By study chapter
Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship
Where Canadian rights come from, the freedoms the Charter protects, and what citizenship asks of you in return.
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All 61 questions, with answers
Open a question to see its answer, why, and the official page it comes from.
1.
What are three responsibilities of citizenship?
- ABeing loyal to Canada, recycling newspapers, serving in the navy, army or air force.
- BObeying the law, taking responsibility for oneself and one’s family, serving on a jury.Answer
- CLearning both official languages, voting in elections, belonging to a union.
- DBuying Canadian products, owning your own business, using less water.
Why: The guide lists obeying the law, taking responsibility for oneself and one’s family, and serving on a jury among the responsibilities of citizenship. The other options mix in things that may be worth doing but that the guide never asks of a citizen.
2.
Which of these is one of the four fundamental freedoms protected by the Charter?
- AFreedom of peaceful assemblyAnswer
- BThe right to housing paid for by the government
- CThe right to a job in the public service
- DThe right to carry a weapon for self-defence
Why: The fundamental freedoms are conscience and religion; thought, belief, opinion and expression, including speech and the press; peaceful assembly; and association.
3.
Habeas corpus — the right to challenge unlawful detention by the state — comes from which source?
- AEnglish common lawAnswer
- BThe Official Languages Act
- CThe charter of the United Nations
- DA treaty signed with the United States
Why: The guide traces habeas corpus specifically to English common law, one of the several sources Canadian law draws on.
4.
In what year was Magna Carta signed in England?
- A1415
- B1215Answer
- C1815
- D1615
Why: Magna Carta, also known as the Great Charter of Freedoms, was signed in England in 1215 and is where Canada’s tradition of ordered liberty is traced back to.
5.
In what year was the Constitution amended to entrench the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
- A1867
- B1965
- C1982Answer
- D1999
Why: The Constitution of Canada was amended in 1982 to entrench the Charter.
6.
Canada has compulsory military service.
- ATrue
- BFalseAnswer
Why: There is no compulsory military service in Canada. Serving in the regular forces or the reserves is voluntary.
7.
Which of these does the guide list as a responsibility of citizenship?
- AJoining a political party
- BServing on a jury when you are calledAnswer
- COwning your own home
- DFlying the flag on Canada Day
Why: Jury duty is a legal requirement when you are called: the justice system depends on impartial juries made up of citizens.
8.
What do mobility rights give Canadians?
- AThe right to live and work anywhere in Canada, to enter and leave the country freely, and to apply for a passportAnswer
- BThe right to settle in any Commonwealth country
- CThe right to free transport between provinces
- DThe right to keep citizenship of another country
Why: Mobility rights are one of the additional rights the Charter sets out beyond the fundamental freedoms.
9.
In Canada, men and women are equal under the law.
- ATrueAnswer
- BFalse
Why: The equality of women and men is stated directly in the guide, and gender-based violence is severely punished under Canada’s criminal laws.
10.
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.
11.
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.
12.
Helping others in the community by volunteering is listed in the guide as a responsibility of citizenship.
- ATrueAnswer
- BFalse
Why: The guide lists helping others in the community among the responsibilities, noting that millions of volunteers donate their time without pay.
13.
Besides the regular Canadian Forces, which way of serving does the guide mention?
- AThe Coast Guard, or community emergency services such as a police force or fire departmentAnswer
- BCompulsory national service at the age of eighteen
- CTwo years of service in a federal government department
- DService in the armed forces of a Commonwealth country
Why: The guide names the Coast Guard and community emergency services, as well as the part-time naval, militia and air reserves.
14.
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms begins by stating that Canada is founded upon principles that recognize what?
- APeace, order and good government
- BThe supremacy of God and the rule of lawAnswer
- CLiberty, equality and fraternity
- DThe sovereignty of Parliament
Why: Those are the Charter’s opening words. “Peace, Order, and Good Government” is a key phrase too, but it comes from the British North America Act of 1867, not the Charter.
15.
The freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression protected by the Charter includes freedom of the press.
- ATrueAnswer
- BFalse
Why: The guide states this freedom as including freedom of speech and of the press.
16.
Which right does the Charter describe as a fundamental characteristic of Canadian heritage and identity?
- AMulticulturalismAnswer
- BFree health care
- CPublic ownership of natural resources
- DCompulsory voting
Why: The Charter names multiculturalism as a fundamental characteristic of the Canadian heritage and identity, alongside mobility, Aboriginal and language rights.
17.
How old is the tradition of ordered liberty that Canadian rights rest on?
- AAbout 200 years old
- BAbout 400 years old
- CAbout 800 years oldAnswer
- DAbout 50 years old
Why: It dates back to the signing of Magna Carta in England in 1215.
18.
How does the Charter treat the treaty rights of Aboriginal peoples?
- AThe Charter replaces all existing treaties
- BThe rights guaranteed in the Charter will not adversely affect any treaty or other rights of Aboriginal peoplesAnswer
- CTreaty rights apply only on reserve land
- DThe Charter does not mention Aboriginal peoples
Why: Aboriginal and treaty rights are in the Canadian Constitution.
19.
What do the official language rights in the Charter mean?
