this principle in criminal matters, and guarantees everyone due process under the law.
53.
Which is Canada’s highest court?
- AThe Federal Court of Canada
- BThe Supreme Court of CanadaAnswer
- CThe provincial appeal courts
- DThe small claims courts
Why: The Federal Court of Canada deals with matters concerning the federal government; it is not the highest court.
54.
In which two provinces does the RCMP not serve as the provincial police?
- AOntario and QuebecAnswer
- BAlberta and British Columbia
- CNova Scotia and New Brunswick
- DManitoba and Saskatchewan
Why: Ontario and Quebec have their own provincial police forces. The RCMP enforces federal laws throughout Canada and serves as the provincial police everywhere else.
55.
In Canada you are allowed to question the police about their service or conduct.
- ATrueAnswer
- BFalse
Why: Almost all police forces in Canada have a process by which you can bring your concerns to them and seek action.
56.
What can you do if you cannot pay for a lawyer?
- ANothing — you must represent yourself
- BAsk the police to act for you
- CIn most communities there are legal aid services available free of charge or at low costAnswer
- DApply to the Supreme Court of Canada for a lawyer
Why: Lawyers can help you with legal problems and act for you in court.
57.
In Canada the law applies to everyone, including judges, politicians and the police.
- ATrueAnswer
- BFalse
Why: Laws are made by elected representatives, the courts settle disputes and the police enforce the laws — and none of them are above the law.
58.
Which phrase from Canada’s original constitutional document of 1867 do its institutions uphold?
- A“Liberty, equality and fraternity”
- B“Peace, Order, and Good Government”Answer
- C“From sea to sea”
- D“The supremacy of God and the rule of law”
Why: It is a key phrase in the British North America Act. “From sea to sea” is the national motto, and “the supremacy of God and the rule of law” opens the Charter.
59.
Canada is the only constitutional monarchy in North America.
- ATrueAnswer
- BFalse
Why: Canada has also inherited the oldest continuous constitutional tradition in the world.
60.
What is due process?
- AThe principle that the government must respect all the legal rights a person is entitled to under the lawAnswer
- BThe rule that every case must be heard by a jury
- CThe requirement that new laws be approved in a referendum
- DThe rule that a trial must finish within thirty days
Why: The Canadian justice system guarantees everyone due process under the law.
61.
Canada’s legal system is based on a heritage that includes which principles?
- AMajority rule, direct democracy and referendums
- BThe rule of law, freedom under the law, democratic principles and due processAnswer
- CTrial by combat, common consent and royal decree
- DFederalism, bilingualism and multiculturalism
Why: Federalism, bilingualism and multiculturalism describe the country, but the guide names these four as the heritage the legal system rests on.
62.
Who makes the laws in Canada, and who settles disputes about them?
- AThe police make them and the courts enforce them
- BThe courts make them and the police settle disputes
- CElected representatives make them; the courts settle disputes and the police enforce themAnswer
- DThe Governor General makes them and the Senate settles disputes
Why: Laws are the written rules intended to guide people in society, and each of the three has a separate job.
63.
What are Canada’s laws intended to do?
- ATo provide order in society and a peaceful way to settle disputes, and to express the values and beliefs of CanadiansAnswer
- BTo raise revenue for the federal government
- CTo keep the courts busy
- DTo apply to newcomers until they become citizens
Why: The law applies to everyone in Canada, including judges, politicians and the police — not only to newcomers.
64.
What does the Federal Court of Canada deal with?
- AAppeals from the Supreme Court of Canada
- BAll criminal trials in Canada
- CTraffic offences and small claims
- DMatters concerning the federal governmentAnswer
Why: The Supreme Court of Canada is the country’s highest court, so nothing is appealed from it. Traffic and small claims matters go to provincial courts.
65.
What kind of cases do small claims courts hear?
- ASerious criminal offences
- BCivil cases involving small sums of moneyAnswer
- CDisputes between provinces
- DImmigration and citizenship applications
Why: Alongside them are provincial courts for lesser offences, family courts and traffic courts.
66.
What two kinds of court does the guide say most provinces have?
- AA federal court and a municipal court
- BA criminal court and a tax court
- CAn appeal court and a trial courtAnswer
- DA jury court and a judge-only court
Why: The trial court goes by different names in different provinces, and those names have changed over time — the structure is what the test can fairly ask about.
67.
What does the blindfolded Lady Justice symbolize?