- AEvery Canadian must learn both official languages
- BEvery federal employee must be bilingual
- CFrench and English have equal status in Parliament and throughout the governmentAnswer
- DOnly English may be used in Parliament
Why: The Charter sets this out alongside minority language educational rights. Learning both official languages is not a requirement of citizenship — IRCC’s own sample question lists it among things that are not responsibilities.
20.
What are examples of taking responsibility for yourself and your family?
- AGetting a job, caring for your family, and working hard in keeping with your abilitiesAnswer
- BBuying Canadian products
- CBelonging to a union
- DOwning your own business
Why: Work contributes to personal dignity and self-respect, and to Canada’s prosperity.
21.
The responsibility to vote covers which elections?
- AFederal elections only
- BFederal and provincial elections only
- COnly elections held every four years
- DFederal, provincial or territorial, and local electionsAnswer
Why: The right to vote comes with the responsibility to use it at every level of government.
22.
What does the responsibility to protect our heritage and environment involve?
- ARecycling newspapers
- BAvoiding waste and pollution, and protecting Canada’s natural, cultural and architectural heritage for future generationsAnswer
- CIt applies only to people who own property
- DOnly the federal government is responsible for this
Why: Every citizen has a role to play. Recycling newspapers sounds close, but IRCC’s own sample question lists it among the things that are not responsibilities of citizenship.
23.
What does the guide say volunteering gives the volunteer?
- AIt is paid work
- BIt counts toward the residence requirement for citizenship
- CAn excellent way to gain useful skills and develop friends and contactsAnswer
- DIt is required before applying for citizenship
Why: Millions of volunteers freely donate their time to help others without pay.
24.
Which services make up the regular Canadian Forces?
- AThe navy, the army and the air forceAnswer
- BThe navy, the air force and the Coast Guard
- CThe army, the air force and the police
- DThe army, the militia and the cadets
Why: The Coast Guard is named separately as another way to serve, alongside community emergency services. There are also part-time naval, militia and air reserves.
25.
According to the guide, how can young people learn discipline, responsibility and skills?
- AThrough a compulsory year of national service
- BBy getting involved in the cadetsAnswer
- CThrough mandatory volunteering before citizenship
- DThrough a required secondary school course
Why: There is no compulsory military service in Canada, and nothing here is mandatory.
26.
How does Canada treat practices such as “honour killings”, female genital mutilation and forced marriage?
- AThey are tolerated as cultural practices
- BThey are left for each community to settle
- CThey are permitted if both families agree
- DThose guilty of these crimes are severely punished under Canada’s criminal lawsAnswer
Why: Men and women are equal under the law in Canada, and the guide states plainly that the country’s openness does not extend to barbaric cultural practices.
27.
When did the term “First Nations” begin to be used?
- AIn the 1860s
- BIn the 1970sAnswer
- CIn the 1990s
- DIn 2008
Why: “Indian” refers to all Aboriginal people who are not Inuit or Métis. Today about half of First Nations people live on reserve land in about 600 communities, and the other half live off-reserve, mainly in urban centres.
28.
Roughly what share of Aboriginal people are First Nations, Métis and Inuit?
- AAbout 65% First Nations, 30% Métis and 4% InuitAnswer
- BAbout 50% First Nations, 40% Métis and 10% Inuit
- CAbout 80% First Nations, 15% Métis and 5% Inuit
- DAbout one third each
Why: The term Aboriginal peoples refers to these three distinct groups.
29.
Gay and lesbian Canadians enjoy the full protection of and equal treatment under the law, including access to civil marriage.
- ATrueAnswer
- BFalse
Why: The guide names this as part of Canada’s diversity.
30.
Experiences of warfare or conflict in the country someone came from justify bringing violent, extreme or hateful prejudices to Canada.
- ATrue
- BFalseAnswer
Why: The guide says such experiences do not justify it. In becoming Canadian, newcomers are expected to embrace democratic principles such as the rule of law.
31.
Where are the ancestors of Aboriginal peoples believed to have migrated from, many thousands of years ago?
- AEurope
- BAsiaAnswer
- CAfrica
Why: They were well established here long before explorers from Europe first came to North America.
32.
The majority of Canadians were born in this country, and this has been true since the 1800s.
- ATrueAnswer
- BFalse
Why: Canada is still often referred to as a land of immigrants, because over the past 200 years millions of newcomers have helped to build and defend its way of life.
33.
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.
34.
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.
35.
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.
36.
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.
37.
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.
38.
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.
39.
What does the word “Inuit” mean?
- AThe peopleAnswer
- BOur land
- CThe north
- DVillage
Why: Inuit means “the people” in the Inuktitut language. The Inuit live in small, scattered communities across the Arctic.
40.
What are the two official languages of Canada?
- AEnglish and Inuktitut
- BFrench and Michif
- CEnglish and FrenchAnswer
- DEnglish only
Why: The federal government is required by law to provide services throughout Canada in English and French.
41.
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.
42.
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.
43.
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.
44.
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.
45.
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.
46.
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.
47.
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.
48.
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.
49.
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.
50.
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.
51.
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.
52.
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.
53.
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.
54.
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.
55.
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.
56.
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.
57.
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.
58.
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.
59.
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.
60.
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.
61.
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.