- AThat the courts are closed to the public
- BThat judges are appointed rather than elected
- CThe impartial manner in which the laws are administered — blind to all considerations but the factsAnswer
- DThat the accused may not see the evidence against them
Why: It stands with the Scales of Justice at the Vancouver Law Courts.
68.
When can you ask the police for help?
- AAfter an accident, if something is stolen, if you are assaulted, if you see a crime, or if someone you know has gone missingAnswer
- BOnly if you are a Canadian citizen
- COnly for crimes in progress, never for a missing person
- DOnly after you have spoken to a lawyer first
Why: The police are there to keep people safe and to enforce the law, and the guide says plainly that they are there to help you.
69.
Where are there municipal police departments?
- AOnly in Ontario and Quebec
- BIn all provincesAnswer
- CNowhere — the RCMP polices every municipality
- DOnly in the three territories
Why: Provincial police forces, by contrast, exist in Ontario and Quebec; the RCMP serves as the provincial police everywhere else, and in some municipalities too.
70.
What role does the guide give prisons?
- AAn essential role in punishing criminals and deterring crimeAnswer
- BNo role — Canada does not use imprisonment
- CA role only in immigration matters
- DA role limited to holding people before trial
Why: They sit within a justice system founded on due process and the presumption of innocence.
71.
Why does the justice system depend on citizens serving on juries?
- ABecause juries are cheaper than judges
- BBecause the system depends on impartial juries made up of citizensAnswer
- CBecause judges are not allowed to decide guilt
- DBecause juries write the laws they apply
Why: Serving when called is a legal requirement and one of the responsibilities of citizenship.
72.
What can a lawyer do for you?
- AHelp you with legal problems and act for you in courtAnswer
- BDecide whether you are guilty
- CChange a law that you disagree with
- DIssue a police report on your behalf
Why: If you cannot pay for one, most communities have legal aid services free of charge or at low cost. Deciding guilt is the court’s job, and laws are made by elected representatives.
73.
Under the Citizenship Act, what must an applicant have?
- AAn adequate knowledge of Canada and of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenshipAnswer
- BA university degree from a Canadian institution
- CFluency in both official languages
- DTwenty years of residence in Canada
Why: That is the wording of the Act itself. The Citizenship Regulations then set out which subjects that knowledge covers.
74.
What do the Citizenship Regulations require an applicant to understand about Canada’s laws?
- AHow to recite the Criminal Code
- BRespect for the rights, freedoms and obligations set out in the laws of CanadaAnswer
- CThe name of every judge of the Supreme Court
- DFormal legal training
Why: The same section also requires a general understanding of participation in the Canadian democratic process and of participation in Canadian society.
75.
How is Canada governed?
- ABy royal decrees issued by the Sovereign
- BBy customs that vary from region to region
- CBy an organized system of laws — written rules intended to guide people in societyAnswer
- DBy decisions of the Senate
Why: Those rules are made by elected representatives, and no bill becomes law until both chambers have passed it.
76.
What do the provincial courts described in the guide handle?
- ALesser offencesAnswer
- BConstitutional questions
- CMatters concerning the federal government
- DAppeals from the Supreme Court of Canada
Why: Alongside them are family courts, traffic courts and small claims courts. Federal government matters go to the Federal Court of Canada.
77.
If you have a concern about a police force’s service or conduct, what can you do?
- ANothing can be done
- BYou must hire a lawyer before raising it
- CYou must write to the Governor General
- DAlmost all police forces have a process for bringing concerns to them and seeking actionAnswer
Why: The guide states plainly that you are allowed to question the police about their service or conduct.
78.
Besides enforcing federal laws and serving as the provincial police in most provinces, where else does the RCMP police?
- AIn some municipalitiesAnswer
- BOnly on federal property
- COnly at border crossings
- DNowhere else
Why: Ontario and Quebec have their own provincial police forces, and municipal police departments exist in all provinces.
79.
Why does Canada have both an English criminal law tradition and a French civil law tradition?
- AThe Constitution Act, 1982 created two systems
- BThe Quebec Act of 1774 restored French civil law while maintaining British criminal lawAnswer
- CEach province chose its own legal system after 1867
- DThe Supreme Court of Canada ordered it
Why: The Quebec Act is one of the constitutional foundations of Canada. Canadian law draws on English common law and the civil code of France among its several sources.
80.
The Citizenship Regulations require an applicant to have a general understanding of participation in the Canadian democratic process.
- ATrueAnswer
- BFalse
Why: The same section also names participation in Canadian society, including volunteerism, respect for the environment and the protection of Canada’s heritage.